Jaeger-LeCoultre Unveils Second ‘The Collectibles’ Capsule Collection, There’s Still Time To See It

Jaeger-LeCoultre  just released its second capsule collection of extraordinary vintage timepieces through the recently unveiled program known as ‘The Collectibles.’ This launch is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to preserving the artistry and heritage of watchmaking. With the unveiling of the second round of timepieces taking  place at the Maison’s boutique on Rodeo Drive from  June 16 to 21, horology enthusiasts and collectors have the chance to discover the watches in person.

The Collectibles program, conceived to commemorate the Manufacture’s impressive 190-year history, beckons watch connoisseurs to embark on a journey through the “golden age” of 20th-century watchmaking, spanning from the 1920s to the 1970s. It is a window into an era defined by transformative social and technological changes, with Jaeger-LeCoultre emerging as an instrumental force in this captivating horological evolution. The program showcases a meticulously curated selection of historically significant timepieces, presented as captivating capsule collections in various cities around the world, each a treasure trove of horological marvels available for discerning collectors to acquire.

The second capsule collection consists of 11 watches that epitomize the fusion of artistic excellence and technical innovation. Among them are a Duoplan from the 1920s, an early Reverso representing a pivotal moment in the annals of watchmaking, and two groundbreaking innovations from the early 1950s: the avant-garde Futurematic and the iconic Memovox.

The Futurematic, a true horological marvel, stands as a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s pioneering spirit. It was the world’s first fully automatic watch to defy conventional norms, eschewing the need for a traditional crown and winding mechanism. Powered by the revolutionary Calibre 497, this timepiece embodies precision and functionality. Remarkably, the Futurematic possesses the unique ability to “go to sleep” when fully unwound, yet retains enough energy to restart with unrivaled accuracy, even after an extended period of dormancy. The design of the Futurematic, with its time-setting disc on the case-back, is an exercise in purity and symmetry that captivates the discerning eye.

The iconic Memovox, a celebrated timepiece that has captivated generations of watch enthusiasts, finds its rightful place within this extraordinary collection. In 1957, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s visionary engineers melded two groundbreaking advancements—the alarm function and automatic winding—for the first time, resulting in the pioneering Calibre 815. This fusion of horological brilliance birthed a legendary timepiece that has stood the test of time. The second capsule collection features five Memovox pieces, including two Memovox Automatic Calendar watches powered by the remarkable Calibre 825, boasting the added convenience of a date display at 3 o’clock. Each Memovox is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

Each Collectibles timepiece is meticulously presented with an extract from the Maison’s coveted archives, providing a glimpse into the historical context of these horological marvels. Furthermore, a complimentary copy of ‘The Collectibles’ coffee-table book accompanies each acquisition, serving as a guide to unraveling the secrets and stories behind each exceptional timepiece. A new calf leather strap, thoughtfully chosen to harmonize with the style of each watch, completes the presentation. Additionally, whenever possible, the original box and papers, as well as the original strap or bracelet, are included, heightening the authenticity and allure of these extraordinary timepieces.

To ensure the utmost authenticity and quality, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s historical experts meticulously evaluate each timepiece. The specialized watchmakers of the Manufacture’s renowned restoration workshop undertake the arduous task of servicing and restoring every watch, employing their expertise and the Manufacture’s rich archives to breathe new life into these horological treasures. With a team of 10 experts, the restoration workshop can meticulously study the blueprints of every timepiece ever created by Jaeger-LeCoultre. In cases where original spare components are not available, the team relies on their stock of approximately 6,000 stamps, enabling them to create identical components from scratch.

The entire restoration process, from historical research to mechanical refurbishment, takes place in-house, thanks to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s fully integrated approach. Care is taken to ensure that any intervention on the case and dial is minimal, preserving the historical integrity and charm of each piece. The acquisitions team at Jaeger-LeCoultre diligently seeks watches that retain their original condition, allowing collectors to revel in the authentic beauty of these horological treasures.

Visitors to the boutique will also have the chance to witness live demonstrations showcasing the artistry involved in polishing screws and the process of heat-blueing hands.