In 2022, Jaeger-LeCoultre embarks on a Stellar Odyssey, paying homage to the celestial events that have always fascinated the watchmakers of the Manufacture. The spirit and identity of La Grande Maison are deeply rooted in the Vallée de Joux, its home since Antoine LeCoultre founded the company in 1833. With its exceptionally clear night skies, this serene environment presents the ideal conditions for observing the stars and contemplating the wonders of the cosmos.
Since the dawn of history, the movements of the planets and constellations have been used to measure the passing of time, literally defining the origins of horology. And from the very beginnings of La Grande Maison, its watchmakers have continually reinterpreted these astronomical phenomena in the form of intricate complications that represent or even predict celestial events directly on the wrist. Speaking to the heart as well as the mind, these mechanisms go above and beyond their practical function of time-telling, displaying our link to the cosmos directly on the dial in a literal and uniquely captivating way that is enhanced by an exceptional mastery of rare decorative crafts. Honouring this noble legacy and expressing the expertise of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre in fresh and exciting ways, a splendid array of new celestial watches takes the spotlight in 2022.
“This year, the Stellar Odyssey will continue the Manufacture’s journey around the world, sharing not only our creations that are inspired by the celestial theme, but also translating the wonders of the celestial world into art installations and immersive experiences. The Atelier d’Antoine will bring a new aspect to the transmission of watchmaking know-how with the introduction of a new educational workshop based on the Stellar Odyssey theme.”
Catherine Rénier, Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO
A Stellar Odyssey
Jaeger-LeCoultre will host a series of thematic exhibitions events around the globe – an invitation for clients and the general public alike to discover how the mysteries of the cosmos are translated into micro-mechanical wonders that tell the time by capturing the universe in miniature. The Stellar Odyssey exhibition will make its debut at Watches & Wonders in Geneva before embarking on a world tour. Tracing the eternally fascinating story of time and unveiling Jaeger-LeCoultre’s newest celestially-inspired timepieces, the exhibition also features an immersive multi-media installations that will take visitors on a virtual journey to the cosmos.
To complete the stellar experience, the world-renowned mixologist Matthias Giroud has created an exclusive menu of celestially-inspired soft cocktails that Jaeger-LeCoultre will offer to its guests throughout the year. For these eight visually captivating creations, Matthias has taken inspiration from the stars and planets, blending familiar ingredients with intriguing scents and flavours from the Vallée de Joux, and adding decorative flourishes inspired by the Métiers Rares® atelier of the Manufacture.
Throughout the year, the programme of hands-on Discovery Workshops at the Atelier d’Antoine will focus on the wonder of astronomical complications and the celestial origins of time-keeping – a rare opportunity to gain deep insight into this magical world.
Connecting, Tradition, Technology and Artistry
Since 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has forged an unparalleled reputation for inventiveness, with more than 430 patents and 1,300 different calibres to its name. Believing that exceptional mechanisms merit outstanding artistic treatment, the Manufacture has also developed great mastery in the decorative crafts, bringing together an array of time-honoured skills in its Métiers Rares® atelier. For the 2022 celestial timepieces, it has harnessed this tremendous breadth and depth of expertise, synthesising art and mechanics to embark on a journey of discovery through the cosmos and its various cycles.
The magnificence of the constellations and the fascination of sidereal time have been reproduced on the wrist with two new artistic interpretations of the extraordinary Calibre 945. Earth’s rotation on its axis is depicted in a sumptuous new interpretation of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Universal Time calibre: the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948. With its fascinating technical intricacy and everyday practicality, a new perpetual calendar enriches the sporty-elegant Polaris collection. The Manufacture’s watchmakers translate the infinity of the universe through the Atmos clock, reproducing the Earth and Moon’s cycles around the Sun in the breathtaking Atmos Hybris Mechanica Calibre 590 And they have harnessed their eternal fascination with the night sky to capture the rarity and enchantment of shooting stars in an entirely new complication for the feminine Rendez-Vous collection.
These new celestial timepieces – each of them a small masterpiece of technical and artistic savoir-faire – perfectly embody the unique identity and spirit of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
