Jaeger-LeCoultre's rich history spans almost two centuries. La Grande Maison revisits the golden age, from the 1920s to the 1970s, in The Collectibles programme, launched last year on the occasion of its 190th anniversary.
The programme is accompanied by a book of the same name, which serves as a reference to 17 significant models produced during these five decades.
Collectors can actually become the owner of a rare timepiece featured in the tome. Unveiled last month in Singapore, the third edition of The Collectibles illustrates the horological heritage through 10 exceptional models.
Also known as "The Watchmaker of Watchmakers", Jaeger-LeCoultre has created more than 1,400 different calibres.
In 1925, its inventiveness reconciled miniaturisation and precision in the two-level Duoplan calibre. Four years later, its micro-engineering resulted in Calibre 101 -- one of the world's smallest hand-wound mechanical movements.
Clockwise from above Duoplan Coulissante, Reverso and 101 Lady's Watch from the 1930s.
The latest capsule collection includes a Duoplan Coulissante from 1933, housed in a yellow-gold case with a sliding cover to conceal or reveal the dial.
Dating back to 1938, the 101 Lady's Watch shines in a dainty yellow gold case matched with an articulated bracelet.
The third women's watch from the 1930s, a stainless steel Reverso, stands out with a dial in a chocolate shade. Originally created to withstand the rigours of polo matches, the iconic Reverso with a protective swivelling case is also characterised by subtle Art Deco lines.
The selection of men's models include a yellow gold Triple Calendar and a Powermatic with a copper-coloured face from the 1940s. The latter debuted in the last year of the decade as the first self-winding watch with a power reserve indicator.
A milestone in 1950, Jaeger-LeCoultre premiered the Memovox boasting an alarm mechanism.
The curated Memovox Parking in stainless steel was one of three models that commemorated the company's 125th anniversary in 1958. Setting the alarm simply helped its owner avoid any parking ticket.
Dating back to 1969, the yellow gold Memovox Automatic Calendar got the nickname Brownies after its distinctive brown lacquer dial, which has acquired a patina resembling tortoiseshell.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
In stainless steel, the Memovox Polaris II exemplifies bold 1970s style with its large size and rounded shape as well as a bezel and dial in turquoise.
The vintage timepieces for The Collectibles programme are sought by Jaeger-LeCoultre's acquisition team. Vetted by its historical experts, they are restored and fully serviced by specialised watchmakers at the Manufacture in Le Sentier, in Switzerland's Vallée de Joux.
Besides a new strap, each model is presented with an extract from the archives and a complimentary copy of The Collectibles book.
The coveted watches are quickly sold out but connoisseurs can sign up for the next capsule collection on the brand's website.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Yellow gold Triple Calendar, above, and Powermatic, left, from the 1940s.
Yellow gold Triple Calendar and Powermatic from the 1940s.
Memovox Parking and Memovox Automatic Calendar with an alarm function.
