Jaeger-LeCoultre isn't always the first name people think of, but within the industry it's revered. For decades it made movements for other great watch houses, which earned it the nickname “the watchmaker's watchmaker”.
Founded 1833 in the Vallée de Joux
Antoine LeCoultre founded his workshop in Le Sentier in 1833. In 1844 he invented the Millionometer, an instrument that could measure to a thousandth of a millimetre, helping watchmakers make parts far more precisely.
The movement maker
LeCoultre became known for making movements of every kind, and supplied them to other prestigious houses, including names in the Holy Trinity. The company became Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1937.
The Reverso
Created in 1931 for polo players in India, the Reverso's case slides and turns over to protect the glass. It's become one of the great Art Deco designs, and the reverse is often engraved. See the Reverso watches in our shop.
Interesting facts
- Calibre 101 (1929) is one of the smallest mechanical movements ever made. Queen Elizabeth II is said to have worn a watch with it at her coronation in 1953.
- The Atmos clock runs almost entirely on small changes in temperature and air pressure, so it rarely needs winding.
- The Memovox (1950) brought a mechanical alarm to the wrist. See a Memovox in our shop.
- The Master Control line takes its name from Jaeger-LeCoultre's 1,000-hour testing. See a Master Control.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is part of the Richemont group. Browse all Jaeger-LeCoultre watches in our shop.
