Jaeger-LeCoultre Unveils Museum Grade Timepieces In London
Jaeger-LeCoultre brings its acclaimed Collectibles programme to London for the very first time, unveiling a carefully curated capsule of 12 exceptional vintage timepieces that showcase some of the most important chapters in the Manufacture’s nearly 200-year history.
Presented at the Maison’s flagship boutique on Bond Street from 15 June, The Collectibles VI arrives during London’s celebrated summer Season, a fitting backdrop for a collection that combines rarity, craftsmanship and historical significance.
The latest capsule features seven highly collectible Reverso models spanning more than seven decades, from the earliest examples of the 1930s through to sophisticated complication pieces of the early 2000s.
Complementing them are five landmark references that demonstrate Jaeger-LeCoultre’s pioneering spirit during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking.
Preserving Horological Heritage
More than simply a vintage watch programme, The Collectibles represents Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to preserving its horological legacy.
Each watch is sourced, authenticated and meticulously restored by the Manufacture’s dedicated restoration atelier in the Vallée de Joux. A team of specialist watchmakers carefully services every movement, recreates components when necessary and draws upon extensive historical archives and original stock to ensure complete authenticity.
The result is a collection of museum-grade timepieces that remain faithful to their original character while meeting the highest standards of restoration.
Every watch is accompanied by an extract from the Jaeger-LeCoultre archives and a copy of The Collectibles book, allowing collectors to become custodians of a genuine piece of horological history.
Seven Decades Of Reverso Evolution
At the heart of the sixth Collectibles capsule lies one of watchmaking’s most enduring icons: the Reverso.
Originally conceived in 1931 to withstand the rigours of polo, the reversible-cased timepiece quickly transcended its sporting origins to become a defining symbol of Art Deco design. The seven examples selected for this capsule chart the remarkable evolution of the model while remaining true to its unmistakable identity.
Among the highlights are several early black-dial references, a particularly rare and sought-after configuration. During the 1930s, when silver and white dials dominated the market, LeCoultre championed black dials as “the dial of the future”, lending these watches a distinctly modern character that remains striking today.
Leading the line-up is the Reverso 1931, distinguished by its black dial, railroad minute track and elongated trapezoidal indexes. Equally compelling is the Reverso 1931 Dame (below), which demonstrates how quickly the design was adapted for different wearers while retaining its Art Deco elegance.
Collectors will also appreciate the 1938 Reverso Central Seconds (below), better known as the “Doctor’s Reverso”. Featuring central seconds calibrated for easy pulse measurement, it reflects a period when practical functionality increasingly shaped watch design.
A particularly important milestone arrives with the 1972 Reverso Corvo. Produced from the final 200 unused Reverso cases during a period when the model had effectively disappeared from production, this reference played a crucial role in preserving the Reverso’s legacy and paving the way for its eventual revival.
Rounding out the Reverso selection are two highly desirable complication pieces: the white gold Reverso Sun Moon and the exceptionally rare Reverso Art Deco (both below), whose skeletonised movement and hand-finished details showcase Jaeger-LeCoultre’s decorative craftsmanship at its finest.
The Collectibles programme will also include other iconic models from the Maison, including the Triple Calendar Moonphase, Duoplan, Memovox and Geomatic.
Triple Calendar: The Gold Standard of Complications
Jaeger-LeCoultre developed the first Triple (or Complete) Calendar calibre in 1942, a complication specifically designed for the growing wristwatch industry, displaying the date, day and month.
An extremely elegant response to a concern for utility, intended for men of the world. As well as creating its own watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre supplied these calibres to some of the most renowned names in watchmaking. It thus became one of the most emblematic complications of the mid-20th century.
Duoplan: A Revolution on the Wrist
Invented in 1925, its rectangular two-level architecture enabled unprecedented miniaturisation by housing larger, more robust components within a compact construction.
This breakthrough had a decisive impact on the design of women’s watches. It was also a revolution for LeCoultre & Cie, which, thanks to the Duoplan, transitioned from a movement and component producer to a full-fledged watch manufacturer.
Memovox: A Second Memory
In 1958, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated its 125th anniversary by launching three models that highlighted its expertise and the innovative character of its creations. Among them was a particularly striking interpretation of the legendary Memovox: the Memovox Parking.
With a patented dial design highly recognisable thanks to its blue and white pictogramme, the Memovox Parking allows the wearer to set the alarm for a specific duration to avoid any parking ticket.
Geomatic: The Chronometer Calibre
Inspired by the legendary Geophysic, the Geomatic incorporates the best that the watchmakers from the Vallée de Joux could produce at the time. The Geomatic was developed as one of the most reliable automatic watch of its time.
Highly precise and a true benchmark at its launch in 1961, it symbolises the ultimate combination of state-of-the-art technology and understated elegance thanks to its chronometer-certified movement and rich dial.
The sixth capsule of The Collectibles will be unveiled on June 15 at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s London flagship, at 13 Old Bond Street, London W1 and will remain on display to the public until July 18. The opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday.
The Collectibles timepieces will be available for purchase worldwide via Jaeger-LeCoultre from June 15, as well as at the London Flagship during the presentation period. The Collectibles book will also be available via Jaeger-LeCoultre and at all of their boutiques.