For watchmaking enthusiasts such as members of L'Orologio Club, a visit to the Grande Maison - a nickname given to the Jaeger-LeCoultre by the inhabitants of Le Sentier because of the size of the factory - is structured in two stages. It begins with a workshop that, during our visit on 14 December, focused on the Reverso and its unmistakable case that rotates on the stand attached to the wrist.
For anyone who has never handled a Reverso, discovering the smoothness and precision of its sliding between two rails and then tilting back into place is a real discovery. The workshop put enthusiasts to the test by having them try their hand at assembling and disassembling the case. A job that is by no means simple, and which gives an insight into the technical preparation behind what is considered one of the least demanding components of a watch, when compared with the movement.
The discovery of the Grande Maison continues with a visit to the different departments to follow the birth of the company's timepieces. Starting with the machining of components using different machines and methods: lathes for round elements such as pinions and axles, shearing machines and then toothing machines for wheels, milling machines for bridges and wire EDM machines for steel springs.
After mechanical machining, the watch elements pass into the hands of finishing experts. These craftsmen apply techniques to embellish and protect each piece: they polish, satinise, brush, create textures and chamfer corners, creating unique light effects.
Continuing our discovery of manual operations and craftsmanship, we come to the 'rare crafts' workshop, whose name already describes the exclusivity of the work that takes place within it. Here, operations ranging from gem-setting to engraving, from micro-painting to enamelling, and even hand guillochage are carried out on antique machine tools restored and guided by expert craftsmen.
Once all the components are ready, decorated, checked, we move on to assembly. During our visit, we were able to take a close look at one of the manufacture's most complicated watches. Models that are finished in the atelier of the grand complications. Some of the most exclusive models, such as those from the Duomètre and Hybris Mechanica lines, were made available for our guests to observe and handle: a unique opportunity.
You can subscribe to L'Orologio Club by clicking on this link.
