The New Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 Feuille; A Rare Delight

What looks like a tennis-bracelet with a twist is one of the most exquisite watches in the world. While it’s diamond setting is impressive, it is what is hidden that makes this creation so exceptional. Underneath the diamond-set leaf, there is a small dial telling the time most discreetly. In most cases, such a tiny watch is powered by a quartz movement, but not this Jaeger-LeCoultre. In fact, it houses a mechanical movement that was developed 90 years ago.

Caliber 101 is a true marvel of miniaturization. This manual wind movement is made out of 98 components, which combined have a volume of only 0.2 cubic centimeters. The entire movement weighs just a gram and requires a very experienced hand to be assembled. Back in the day did Jaeger-Lecoultre develop this movement to be placed in the most elegant of elegant ladies’ watches. As times changed, and with it fashion and preferences, other Jaeger-LeCoultre movements took over the place that the 101 once occupied. That doesn’t mean that the brand has forgotten about this movement, but instead reserves it to be used in designs that take their inspiration from a time in history when it was common that ladies watches where disguised as refined pieces of jewelry.

The watch is made up out of two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds, set in white gold. The dial is hidden underneath a leaf-shaped cover, which is also set with colorless brilliant-cut diamonds. This makes it that the watch indeed wears very much like a bracelet. A crown is absent on the side of the case, but that is because caliber 101 is a so-called ‘back-winder.’ This means that the crown is positioned at the back of the watch, against the wrist; An elegant solution for a more than elegant watch. For those who know, what makes this Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 Feuille such a rare delight goes far beyond its 171 brilliant-cut diamonds, but can especially be found in one of the most mind-boggling movements the brand has ever made.