In the world of horology and olfactory perfumery, there is an unspoken harmony that bounds both fields by a shared dedication to precision and detail. The result, whether in the form of a timepiece or fragrance, offers something personal and enduring, one that reflects individual character and lasting appeal.
For French perfumer Nicolas Bonneville, there is another similarity he shares with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s founding father, Antoine LeCoultre. Both were self-taught in their crafts—LeCoultre, who started the maison in 1833 as a watchmaker, and Bonneville as a nose, who at the age of 12, discovered his passion for perfume during a trip to Grasse, the heart of French perfumery. It was only later, when Bonneville embarked on his professional career, that he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned perfumers Jacques Maurel and Francis Kurkdjian.
Building on this shared journey and dedication, Bonneville finds a natural extension in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Made of Makers programme, which explores how the brand’s heritage of watchmaking can be interpreted across different forms of art. In the past, the maison has partnered with artists such as pastry chef Nina Métayer, who crafted pastries inspired by the Golden Ratio of the Reverso, and lettering artist Alex Trochut, who designed an Art Deco typeface to adorn the blank canvas of the Reverso’s caseback, among others.
Bonneville’s approach to perfumery embodies the finest principles of haute parfumerie that set his work apart from other fragrances. By employing short formulas with fewer ingredients, he minimises complexity and achieves a clearer, more refined fragrance; noble ingredients were opted to deliver richer, more authentic scents, enhanced by the high concentration of a central ingredient to emphasise its intensity and longevity. “When creating perfumes, it’s crucial to dose raw materials carefully to preserve their unique olfactory character without excessive dilution,” Bonneville says. “The principle of ‘less is more’ ensures that your fragrance retains its clarity and depth. You achieve a unique scent with real character and distinction.”
Bonneville distils the essence of Jaeger-LeCoultre into three captivating home fragrances. Timeless Stories, inspired by the enduring legacy of the Reverso watch, appeals to those drawn to the rustic charm of equestrian life. With rich notes of wood and leather, it evokes the nostalgic scent of stables and saddles.
Celestial Odyssey, meanwhile, captures the influence of the moon, sun and stars—symbols that have guided watchmakers for centuries. The fragrance unfolds like a cosmic journey, beginning with the luminous freshness of Heart of Patchouli, followed by the scent of Amber Woods and, at its base, the magnetic allure of Vanilla.
The trio of olfactory creations comes full circle with Precision Pioneer, a fragrance that honours the artisanal mastery of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s manufacture. Its scent is grounded in the earthy warmth of wood from the watchmaker’s bench, while smoky notes evoke the fiery intensity of the blacksmith’s forge—a powerful reflection of the tireless efforts that have shaped the Maison’s enduring legacy.
Bonneville’s fragrances will be offered as a special treatment to clients and are set to appear in future Jaeger-LeCoultre projects.
Lead image: Nicolas Bonneville translates Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watchmaking legacy into three exclusive fragrances, each capturing a distinct facet of the maison’s heritage through carefully crafted scent compositions.
