News The Le Sentier based manufactory pulled out all the stops for the inauguration of its Heritage Gallery, a showcase for more than 500 pieces retracing the history of the prestigious watch manufacturer.
On 4 October this year more than 300 guests from all over the world made their way to Le Sentier to celebrate the opening of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Heritage Gallery. The evening began with a performance of acrobatics on the wall itself leading into the manufactory, which was followed by a firework display. The magic continued with the presence of Carole Bouquet who, having been chosen to inaugurate the museum, cut the symbolic ribbon with the CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre Jérôme Lambert. The latter then welcomed his guests into a marquee sumptuously decorated for the occasion to enjoy an evening of delights, not only for the palate, but also for the ears and eyes. The German singer Ute Lemper added a touch of grace to the event by performing a selection of pieces of her art. Art, but of the watchmaking variety this time, was also on offer to guests invited to take part in guided tours of the Heritage Gallery throughout the evening. The gallery is built on the same spot as the manufactory’s first workshop, when in 1833 Antoine LeCoultre developed his first inventions. It comprises two parts, one of which is reserved for temporary exhibitions.
As is fitting, the Heritage Gallery lays particular emphasis on the origins of Jaeger-LeCoultre by exhibiting documents that bear witness to the company’s inception, the charter of 1559 marking the arrival of the first LeCoultre in the Joux Valley at the time the manufactory was established. Observers are held in thrall as their visit proceeds. They are faced initially with an imposing glass wall nearly five metres high housing more than 300 different calibres produced by the manufactory’s workshops from 1833 to the present day. Two floors then reveal to visitors different display cases that retrace the history of Jaeger-LeCoultre through a variety of models such as the grand complication pocket watch, the Reverso, the Duoplan, the Atmos, the Gyrotourbillon, etc. The manufactory’s pioneering spirit is also highlighted by a wall entirely devoted to 300 patents filed throughout the company’s history.
The opening of the Heritage Gallery is a new landmark in the fantastic watchmaking odyssey initiated by Antoine LeCoultre. The manufactory, which next year will celebrate its 175th anniversary, still harbours ambitious projects in the Joux Valley. Indeed the firm, which currently occupies a floor space of 16,000 m2, will be enlarged over the coming months with the construction of a new 9,000 m2 building adjoining the existing infrastructure. The champagne will therefore soon be flowing again under the skies of this magnificent watchmaking valley!
October 19, 2007
