
Everything You Want to Know About Jaeger-LeCoultre
Text: Joakim Rönnqvist
Photo: Patrik Hagborg
In the early 20th century, LeCoultre partnered with French watchmaker Edmond Jaeger. The result was what we now know as Jaeger-LeCoultre – a brand where each timepiece carries a legacy that stretches far back in time.
Key Models to Know
Reverso – The Reversible IconLaunched in 1931, the Reverso was originally designed as a sports watch for British officers in colonial India. Its purpose was purely functional: the case could be flipped to protect the glass during polo matches. But what began as a practical solution became one of the world’s most iconic timepieces – known for its Art Deco expression and understated elegance.
Master Control – Purity and Performance
Introduced in 1992, the Master Control line features watches that undergo 1,000 hours of testing before leaving the manufacture. The result is a collection of timepieces with refined design, often in stainless steel, that stand the test of both time and trend.
Duomètre & Gyrotourbillon
For those who appreciate haute horology at its finest, JLC offers advanced complications such as the Duomètre (with dual-wing mechanisms) and the Gyrotourbillon (a three-dimensional tourbillon of astonishing precision). Here, engineering and aesthetics unite on an almost artistic level.


Philosophy and Craftsmanship
What sets Jaeger-LeCoultre apart from many others is its in-house production. From movement to case and even engraving, most of the process takes place at their facilities in Le Sentier. This qualifies JLC as a "grande manufacture", a status only a select few watchmakers can claim.The brand’s philosophy is clear: innovation must never compromise beauty. Every watch – whether a discreet three-hander or a technical masterpiece – should feel as natural as a perfectly tailored blazer.
Why Choose Jaeger-LeCoultre?
Wearing a JLC is a bit like choosing a pair of bespoke shoes from John Lobb over logo-covered trainers. It’s a choice for those who understand craftsmanship and don’t feel the need to explain it.For me, it was the Reverso that first sparked my curiosity – that tactile click when the case swivels is an experience in itself. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how Jaeger-LeCoultre manages to be both classic and technically bold – sometimes within the same model.