Jaeger-LeCoultre

Mention “Jaeger-LeCoultre” to a casual watch collector and they’ll likely think of its trademark model, the Reverso. Mention it to a connoisseur, however, and they’ll tell you that few rivals can compete with the brand’s long history. Emblematic of its technical achievements are its chiming watches, sold under the Memovox line. Debuting in 1950 and marketed as “wrist alarms”, these have captivated fans ever since. Not a brand to rest on past laurels, it has continued to push the boundaries. This year, Jaeger-LeCoultre has unveiled several minute repeaters. “There’s a Gyrotourbillon combined with a Westminster Chime minute repeater,” says CEO Catherine Rénier, “and the Master Control Memovox Timer, featuring a new complication letting you set the alarm as a countdown.” Wondering what goes into making such intricate tech? Visit the brand’s Swiss base, L’Atelier d’Antoine, in Le Sentier, and enrol in a behind-the-scenes programme.

01/ POLARIS AUTOMATIC 41MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE ON BROWN LEATHER STRAP £6,150

02/ MASTER CONTROL CHRONOGRAPH CALENDAR 40MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE ON TAN CALFSKIN LEATHER STRAP £13,600

03/ REVERSO CLASSIC LARGE DUOFACE SMALL SECONDS 47MM X 28.3MM ROSE GOLD CASE ON BLACK ALLIGATOR LEATHER STRAP £18,500

04/ MASTER CONTROL DATE 40MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE ON TAN CALFSKIN LEATHER STRAP £6,000

05/ MASTER CONTROL CALENDAR 40MM ROSE GOLD CASE ON BROWN ALLIGATOR LEATHER STRAP £21,200

06/ MASTER CONTROL MEMOVOX TIMER, 40MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE ON BLACK ALLIGATOR LEATHER STRAP £13,900