The enduring quest for horological excellence and drive for continued innovation have led to Jaeger-LeCoultre amassing some 400 patents and 1,242 calibres today. Here, on the eve of SIHH 2013, we present the “Hommage a Antoine LeCoultre” collection.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique is equipped with a new automatic winding Calibre 985, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand.

Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique

The timepiece is armed with a cantilevered tourbillon and when combined with a perpetual calender, the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique represents the pinnacle of watchmaking excellence. The flying tourbillon equipped with cylindrical balance-spring ensures exceptional chronometry. The cantilever appears to make the grade 5 titanium carriage with 14-carat balance “float” within the heart of the movement.

Along with moon phases, the perpetual calendar displays day, month, date at 3, 12 and 9 o’clock positions. Hovering just above the flying tourbillon is the small seconds.

Fully wound, the Calibre 985 runs on a 48 hour power reserve, contains 431 parts and is 8.15mm thin. It runs at a relatively high beat of 28,800 vph.

The sapphire crystal sheds light on the beautifully handcrafted movement; pay close attention to the 22-carat gold oscillating weight, oft an afterthought, Jaeger-LeCoultre has painstaking reproduced the gold medal won at the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition in recognition of the Valle de Joux manufacture’s expertise and innovation. There can be no finer homage to Antoine LeCoultre with this timepiece.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee is driven by a manually-wound mechanical movement Calibre 849, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand.

Master Ultra Thin Jubilee

Weighing in at 4.05mm thin, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Ultra Thin Jubilee trounces previous records for horological slenderness setting a new level for watchmakers to beat. Inspired by the 1907 ultra-thin pocket watch powered with Calibre 145, the Ultra Thin Jubilee is a timepiece of special significance.

The pocket watch on which it is based is in fact a historical milestone not just for thinness of movement but also the joining of the names Jaeger and LeCoultre.

Fully wound, it runs on a 35-hour power reserve at 21,600 vph. 123 parts in a 1.85mm thick movement.

Classically elegant, this slender timepiece packs a bold statement either in the boardroom or under dinner jacket. The “knife-shaped” watch in extra-white platinum is minimalist making it one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most subtle yet eminently most distinguished timepiece, a worthy tribute to Antoine LeCoultre.