Jaeger-LeCoultre: Evolving Classicism | Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre

As a True Manufacture Brand

Jaeger-LeCoultre: Evolving Classicism

An encounter with a watch is a once-in-a-lifetime event. If today is your first encounter with the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand, it will surely be a fortunate day.—Born in Switzerland in 1833, its tradition and technology, passed down to the present day as one of the world's leading manufactures, continue to evolve and captivate many. This time, we would like to introduce new models from two of Jaeger-LeCoultre's representative collections: "Master Control" and "Rendez-Vous."

Text by Ryouji Fukutome

Reliable Timepieces with Advanced Technical Prowess and Pride

The Master series, with its classic round case, inherits the tradition of watchmaking and continues to evolve. Its refined and elegant form adds grace to the wrist, while its overwhelming functionality brings a sense of security and reliability. This is the trust unique to Jaeger-LeCoultre.

This Master series is not only a traditional round case with simple, universal appeal, but also a collection that symbolizes Jaeger-LeCoultre's technical prowess. While many models feature complex mechanisms, the inscription "Master Control 1000 hours" on the case back truly expresses the essence and remarkable nature of this model.

This is proof of passing Jaeger-LeCoultre's own rigorous "1,000 Hours Control Test," which is more demanding than the precision tests conducted by the official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). In other words, only those that pass various tests for 1,000 hours, including accuracy, magnetic resistance, shock resistance, and water resistance, are released as products. The fact that they conduct this in-house is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's integrity and pride in its high technical capabilities. Two new models have been announced from this series this year.

Master Calendar Meteorite

Case: 18K Pink Gold or Stainless Steel
Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 10.62mm
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 866
Power Reserve: 43 hours
Strap: Alligator strap
Functions: Day, Month, Date, Moon Phase
Estimated Price (excl. tax): ¥2,625,000 (18K Pink Gold), ¥1,350,000 (Stainless Steel)
Scheduled Release: October (18K Pink Gold), September (Stainless Steel)

First, the "Master Calendar Meteorite." This exquisite model features a dial made from meteorite, which originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and was found in Sweden. The meteorite is processed into a plate to highlight its patterns, creating a unique effect as if there is a miniature universe within the watch. This also enhances the realism of the moon phase. Furthermore, the calendar is placed on the outer rim for improved legibility, demonstrating the brand's consistent attention to functionality.

Master Control

Case: Stainless Steel
Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 8.8mm
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 899
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Strap: Alligator strap
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Estimated Price (excl. tax): ¥710,000
Scheduled Release: August

The other is the black dial model of the "Master Control," a simple three-hand watch that has become synonymous with Jaeger-LeCoultre. It is powered by the reliable Caliber 899 automatic movement, a thin and delicate in-house caliber measuring just 3.3mm. This allows for a case thickness of only 8.8mm, resulting in a comfortable wearing experience. While maintaining its timeless style, it incorporates new elements and evolves. The cultivated tradition of Jaeger-LeCoultre once again gives birth to a model of enduring universality this year.

Jaeger-LeCoultre
0120-79-1833
http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

If you would like a catalog, please apply from the link below.
https://secure.jaeger-lecoultre.com/JP/ja/order-catalog/

*Estimated prices as of March 9, 2015. Prices may change after the article is published.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

As a True Manufacture Brand

Jaeger-LeCoultre: Evolving Classicism (2)

An All-Purpose Watch for Women, Fusing Beauty and Technology

The Rendez-Vous collection, named "meeting appointment" in French, is a beautiful line. Its style, incorporating and brilliantly expressing Art Deco aesthetics, is both glamorous and intelligent. It is pleasing that it possesses versatility, allowing it to adapt to any occasion by embodying these two difficult-to-reconcile aspects. It is the perfect timepiece as a partner that can accompany women's wrists day and night. It has been three years since the Rendez-Vous was born. This year, seven new models have been added, making it an even more captivating collection. Why not enjoy choosing a watch that delicately expresses your individuality?

Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater

Case: 18K White Gold
Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 8.68mm
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 942
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Strap: Alligator strap
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Minute Repeater
Estimated Price (excl. tax): ¥28,500,000
Scheduled Release: August

Adorned with Ivy decoration and delicate, engraved leaves, the "Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater" is an elegant model that chimes with beautiful sound. The "fusion of beauty and manufacture" common to Rendez-Vous intellectually enhances the watch and makes the wrist even more glamorous. Here lies a masterpiece for women, encapsulating the charm of Jaeger-LeCoultre within a 39mm case.

Rendez-Vous Date

Case: 18K Pink Gold
Diameter: 37.5mm
Thickness: 8.68mm
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 899
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Strap: Alligator strap
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Estimated Price (excl. tax): ¥2,000,000
Scheduled Release: August

Another model is the "Rendez-Vous Date." It features a mother-of-pearl dial and diamonds, with a date display at 6 o'clock. This model expresses the Art Deco style in a simple round case. It is pleasing that it is designed to be very easy for busy modern women to use, both functionally and visually.

Rendez-Vous Night & Day

Case: 18K Pink Gold x Stainless Steel
Diameter: 34mm
Thickness: 8.5mm
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 898A
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Strap: 18K Pink Gold x Stainless Steel bracelet
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day & Night display
Estimated Price (excl. tax): ¥1,875,000
Scheduled Release: September

The third model is a bi-metal version of the popular "Rendez-Vous Night & Day." The new 34mm size significantly improves legibility. Like the previous 29mm model, the diamond-set bezel and the day & night display with a sun and moon at 6 o'clock harmonize to create a very chic look. While the individual components are glamorous, the overall impression is one of mature elegance and a more intellectual aura.

Jaeger-LeCoultre
0120-79-1833
http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

If you would like a catalog, please apply from the link below.
https://secure.jaeger-lecoultre.com/JP/ja/order-catalog/

*Estimated prices as of March 9, 2015. Prices may change after the article is published.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

As a True Manufacture Brand

Jaeger-LeCoultre: Evolving Classicism (3)

Masterpieces of Watchmaking, Created Thus

Even in Switzerland, known as the "watchmaking kingdom," there are few brands that consistently develop and manufacture movements in-house, known as "manufactures." This requires high technical skill and quality control. Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of these rare brands. The inherited technology gives birth to exquisite timepieces. In this final section, we will delve into the passion, essence, and history behind their watchmaking.

Antoine LeCoultre, who established the first atelier in 1833 and laid the foundation for today's Jaeger-LeCoultre.

With over 180 years of history since its founding, Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced over 1,000 types of calibers and obtained more than 300 patents throughout its long history. This achievement stands out among numerous Swiss brands. Its journey began when Antoine LeCoultre opened a watchmaking workshop in Le Sentier, Switzerland, in 1833. However, he was not a watchmaker but an engineer.

Yet, the engineer's skills would send shockwaves through the watchmaking world. In 1844, he created a micrometer capable of measuring to the thousandth of a millimeter. This development dramatically improved the precision adjustment of watches.

Subsequently, leveraging its high technical capabilities, Jaeger-LeCoultre produced the world's thinnest pocket watch movement, measuring just 1.38mm in thickness, in 1907, establishing its unshakeable position as a leading global movement supplier.

Of course, the brand steadily accumulated achievements in its watch models as well, but in 1931, a masterpiece watch that would become an epoch-making creation for Jaeger-LeCoultre was born.

This was the "Reverso," which remains a popular and representative collection today. In the 1930s, when it was created, polo was a popular sport among aristocrats. Due to the nature of the sport, which involves intense physical contact, it was necessary to protect the watch crystal from impacts when wearing a wristwatch.

Jaeger-LeCoultre's first company building (1833) in the Swiss Jura Valley.

The Reverso brilliantly met this need with its innovative function of flipping the case 180 degrees to protect it. Furthermore, its style, reflecting the artistic spirit of Art Deco, not only fully achieved its functional purpose but was also imbued with an additional essence of elegance.

Jaeger-LeCoultre's iconic "Reverso," born in 1931.

Produced over 1,000 types of calibers and obtained over 300 patents throughout its long history.

In addition, the Master series is now a flagship collection alongside the Reverso. It is a reliable timepiece that clears rigorous standards, surpassing even the most famous testing standard, C.O.S.C. (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), by conducting all tests—including accuracy, water resistance, temperature variations, magnetic resistance, and shock resistance—for 1,000 hours, or six weeks. Its design possesses timeless universality, unaffected by trends, and is characterized by its simplicity and legibility.

As demonstrated by these representative works, creativity that balances functionality and design is the true essence of Jaeger-LeCoultre's watchmaking. Jaeger-LeCoultre has consistently set high standards for itself and has evolved while preserving its heritage.