History of Jaeger-LeCoultre | Jaeger-LeCoultre Swiss Watches

The history of Jaeger-LeCoultre

Located in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the only Manufactures which creates, develops, decorates and produces all timepieces within its own workshops. Right from the start, in order to make each watch in its entirety, the Manufacture houses the full range of professions, techniques and technologies under a single roof to give birth to the finest watchmaking creations.

The history of Jaeger-LeCoultre

Founder

Founded by Antoine LeCoultre

In 1833, in the heart of the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland, Antoine LeCoultre (1803–1881) transformed his family’s small barn into a watchmaking atelier and began to create timepieces of great accuracy. He was an inventor who balanced both intellect and imagination, applying himself to the challenge of measuring time. Obsessed with accuracy, he took it upon himself to create the tools required to develop the smallest parts in order to produce the most accurate calibres.

Jaeger-LeCoultre History Invention patent of invention

Bringing together rare expertise

Upon its founding, Jaeger-LeCoultre officially became the first watch Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux, bringing every aspect of watchmaking craftsmanship together under one roof. This approach was a revolution for the industry.

At that time, almost all watchmakers used to work from home. Each had their own specialty and personal craftsman secrets.

In 1888, the Manufacture was the most important company in the region, as confirmed by the industrial statistics of the Canton of Vaud. This was not only due to the use of machines and to its extraordinary production capacity, but at the time it employed 480 workers, both men and women.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture Atelier d'Antoine

Collaboration

Jaeger meets LeCoultre

In 1903 a meeting between Frenchman Edmond Jaeger and Jacques-David LeCoultre of Switzerland changed watchmaking forever. Together, they successfully fused French style and Swiss technique, an approach which still prevails at the Grande Maison today.