jJaeger-LeCoultre is known as the “watchmaker’s watchmaker”. This is mainly due to the fact that other renowned watchmakers have used JLC movements in their timepieces for years. Of course, Jaeger-LeCoultre also achieved horological greatness with the Reverso – the legendary watch with the reversible case that is so iconic, even Batman has been spotted wearing it in films.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is also a leader in innovation, and not only because the Reverso’s rectangular shape required the creation of new movements – calibers for these watches, especially with additional complications, are much harder to make than round ones. And did you know: Jaeger-LeCoultre also created the ubiquitous winding crown, which is used to both wind a watch and set its time.
No matter the complication, shape, or difficulty to create, Jaeger-LeCoultre seems to be a master at everything it does. Our five favorite lesser-known Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces below showcase JLC’s unmatched horological prowess and variety.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox
This model put the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox on the map, and not just because it was worn by Charlie Chaplin. Its alarm complication sets it apart from almost any other watch, making the Memovox an iconic favorite since its original launch in the 1950s. A characteristic feature is its two crowns – one to wind the watch and set the time at 4 o’clock, and the other at 2 o’clock for setting the alarm.
The striking mechanism for the alarm has a very sophisticated sounding chime thanks to its smooth surface that delivers a delightful resonance; you can certainly use the Memovox as an alarm to this very day. So, if you’re looking for a stylish replacement for your jarring smartphone alarm, a Memovox will be an unparalleled choice.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection has been an amazing part of the brand’s catalog since 2018. It offers sporty designs that appeal to those who may be new to JLC, while remaining true to the watchmaker’s heritage. The chronographs in this collection masterfully combine this duality. In some of these watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre has dispensed with the date complication to achieve perfect dial symmetry. Speaking of the dial, its wonderfully grainy texture reflects the design DNA of this watch: the perfect symbiosis between a dress watch and a tool watch.
Another practical feature of these timepieces is their 100 meters (10 bar, 328 ft) of water resistance, and at least 65 hours of power reserve. The Polaris collection demonstrates that Jaeger-LeCoultre is not only one of the world’s leading watchmakers, but also a brand capable of achieving unprecedented sporty elegance that anyone can fall in love with.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre collection will make the heart of every watch lover beat a little faster. Every Duomètre houses two independent mechanisms that operate independently of each other but come together to create an astonishing timepiece. This technology is masterfully employed in the Unique Travel Time. The upper right-hand dial displays your home time, while the upper left-hand dial shows the time in your current location. The world map at 6 o’clock helps you set your GMT time, while also indicating day and night.
Two power reserve indicators show the energy levels in the movement of this watch. This dial maintains a beautiful symmetry in the midst of all the information it provides. Its pushers at 8 and 10 o’clock help you set the time, synchronize the two timekeeping dials, or set them independently. As you can see, this timepiece has all kinds of wonderful complications to discover and enjoy.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving
Considering how much watch aficionados love diving watches, how is it that Jaeger-LeCoultre divers don’t fly under the radar more often? Well, since they are usually released in limited editions, you could say that they swim below the radar. In any case, you’ll find some very impressive timepieces here, such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving, with its excellent JLC-typical accuracy, along with 1,000 meters (100 bar, 3,280 ft) of water resistance. Along with the standard rotating diving bezel, this watch also has a chronograph function for measuring time.
Speaking of elite watchmaking, Jaeger-LeCoultre teamed up with perhaps the most elite team in the world to create this timepiece: the US Navy SEALs. The result was a watch that can complete missions even under the most extreme conditions. Be sure to check this watch out; it’s got top-of-the-line functionality, perfect legibility, and amazing looks.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos
We certainly aren’t going to overlook the Atmos amidst all of these great watches. The special technology inside this unique watch means that it never needs to be wound! Of course, it’s not a perpetual motion machine, even if it appears to run on its own. Instead, it draws its energy from atmospheric and pressure changes in its surrounding environment. A change in one degree Celsius provides enough energy for the clock to run for two days. This is possible thanks to its ability to operate with only a minimum of physical expenditure – one of the energy-saving reasons it doesn’t have a seconds hand.
The movement is also made up of as few components as possible to minimize friction losses. Because it’s very sensitive to any particles or dust, it’s entirely enclosed in a glass case. Its chronometer-certified accuracy is also impressive. Enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to find a finer clock, or a better specimen of horological excellence, than this Jaeger-LeCoultre masterpiece.
In Short
As much as we adore the Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre has so many amazing collections. The dynamic, elegant designs of their sports watches are perfect for everyday wear and will give you a timepiece that you won’t see on every enthusiast’s wrist. All of JLC’s timepieces are undoubtably worth discovering, and you’re going to love what you see: amazing horology from one of the world’s greatest watchmakers.
