Jaeger-LeCoultre
Richemont · Switzerland
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Swiss luxury watch manufacture founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and based in Le Sentier in the Vallée de Joux. Owned by Richemont, it makes high-end watches and clocks, including the Reverso and the Atmos.
| Founded | 1833 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Antoine LeCoultre |
| Headquarters | Le Sentier, Switzerland |
| Parent group | Richemont (since 2000) |
| Signature model | Reverso (1931) |
| Website | jaeger-lecoultre.com |
What is Jaeger-LeCoultre?
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Swiss manufacture of luxury watches and clocks, headquartered in Le Sentier, canton of Vaud. It has been a fully owned subsidiary of the Richemont group since 2000.
History
Antoine LeCoultre founded the company in 1833 and set up his workshop in Le Sentier in 1834. Notable milestones include:
- 1844: the Millionomètre, the most precise measuring instrument of its time
- 1847: a keyless system for winding and setting watches
- 1907: Calibre 145, a record-thin movement at 1.38 mm
- 1929: Calibre 101, described as the world's smallest mechanical movement
- 1931: the Reverso, created for polo players
Products and positioning
The Reverso, with its reversible case that protects dial and glass, remains its signature model. The Atmos clock runs on small changes in temperature and pressure; the company has produced it in its current form since 1946. The Master line includes highly complicated pieces such as the Gyrotourbillon and the Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie with 26 complications. The house has developed more than 1,000 movements and around 400 patents.
Why it matters
Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the reference names of Swiss fine watchmaking, combining in-house movement development with design icons that sit at the core of Richemont's watch portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Jaeger-LeCoultre?
Jaeger-LeCoultre has been a fully owned subsidiary of the Swiss luxury group Richemont since 2000.
Where is Jaeger-LeCoultre made?
The manufacture is based in Le Sentier, in the Vallée de Joux in the Swiss canton of Vaud.