As a harpist filled the room with soothing melodies, dozens of watch aficionados gathered to get their first glimpse of Jaeger-LeCoultre range, which debuted at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH).
An evening of horology and art at the Art Galley of New South Wales, Sydney, showcased 11 exquisite timepieces including Rendez-Vous, Reverso, Master Ultra Thin and Rendez-Vous Moon. The masterclass in horology on 17 April was the first celebration of the Swiss company’s partnership with the gallery through the Luxury Syndicate.
Detailed chronograph illustrations were displayed across a table as one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Watchmakers worked on a movement, demonstrating the diminutive pieces used in every complication.
“I didn’t know how manual, dexterous and analogue the process was, to be honest,” – Benedict Cumberbatch
The watchmaker explained to guests including The CEO Magazine the numerous, intricate steps involved in assembling a movement’s components – many so tiny they could be mistaken for specks of dust if not viewed through a microscope.
“I didn’t know how manual, dexterous and analogue the process was, to be honest,” British actor Benedict Cumberbatch told Jaeger-LeCoultre during a private masterclass at its flagship store. “I admire the people creating these timepieces.
“To see their dedication and meticulousness is wonderful.”
Using heritage tools, artisans delicately enamel, polish, refine, enhance and carry out guilloche work on dials, movements and complications – showcasing the art of precision in pieces such as the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Enamel.
Perfection has been at the forefront of the business since Antoine LeCoultre started creating chronographs in the heart of the Vallée de Joux in 1833.
LeCoultre turned to horology to make ends meet when his farm work couldn’t be carried out during snowy winters.
“To see their dedication and meticulousness is wonderful,” – Cumberbatch
From a humble hobby to a top-tier Richemont brand, Jaeger-LeCoultre has hundreds of inventions to its name including one of the world’s smallest mechanical movements (Calibre 101) and one of the world’s most complicated wristwatches (Grande Complication).
Against the serene backdrop of the Swiss Jura mountains, the heritage workshop houses 180 specialist skills, 1,250 calibres and 400 patents. It’s just a handful of the generations of talented watchmakers that have invented timepieces of sheer beauty and exquisite craftsmanship.
