Harrods Mark 180th Anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre
The prestigious British department store Harrods is celebrating the 180th anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre in style. The windows at the Harrods store on Brompton Road in the tony Knightsbridge neighborhood of London will be devoted to the Swiss watch manufacturer. One window will be dedicated to the Swiss company’s most complicated sonnerie, the Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie (which can chime the iconic melody of Westminster’s ‘Big Ben’ clock).
Hidden behind the Grande Sonnerie window, Harrods visitors can also discover a secret high complication room. A collector’s paradise, this room houses, for the first time in the UK the eight leading pieces of the Hybris Mechanica creations of the manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre and the very latest ‘Tribute to Antoine LeCoultre Jubilee watches’. Throughout the month of May, the store will recreate the world of Jaeger-LeCoultre, from a recreation of founder Antoine LeCoultre’s original 1833 workshop to a display of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 1,242 calibres, including the revolutionary Atmos clock. The manufacture will have experts on hand to demonstrate Jaeger-LeCoultre’s horological know-how, demonstrating the incredible work that goes into everything from the pinions and to the dial. Three different techniques mastered by Jaeger-LeCoultre will be featured; engraving (May 13-19, enameling (May 20-25) and gem setting (May 26-31).
Jérôme Lambert, the CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, told Spears, “One hundred and eighty years after the founding of our manufacture in Switzerland, Jaeger-LeCoultre has a following of watch connoisseurs in all corners of the world. Harrods truly being a “window to the world”, what better place to showcase the talent and expertise of the manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre in the very windows of this iconic destination?’
Meanwhile the managing director of Harrods, Michael Ward, said, “As luxury brand leaders we share an esteemed history and a great understanding of the true notion of luxury. Harrods continues to position itself as a global market leader within the fine watch industry and our partnership with Jaeger-LeCoultre enables us to further strengthen that reputation.’
The Jaeger-LeCoultre exhibition will be on view from May 6-31 at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL. Those who wish to attend the classes are encouraged to contact Harrods on +44 207 730 1234 to reserve a place. Participation is free but a donation to the Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts is encouraged.
