Jaeger-LeCoultre - Digging Up the Past
Managing your Jaeger-LeCoultre watch culture just got a whole lot easier. The
fine watchmaker released a new service for collectors of the company’s
timepieces. Entitled, “Extract from the Archives,” it allows individuals to
assess the history and uniqueness of Jaeger LeCoultre antique and vintage
watches.
It’s a sphere that’s growing in interest. Some pieces may be revealed to be
particularly valuable or rare. “Extract from the Archives” states the origin of
a specific watch, and provides information such as the calibre, model,
functions, and production date. This documentation could reveal interesting data
that simply can’t be attained anywhere else.
Though the cost is CHF 300, Jaeger-LeCoultre puts together an extremely
elegant and individualised package. The pages are mean to resemble a 19th
century share certificate, and as such, precious paper is used. The booklet is
assembled by hand. Moreover, each Extract receives the signature of the
Jaeger-LeCoultre Antique Watch Expert. This Expert is actually on the receiving
end of all the evidence which you gather about your piece. Photos of the watch
and of its various components will help the Expert to tailor your information.
The first Jaeger-LeCoultre piece to ever receive an extract was a piece which
appeared in one of our earlier articles. The 1958 Geophysic Chronometer was
auctioned off for UNESCO. It accompanied an expedition to the Himalayas, and was
worn on what would prove to be the first ascent of a virgin peak there. Thus,
it’s only fitting that this vintage steel timepiece fetched over CHF 20,000. The
money went toward the preservation of some of the world’s most endangered
locations.
Your very own “Extract from the Archives” can be attained by visiting either
the Jaeger-LeCoultre website and sending a message via the “Contact” section, or
by calling the Customer Service department in the country you occupy.