History

Antoine LeCoultre founded his workshop in Le Sentier, in the Vallée de Joux, in 1833. In 1844 he invented the Millionomètre — the world's first instrument capable of measuring to the nearest micron, transforming the precision of watchmaking. In 1847 he created the first keyless winding system. In 1866, Antoine and his son Elie established the Vallée de Joux's first full manufacture — a single facility housing every watchmaking skill under one roof.

The Watchmaker's Watchmaker

In 1903, the Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger partnered with Jacques LeCoultre to create ultra-thin movements, leading to a formal merger in 1937. Jaeger-LeCoultre earned its title of 'the watchmaker's watchmaker' by supplying movements to the world's most prestigious houses — including Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet. The company has registered approximately 400 patents and created over 1,240 different calibres.

The Reverso

Its most celebrated creation is the Reverso, introduced in 1931. Originally designed for British Army officers in India who needed to protect their watch face during polo matches, the Reverso's swivelling case has become one of the most elegant and distinctive designs in watchmaking history. The Atmos clock — which runs indefinitely on tiny temperature variations — is another engineering marvel.

Records

The world's smallest mechanical movement, the Calibre 101, weighs just one gram — and was worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation in 1953. Since 2000, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been part of the Richemont Group, though it maintains its manufacture and distinctive identity in Le Sentier.

Prices

Prices begin around $4,000 for entry Reverso models and range to $300,000 and beyond for tourbillon and minute repeater complications. The Master Ultra Thin Perpetual, at 7.3mm, is a benchmark of ultra-thin watchmaking. The Polaris collection provides the most accessible sporting option.