In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced The Collectibles—a curated selection of vintage pieces that pays homage not just to the manufacture’s history of nearly 200 years, but also to the connoisseurs who appreciate such. La Grande Maison has a storied past, and pieces such as the Reverso are especially renowned, and there are many more to choose from—watches such as the Duoplan, Geophysic, Memovox, and Futurematic all have their own stories to tell.
Jaeger-LeCoultre has released two runs of The Collectibles so far, both in 2023—12 and 11 watches, respectively. It has been an eclectic mix, so far. Some are watches as you would expect them to be—perhaps with a twist, such as a 1933 Reverso Small Seconds with a brown dial. Others are unusual anachronisms, like a 1958 Memovox Parking—an alarm watch with markings at half-hour intervals, and a blue parking logo just to make sure the wearer did not forget to top up the meter. Some you might never have guessed for Jaeger-LeCoultre at all, like a brilliantly big, bold and blue Memovox Polaris II diving watch from 1970. Some are simply beautiful, like a 1968 Memovox Automatic with a blue dial that looks like stone but is actually lacquer.
Each of these watches that have been put up for sale has been examined, serviced, and given a new lease of life by the manufacture’s 10-person team of restoration specialists. If any mechanical replacement parts are needed, the first port of call is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s own archival stock of original spare components—otherwise, thanks to a collection of some 6,000 swages and stamps, it can almost certainly be re-created. Cases and dials, often a sticking point for purists, have had their work kept to a minimum to maintain the accuracy and patina of the timepieces—but these timepieces were also selected for their fine condition in the first place.
The first two capsule collections are all but spoken for, but The Collectibles is an ongoing programme with new selections offered periodically. The third capsule collection is about to drop—and fortunately, it is coming a little closer to home. It will be on display in Singapore, at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s boutique at Marina Bay Sands, from 13 to 23 October 2024. You can book a time slot for a private viewing at the link below.
For more information, please visit Jaeger-LeCoultre’s website.
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