In 2017, Jaeger-LeCoultre is writing a new chapter in the story of its Rendez-Vous collection of women’s timepieces. I could not expect a better occasion to go on a rendez-vous with the Maison; as I took a watchmaking masterclass with the delightful Isabelle.
An unforgettable experience: the Jaeger-LeCoultre masterclass
It is not everyday that you get an invitation to dive into the world of such an admirable watchmaking Maison, literally penetrating its heart through a private masterclass. This privileged moment took place in an atelier under the guidance of a Jaeger-LeCoultre professional watchmaker, very eager to share her passion.
After getting a technical insight into the world of timepieces – it is always good to check up on your basics – and passionate, endless discussions about the history and main milestones of the Maison, I got the chance to literally take the place of my host in order to work on a Reverso Duo Phase Calibre 986, opening the case with a professional watchmaker tool set in order to study it in details and practice the theory we had seen together at the beginning.
Even better… As she saw how passionate I was, she got me a selection of extraordinary movements to scrutinize: an incredible Calibre 822 in hand chiseled yellow gold, a Calibre 849 (the contemporary version of the movement that was, for a long time, the thinnest in the world), and the sublime Reverso Grande Sun Moon Calibre 873.
If this first rendez-vous of the year with Jaeger-LeCoultre was better than what I had expected, the new Rendez-Vous collection of timepieces for women is as gorgeous as the items I got to work on. Originally introduced by the Maison in 2012, Rendez-Vous is a collection bearing all the hallmarks of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers RaresTM (Rare Crafts), impeccable timekeeping accuracy, unrivalled excellence in craftsmanship and the breathtaking artistry of its jewellery designs and settings.
A new day for the Rendez-Vous collection
The new Rendez-Vous collection, once again the result of the combined talents of the watchmakers and craftspeople of the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux, is a celebration of horology designed for women, with sophisticated materials in muted and sparkling tones reinforcing the timeless style of these elegant, noble timepieces.
The introduction of a moon phase and a new chiming reminder function, yellow and rose gold options, a larger size and sumptuous straps, all reflect the popularity of the Rendez-Vous collection worldwide, among art, design and watch lovers alike.
A rich gamut of colours, including yellow and rose gold watch cases, takes inspiration from the constantly changing light of the sun and the moon – eliciting colours, reflections and emotions to accompany and inspire a woman every moment of her life, whatever the occasion and wherever she may be.
At the heart of every Rendez-Vous timepiece is an impeccably precise automatic movement coupled with the aesthetic perfection of a rare, precious jewel. The new Rendez-Vous unveils the secrets of watchmaking mastery at its finest, both in technique and artistry – from the elaborate ornamentation of its movement to the elegant adornment of its dial, from the delicate setting of its diamonds and sapphires to the presentation of its timekeeping functions.