185 Years of Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches

Watchmaking has a rich history that has resulted in timeless, stunning pieces that people love the world over. Jaeger-LeCoultre is no exception. This innovative brand has been manufacturing incredible watches for 185 years. In this article, the experts at Harrington & Co are exploring the history of Jaeger-LeCoultre watches.

The Beginning of a Long History

In 1833 in the Vallée de Joux, Charles-Antoine LeCoultre founded his workshop and invented a machine that manufactured watchmaking pinions. A pinion is what transfers the movement of the internal wheels to the display at the front of a watch. His inventions can be found in almost every mechanical watch on the planet.

LeCoultre has been responsible for unbelievable progress with precisely measuring time. For example, he invented the Mollionmeter in 1844 which allowed for measurements up to a thousandth of a millimetre. In 1847, he invented the keyless watch where a pushbutton could activate a lever that changed over from one function to another.

A Fusion of Great Minds: Jaeger & LeCoultre

Edmond Jaeger was a talented watchmaker in Paris in 1880. Jaeger met LeCoultre’s grandson, Jacques-David LeCoultre, and they began a successful friendship, merging their ambitions to become Jaeger-LeCoultre. They worked together to further improve their industry as a trusted supplier of watches and jewellery.

In 1931, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was launched. This design was built to combat breakages on watch faces; the case held a swivel system which allowed the face of the watch to turn down and stay protected from hard knocks. The Reverso is now available in many styles and versions.

The Atmos Table Clock

It’s impossible to write a history of Jaeger-LeCoultre without mentioning the Atmos table clock. This clock is powered by the slightest variations in the temperature and pressure around it. Its internal capsule contains a gas mixture that expands as the temperature rises and condenses when it drops.

The gas expands into an expansion chamber and compresses a spring, efficiently powering the clock. A temperature variation of just one degree will power the mechanism for two days.

Jaeger-LeCoultre in Modern Times

Jaeger-LeCoultre has become synonymous with sporting excellence, artistic delights and precise measurements. The company is the official partner of the Venice International Film Festival and has supported numerous film projects across the globe.

These days, a Jaeger-LeCoultre luxury watch can be seen as an investment that will last a lifetime. They are highly sought after in vintage dealing communities due to their rarity and quality. If you’re interested in buying or selling a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece, browse our online store or get in touch with Harrington & Co.