Jaeger-LeCoultre surprises with the The Collectibles, a new product program that is geared to collectors of vintage pieces. Introduced to coincide with the anniversary of 190 years, it will form part of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ongoing offer.
The Collectibles presents a meticulously curated collection of twelve rare and sought-after timepieces that symbolize horological milestones, not only in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s legacy but also in the watchmaking history of the 20th century.
“With Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most emblematic timepieces being increasingly sought-after by collectors, we are delighted to introduce The Collectibles,” says Catherine Rénier, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. “Together with a new master reference book for our Maison’s most emblematic models of the 20th century, this new program presents a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of the manufacture’s history.”
Catherine Rénier
Over time, a continually evolving selection of timepieces will be available to purchase on the brand’s website and in the form of capsule collections that will travel around the world.
Among the first to be offered are fine examples of a Geophysic, a Memovox Parking, and a Master Mariner Deep Sea (pictured from left to right). Every Collectibles timepiece is presented with an extract from the Jaeger-LeCoultre archives, a new watch strap and a complimentary copy of The Collectibles coffee-table book. In addition, when available, the original box and papers, and original strap or bracelet will be included. It goes without saying that every timepiece offered through The Collectibles is thoroughly vetted by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s historical experts and fully serviced and restored by the specialized watchmakers of La Grande Maison’s restoration workshop.
Currently numbering 10 experts, the restoration team can go through the Manufacture’s archives and find the blueprint of every piece ever made, and in some cases also find a stock of original spare components. If there is no component to hand, there is a stock of some 6,000 swages or stamps that they can use to make an identical component from scratch. Because the manufacture is fully integrated, the entire process can be carried out in-house. While the mechanical restoration may, in some cases, be significant, the intervention on the case and dial must be kept to a minimum, since too much work would alter the historical nature of the piece for collectors; therefore, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Heritage team seeks watches that are as close as possible to their original condition.
“Being able to restore these remarkable timepieces and offer them once again is a nice tribute to our current environment, in which sustainability and second lives have come to the fore,” says Catherine Rénier. “It is fantastic to see 50- or 80-year-old pieces given a new life. For me, that symbolises the beauty of our world – of timeless and durable objects to be passed from one generation to the next.”
Catherine Rénier
The Collectibles coffee-table book covers the period from 1925 to 1974, surveying 17 of the most significant models produced by the Jaeger-LeCoultre during this ‘golden age’ of 20th-century watchmaking, such as the legendary Reverso.
To learn more, visit Jaeger-LeCoultre, here.