JLC launches new program “The Collectibles” where clients can buy certified and restored vintage pieces

Zach Blass

• “The Collectibles” program offers a curated collection of historic JLC models.
• The program is ongoing, starting off with an initial capsule collection of 12 timepieces.
• Each watch is vetted by JLC’s experts, and fully serviced and restored by their in-house restoration workshop.

While there is much to enjoy about modern watchmaking, it is no secret there is a huge demand for vintage watches – especially when many modern novelties are heritage revivals or reinterpretations. Navigating the vintage watch market, however, can be tricky, for novice collectors who do not know what to look out for. Is the case untouched? Are the parts factory original? Has the dial been repainted or relumed? Well, if you, like many, have ever had interest in vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches, today is your lucky day. In. honour of their 190th anniversary, JLC has announced a new program “The Collectibles” where the brand themselves will curate vintage references for consumer purchase.

Catherine Rénier, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre explains: “With Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most emblematic timepieces being increasingly sought-after by collectors, we are delighted to introduce The Collectibles. Together with a new master reference book for our Maison’s most emblematic models of the 20th century, this new programme presents a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of the Manufacture’s history.”

This new and ongoing program aims to offer a continually evolving selection of their most venerated references for sale through JLC’s own website. Each timepiece offered within the ongoing capsule collections has the high-value added benefit of being vetted by the manufacture’s historical experts, and fully serviced and restored by the specialised watchmakers within their restoration workshop.

JLC explains: “Currently numbering 10 experts, the restoration team can go through the Manufacture’s archives and find the blueprint of every piece ever made, and in some cases also find a stock of original spare components. If there is no component to hand, there is a stock of some 6,000 swages or stamps that they can use to make an identical component from scratch. Because the Manufacture is fully integrated, the entire process can be carried out in-house.”

Furthermore, it is clear from the announcement JLC fully understands the collector mindset of today and will ensure the pieces offered through the program meet the requirements of collector-grade condition. JLC explains: “While the mechanical restoration may, in some cases, be significant, the intervention on the case and dial must be kept to a minimum, since too much work would alter the historical nature of the piece for collectors; therefore, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Heritage team seeks watches that are as close as possible to their original condition.”

Kicking off “The Collectibles” program, twelve historical pieces will be offered for sale: including a Geophysic, a Memovox Parking, a Master Mariner Deep Sea, and a Shark Deep Sea among others.

For more information on the new Jaeger-LeCoultre “The Collectibles” program click here.