Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch Gallery

• 1833 – Antoine LeCoultre founded a small watchmaking workshop in Le Sentier, Switzerland (Vallée de Joux).
   
• In 1844, LeCoultre invented the Millionomètre, the world’s first instrument capable of measuring microns. This precision was crucial in improving watchmaking quality.
   
• In 1847, he created a keyless winding system, allowing watches to be wound and set without a separate key — a major breakthrough at the time.
   
• By the late 1800s, LeCoultre’s workshop grew into a full-fledged manufacture, producing movements for other prestigious Swiss brands.
   

• In the early 20th century, the company partnered with Edmond Jaeger, a French watchmaker known for creating ultra-thin movements.
   
• This partnership officially became Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1937.
   
• Together, they developed many ultra-thin calibers and supplied them to brands like Cartier and Patek Philippe.
   

• 1931 – Reverso introduced: a rectangular Art Deco watch with a unique reversible case designed for polo players, allowing the dial to flip and protect itself from impact.
   
• 1946 – Automatic Movements: JLC created some of the thinnest automatic calibers in the world.
   
• 1950s – Memovox: JLC released the Memovox, one of the first mechanical alarm wristwatches — a major success.
   
• 1968 – Polaris Memovox: a diver’s alarm watch that is now highly collectible.
   

• Like many Swiss brands, JLC faced challenges during the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s.
   
• Instead of abandoning mechanical watchmaking, JLC focused on high complications, helping revive interest in traditional horology.
   
• 1990s – Master Control Line introduced: known for its 1,000-hour testing for precision and durability — a pioneering quality-control standard.
   

• JLC continues to be one of the few true manufactures — designing, developing, and producing nearly all movements in-house.
   
• Famous modern pieces include:
   
  • Duomètre (2007) – with “Dual-Wing” movement architecture for extreme precision.
     
  • Master Ultra Thin – record-setting thin perpetual calendars and minute repeaters.
     
  • Gyrotourbillon – featuring a multi-axis tourbillon.
     
• They are renowned for both complicated haute horlogerie (grand sonneries, tourbillons) and everyday luxury watches.
   

Jaeger-LeCoultre is known as the "Watchmaker’s Watchmaker" because they have produced movements for many top brands (Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier).
They are admired for:

• Innovation (over 1,200 calibers created).
   
• In-house craftsmanship (from cases to complications).
   
• Iconic designs like the Reverso — still in production after 90+ years.