Vallée de Joux Manufacture | Jaeger-LeCoultre Swiss Watches

The Maison's origins

The origins of Le Sentier

In the 16th century, the Huguenots chose this region of the Swiss Jura to escape the persecution they faced in France. Among them was Pierre LeCoultre, ancestor of Antoine LeCoultre, who settled in the region in 1559. He cleared the land and took part in establishing the village of Le Sentier, in the Vallée de Joux, where the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre still stands.

Farmers in the valley had to exercise several kinds of activities simply in order to survive. The local iron mines taught them metal-working skills. Confined to their workshops during the long winter months, they also learned the watchmaking trade, giving rise to the greatest Haute Horlogerie creations.

Watchmaking heritage

The centre of watchmaking

During the 17th century, watchmaking gradually spread throughout the Swiss Jura region. The Vallée de Joux came to specialise in the field of Grandes Complications, the noblest watchmaking art along with that of chronometry. For over a century, almost all the ultra-complicated movements were developed and produced in this remote area. The Vallee de Joux thus remains the worldwide hub of Haute Horlogerie.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Watch components separated

The Vallée du Joux is where every single Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece is born, crafted and perfected. It is here, in this quiet, serene valley, that the Maison has perfected the true art of Haute Horlogerie.

Inspired by nature

With calmness comes technicity

Beyond the peaceful nature surrounding the Vallée de Joux, this setting forged the very identity of the Manufacture. Against this backdrop where patience and calmness are intrinsic to the landscape, there grew a tradition of precision bound-up with a profoundly authentic artistic spirit.

The Manufacture set itself two objectives from the outset: accuracy of each movement, and technical precision. These goals both emerged from, and flourished in, this Swiss natural setting, whose calm and serenity seem to abide, undisturbed, from one season to the next.

Inspiring high complications

The Manufacture's master watchmakers are deeply influenced and inspired by this environment, throwing their heart and soul into every ingenious sketch, every oscillation of the balance wheel, every escapement wheel—always pushing the boundaries of precision.