Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches
The exquisite art of watchmaking is on display in the distinctive designs of Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Swiss manufacturer is celebrated for its striking Art Deco–era antique clocks, while its range of sumptuous luxury watches spans the gamut of modern design, each one a time capsule of its period.
Jaeger-LeCoultre was established in 1833 by watchmaker Antoine LeCoultre in the Vallée de Joux of the Swiss mountains. LeCoultre was also an inventor who, in 1844, created the millionomètre. As the first instrument to measure thousandths of a millimeter with total accuracy, it refined the meticulous watchmaking process. By 1866, LeCoultre's son, Elie LeCoultre, took over the business. He revolutionized watchmaking by bringing all 180 skills involved in the trade into one workshop: LeCoultre & Cie Manufacture.
By 1903, the company had passed to Antoine LeCoultre's grandson, Jacques-David LeCoultre. He created a signature line of ultra-thin watches in partnership with Edmond Jaeger, a French watchmaker who specialized in flat watch cases. In 1907, Louis Cartier signed a contract with Jaeger so that Cartier would have movements for its popular timepieces produced exclusively at LeCoultre in Switzerland. This era saw the debut of Cartier’s Santos as well as its Tank watch.
Watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre began to experiment with the Art Deco style that had encompassed the 1920s and the 1930s. At the time, there were many influences that led to the creation of Art Deco jewelry, while the cases of Art Deco clocks featured architectural details and saw an integration of materials such as brass, glass and marble. Iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre designs from this era include the 1928 Atmos clock and the Reverso watch. Stylish and practical, the coveted Reverso watch features a case that you can flip to protect the watch face.
During the 1950s and '60s, Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers continued the manufacturer’s tradition of prioritizing practical reliability. In 1958, the company introduced the robust and durable Geophysic watch collection. The Memovox Polaris, an alarm-equipped dive watch one could wear underwater, followed in 1968.
The best-known timepiece in the company's modern collection is the Master Control watch, unveiled in 1992. It symbolizes a return to the thin style and performance-first ethic of classic Jaeger-LeCoultre. In 2018, the watchmaker also launched the Polaris collection. Inspired by the original Memovox, the series features a sporty, elegant and contemporary look.
Find vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatches and pocket watches on 1stDibs.
1940s Swiss Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches
18k Gold
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Creators Similar to Jaeger-LeCoultre
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024What makes Jaeger-LeCoultre so special comes down to a few things. The Swiss brand has introduced innovations that have reshaped the art of watchmaking. For example, founder Antoine LeCoultre invented the millionomètre, the first instrument to measure thousandths of a millimeter with total accuracy, in 1844. During the early 20th century, the company created an ultra-slim watch case that was unlike anything that had come before it. The level of quality of Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces also sets the brand apart. The company prioritizes practical reliability, creating watches that are visually appealing yet capable of performing in demanding circumstances and working precisely for years to come. Explore a variety of Jaeger-LeCoultre watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock works relies on a gas-filled capsule. The gas is temperature sensitive. It expands when temperatures rise and contracts when they fall. This causes the shape of the capsule to change. Each tiny change in capsule size pulls on a chain that winds the clock. Find a range of Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Jaeger-LeCoultre defines the Atmos as the clock that lives in the moment. The Atmos features an airtight capsule with a gaseous blend trapped inside that expands as the temperature rises and contracts when it drops. This movement changes the size of the capsule, which activates a small chain to wind the clock. Find a collection of expertly vetted Atmos clocks from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.