Jaeger-LeCoultre has unveiled The Collectibles VI in London — its latest capsule of museum-grade vintage watches, now on display and available to buy.
It’s the sixth time JLC has done this, but it’s the first time London has hosted the exhibition.
The 12 pieces span from 1931 to 2003 and have been meticulously restored by ten master watchmakers in JLC’s dedicated in-house workshop at its Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux.
It’s one of the very few operations of its kind maintained by any watchmaker.
Seven of the 12 are Reverso models. The lineup runs from a 1931 original with its bold black dial and railroad minute track, through a 1931 Dame variant, to a 1938 ‘Doctor’s Reverso’ with a central seconds display designed for timing pulse rates.
There’s also a two-tone steel and 18K gold piece from 1941, the ultra-rare 1972 Reverso Corvo (one of just 200 ever made), a 2000 Sun Moon with celestial complications, and a 2003 skeletonised Art Deco piece. That last one, with hand-engraved barleycorn bridges, salmon-toned dial, visible movement through a sapphire caseback, is the standout for me.
The remaining five pieces cover some of JLC’s most storied models. A 1946 Triple Calendar with Moonphase in 18K yellow gold, made exclusively for the French market. A 1956 Duoplan Coulissante with a sliding cover that conceals the dial entirely.
A pink gold 1958 Memovox Parking — an alarm watch designed to help you avoid parking fines, which is both fun and totally useful.
A 1969 Memovox Automatic Calendar on its original Gay Frères bracelet. And a 1970 Geomatic E560, limited to just 200 pieces, with a chronometer-certified movement in an 18K yellow gold cushion case.
The Geomatic and the Corvo being capped at 200 examples each tells you how rare this collection genuinely is. These aren’t pieces you’ll stumble across on eBay.
Each watch comes with an archival extract from JLC, a copy of The Collectibles book, and a new handmade leather strap. Where available, original boxes, papers, and straps are included.
The Collectibles VI is on display at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s London flagship at 13 Old Bond Street until July 18, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
All 12 pieces are available to purchase worldwide on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s website. Prices are available on enquiry.
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