Jaeger-LeCoultre’s smallest mechanical movement, Calibre 101, is reimagined in the stunning 101 Secrets watch crafted in Platinum 950.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Calibre 101 collection has long been a symbol in watchmaking and the latest addition, the 101 Secrets in Platinum 950, elevates this legacy to greater heights. This luxurious timepiece, set with over 1,000 diamonds, represents the perfect blend of artistry, innovation and technical sophistication.
The heart of the watch lies in the Calibre 101 movement, a marvel of miniaturisation that was first introduced in 1929. Weighing just one gram and consisting of 98 intricately assembled components, this manuallywound movement remains the smallest mechanical movement in the world. Despite its diminutive size, it delivers a power reserve of 33 hours, exemplifying the maison’s dedication to precision. The watchmaker’s focus on precision dates back to its founder, Antoine LeCoultre, who, in 1833, pioneered the development of his own tools to create highly accurate calibres. The Calibre 101 continues this tradition, embodying the essence of fine watchmaking, where both technical achievement and aesthetic appeal are paramount.
True to its name, the 101 Secrets incorporates two secrets. The first is the dial, discreetly concealed beneath a cascade of diamonds, which opens to reveal the time. The second lies in the mechanism that activates the dial cover, allowing the wearer to unveil the time with a subtle press of a diamond-set button. The idea of secret watches can be traced back to the 19th century when they were designed to protect the glass and the delicate workings of pocket watches. In this modern interpretation, the secret watch becomes a fusion of functionality and jewellery, blurring the lines between haute horlogerie and high jewellery.
Crafting the watch required an extraordinary marriage of techniques and technology. More than 15 areas of expertise came together to create this intricate piece, from CAD design and 3D printing to centuries-old gem-setting skills. The timepiece’s platinum case and bracelet presented their own challenges, as platinum is significantly harder to work with than gold. However, its lustrous whiteness enhances the brilliance of the diamonds, creating an extraordinary play of light that dances across the wrist. The bracelet alone features 1,028 diamonds, totalling more than 26 carats, each stone carefully positioned using a combination of grain-set and griffe-set techniques.
Every detail of the watch reflects the meticulous craftsmanship housed in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares atelier. The Art Deco-inspired design, with its perfectly symmetrical rows of diamonds, demonstrates the maison’s deep reverence for tradition while embracing continuous innovation. This limited-production timepiece embodies the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence, blending technical mastery with exceptional beauty.
Jaeger-LeCoultre collections are available at
Bahrain Jewellery Centre (BIC).
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