Jaeger-LeCoultre opens the Maison d’Antoine
To celebrate its 180th anniversary, Jaeger-LeCoultre is opening a unique space dedicated to meeting and sharing watchmaking knowledge.
Named Maison d’Antoine in homage to Antoine LeCoultre, who in 1833 set up his first workshop in a room on the family farm, this new space, designed and fitted out in the spirit of yesteryear, is intended to welcome friends of the Manufacture: collectors, lovers of exceptional watches and “pupils” of introductory watchmaking courses.
For a collector coming to admire the grand complication watch that a Jaeger-LeCoultre master watchmaker assembles for him day after day, for an amateur having the opportunity to benefit from an introductory course given by a watchmaker from the Manufacture, what could be more moving, more inspiring than to find oneself at the very heart of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history, in the Vallée de Joux, where it all began, where for 180 years some 1200 different calibers have been imagined, designed and manufactured.
This exclusive reception area, located under the roofs and bathed in the light of the Vallée de Joux so precious to watchmakers, was designed to become a convivial meeting place that underlines Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre’s attachment to relationships with lovers of fine watchmaking.
The place is steeped in history and reflects the philosophy of the Manufacture, dedicated to watchmaking knowledge, the transmission of know-how and the enrichment of rare techniques and crafts.
It all began when Elie LeCoultre, Antoine LeCoultre’s son, decided to bring together under one roof the many different skills involved in watchmaking, at a time when Swiss watchmaking was still structured around small, home-based workshops. LeCoultre & Cie thus became the first Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux. Today, it is home to more than 180 of the skills needed to design and manufacture the most prestigious timepieces from start to finish. In a perpetual quest for excellence, underpinned by a unique spirit of invention, Jaeger-LeCoultre perpetuates the tradition of grand complications created at the Manufacture through a succession of extraordinary creations and unique inventions.
Over an area of some 200 m2, the focus will be on watchmaking technology. Grand complication watches, masterpieces of complexity like the Master Grande Tradition
Gyrotourbillon 3 Jubilee, will find here the most beautiful of settings to be unveiled to the eyes of the most demanding collectors.
Twelve workbenches are reserved for introductory courses and watchmaking training given by an expert who is always ready to answer any questions watch lovers may have.
But above all, it will always be a question of passion, in the image of the founders whose portraits, enthroned at the entrance to the show, seem to cast a benevolent gaze on visitors. This is Antoine LeCoultre’s home. Like a typical regional chalet, the wood comes from the spruce forests of the Vallée de Joux. Soft, elegant colors, noble, traditional materials, a vast fireplace… priority has been given to a warm, peaceful atmosphere. This is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s vision of luxury and refinement expressed in the Maison d’Antoine.
On the occasion of its inauguration, British actor Clive Owen was among the first to soak up the unique atmosphere of this watchmaking space like no other. No doubt the artist will return one day to take part in the master classes offered by La Manufacture.
Jaeger-LeCoultre has added yet another page to its history by establishing the Maison d’Antoine, a rare and exclusive space offering an intimate and refined atmosphere, at the very heart of the Manufacture.
More than ever, in a world of haute horlogerie focused on invention, the living heart of passion beats. As on that day in 1833, 180 years ago, when Antoine LeCoultre initiated one of the finest sagas in watchmaking.
On the occasion of its inauguration, British actor Clive Owen was among the first to soak up the unique atmosphere of this watchmaking space like no other.
No doubt the artist will return one day to take part in the Master Classes offered by La Manufacture.
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
