Jaeger-Lecoultre Brings Classic Vintage Watches To Life With New Capsule Collection
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s The Collectibles capsule offers 10 meticulously restored vintage timepieces, showcasing the brand’s rich history and craftsmanship.
Navigating the world of vintage timepieces can be daunting. Authenticity, value, and condition are all key concerns. While trusted dealers help, Jaeger-LeCoultre is taking it a step further with The Collectibles, a curated capsule of 10 rare vintage watches sourced directly from its manufacture in the Vallée de Joux.
Launched in 2023 to celebrate the brand’s 190th anniversary, The Collectibles involves acquiring historical models from auctions, estate sales, and dealers. A select few are restored in Switzerland and offered in this exclusive collection.
The Legacy Behind The Collectibles
This initiative highlights 17 key models from the 1920s to the 1970s—landmarks in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history. This selection, distilled from over 1,400 distinct calibres produced over 191 years, showcases the brand’s most significant innovations.
To complement the collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre has published a coffee table book featuring archival advertisements, diagrams, and photographs that chronicle these iconic pieces.
The Collection
Each restored timepiece in The Collectibles belongs to one of these 17 models, including:
- Duoplan – A two-tiered movement that revolutionized miniaturized timepieces.
- Reverso – A swiveling case design that remains one of horology’s greatest icons.
Watches are fully serviced for functionality, but dials and cases retain their natural patina to preserve authenticity. After successful exhibitions in Switzerland and Dubai, the collection is now coming to Singapore—its first showcase in Asia.
A Collector’s Experience
Each watch comes with:
- An extract from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s archives
- A copy of The Collectibles book
- The original box, papers, and strap (if available)
- A new strap for modern wear
This initiative ensures that even 80-year-old timepieces remain functional while retaining their historical character.
Highlights from the Collection
- Memovox Automatic Calendar ref. E 855 (1969, Yellow Gold) – Known as “Brownies” for its lacquered brown dial, powered by calibre 825 with a date display and alarm function.
- Powermatic ref. E 365 (1950s, Yellow Gold) – One of the first automatic watches with a power reserve indicator, featuring calibre 481 from 1948.
- Memovox Polaris II ref. E 870 (1970, Stainless Steel) – A bold design shift from classical Jaeger-LeCoultre styles, produced in only 1,120 units.
- 101 Lady’s Watch (1938, Yellow Gold) – Houses the world’s smallest mechanical movement, calibre 101, still in use today.
- Reverso Lady (1934, Stainless Steel) – An early Reverso version with a unique colored dial and one of the earliest manually wound movements.
A Legacy That Endures
With The Collectibles, Jaeger-LeCoultre offers more than just watches—it provides collectors with the rare opportunity to own a piece of horological history, restored by the very hands that first created them.
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