About Jaeger-LeCoultre
Where does Jaeger-LeCoultre come from?
Antoine LeCoultre opened a workshop in Le Sentier, in the Vallée de Joux, in 1833. That workshop grew into a manufacture that made movements for other houses as well as watches under its own name. The collaboration with the Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger gave the house its double name.
The house builds the Atmos, a clock that draws its energy from small changes in temperature, and in 1931 it introduced the Reverso: a rectangular watch whose case swivels in its carrier, so that the dial can be turned inwards for protection during a game of polo.
The Memovox with its alarm, the Polaris for divers and the Master line came later. Jaeger-LeCoultre has been part of the Richemont group since 2000 and still works in Le Sentier.
What do we check on a Jaeger-LeCoultre?
On a Reverso the inspection starts with the mechanism that gives the watch its name. We turn the case over several times and check for play, for a smooth movement along the sliding rails and for a latch that holds the case firmly in both positions.
Wear on the rails and on the pivot at the bottom of the carrier points to heavy use or an earlier repair. The gadroons above and below the dial quickly give away inexpert polishing: sharp grooves should not be rounded.
On a Monoface we examine the solid back, which is often engraved; on a Duoface we check both dials and the second time zone.
On the round models we compare the reference and serial number on the caseback with the papers, look at the calibre through the display back where there is one, and test winding, setting, date and any complications. Whatever we find is stated in the description.
Which Jaeger-LeCoultre models do we offer and look for?
With the Reverso, the usual choice is between one dial and two: the Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds Q3858520 with a solid back, or the Reverso Classic Large Duoface Q3848420 with a second time zone on the reverse.
We also look for the Reverso Tribute.
Among the round watches, demand centres on the Master Ultra Thin Moon Q1368420, the Master Control Date Q4018420 and the sportier Polaris Date Q9068681. If your reference is not online, we can search for it.
How do you buy, sell or trade in a Jaeger-LeCoultre with us?
You buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre from us through a request without obligation; we confirm availability personally, and payment by bank transfer only follows once you agree. Delivery is insured or by appointment.
You can sell outright, on consignment or as a trade-in. For a Reverso, photographs of both sides of the case and of the carrier help, as does a note of any engraving.
Every request is assessed by hand, and a proposal only follows afterwards. The Aequator Collection is an independent dealer and not an authorised Jaeger-LeCoultre retailer.