Jaeger LeCoultre
Born in Golisse near Lake Joux in the Switzerland, the eldest son of a blacksmith, Antoine LeCoultre (1801-1881) was very early initiated in working iron. Antoine was ingenious with innovative spirit, had a passion for watches so, in 1825, he decided to attempt to the school of watches in Geneva. Unfortunately his training was interrupted by illness. Antoine then associated with his father in the manufacture of music boxes. In 1833, Antoine LeCoultre takes his freedom and builds a watch workshop. In 1844, he invented and built millionometer, the first tool to measure the micrometers. This wonder instrument was never patented but it was serving for more than a half-century as a standard in the manufacture. In 1847, its system of keyless winding mechanism (not patented), which will spread throughout the Regional watch industry (Another system winder, LeCoultre developed in 1861). In London, at the Universal Exhibition of 1851, Antoine LeCoultre awarded a gold medal. The first international recognition is a turning point in watchmaking history and marks the emergence of a competitor of watchmaking English (at the time regarded as the most efficient).
Financial management was not up to his creative talents, Antoine LeCoultre was nearly bankrupt. In 1858, a smallpox epidemic sweeps plenty of its workers. At the edge of bankruptcy, he found support from an old relativefrom Borgeaud family and the name was changed to LeCoultre & Cie Borgeaud. In 1866, his son, Elijah transforms and modernizes the workshop (first appearance of the machines, meeting of all trades watchmakers under one roof, quality standards of production, etc.).. LeCoultre, Borgeaud & Co. became the first watch manufacturer in the Valley of Joux. But the industrialization of work watchmaker was not so smooth and resistance to change was obligue. The decision to mechanize some of the production was a growing problem so the factory was built. It can quickly produce high flows. In 1877, Auguste Antoine LeCoultre and Borgeaud has separated. The company was resumed to third son of Antoine LeCoultre. For many, the name of Lecoultre is little known outside the Valley: LeCoultre is prime a manufacturer of popular movements. In 1888, the company is identified as the largest industrial company in the region: it occupied 480 workers. From the 1890s, the company began delivering its production to the most prestigious luxury goods companies. In 1906, Jacques-David LeCoultre becomes CEO. Under his leadership, the company gained a worldwide reputation. The new director was close to the Edmont Jaeger, the watchmaker from Paris, which the company was already provided extra-flat movement. By 1904, all movements was in originally marked with the Jaeger LeCoultre logo. During the First World War, and Jaeger LeCoultre are very closely involved in the manufacture of tachometers and counters. As a result, Jaeger-LeCoultre passed into the hands of the German Konzern VDO, then the group Mannesmann. A small portion of the remaining capital in the hands of Audemars Piguet at which the company also provides movements.
Today, the company still bears the name of Jaeger-LeCoultre and takes on more than 1 000 employees. In April 2008, the company laid the foundation stone for an new 9 000 m² building. Since 1833, the company has filed over 215 patents. Jaeger-LeCoultre develops its own movements and watches that are appreciate all over the world.
