Photo Report: The Collector Experience at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ‘The Reverso Stories’ Exhibit in NYC

Just what makes Jaeger-LeCoultre a “watchmaker of watchmakers,” as it’s often described? A good opportunity to find out is on 23rd Street in New York this month. This is where The Reverso Stories exhibit is taking place until November 22, 2023, and where Revolution invited collectors last week to mingle and go deeper with the brand’s most iconic creation.

In the Iron 23 event space, the Reverso is at the center of an experience that begins with a tour through Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history and modern watchmaking. Sandwiched in glass and suspended for your viewing are movements the brand made for third parties in decades past. Historic ledgers noted clients including some prominent brands you might have heard of (part of why it’s called a “watchmaker of watchmakers”). Vintage examples show the Reverso’s development over the years, and a polo display references its origin.

Further meandering reveals the brand’s modern marvels. These include its most complicated creations as well as artistic pieces such as the recent additions to a series of Reversos featuring enamel renderings of famous Hokusai paintings on their covers. Trust us when we say these are extremely cool to see in person. Lucky guests who signed up in advance were even able to pop into a side room to take a watchmaking course with the brand’s master watchmakers.

All of this history and watchmaking set the scene for the exhibit’s culmination: a dark hall lined with watch displays opens up to a bar and hangout space. Here, collectors naturally gathered around cocktails and brandished wrists to excitedly connect on what makes “JLC” so special. Often boisterous, the enthusiast community was out in force and some truly impressive watches made appearances on guests’ wrists. The energy, history and watchmaking on display showed why Jaeger-LeCoultre might also be described as a collector’s watchmaker.

Learn more about the exhibit and book your visit here.