The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee ref. 1296520 in platinum is not only the thinnest manual-wound wristwatch in the world —with a 'knife-shaped' case measuring 39mm in diameter and only 4.05mm in thickness—, but it is also a limited edition timepiece —880 pieces worldwide— that pays tribute to inventor Antoine LeCoultre who revolutionized the art of horology and turned the Vallée de Joux into the cradle of fine Swiss watchmaking. The LeCoultre family would join forces with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger in 1903 giving birth to one of the most fascinating watch manufactures in the world.
This exceptional watch is inspired by the pocket-watch launched by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1907 that still remains as the thinnest manually-wound mechanical pocket-watch ever created.
Since this year we are celebrating the 180th anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre, we decided to do a special review of this watch. This time, let's do it all the way from its unboxing. The watch is presented with triple boxes including the usual outer cardboard box, inner black box and a very elegant black wooden box.
Now, may we present you the thinnest wristwatch ever created. This watch is part of the Jubilee collection, a collection unveiled earlier this year at the SIHH —Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie — commemorating the 180th anniversary of the manufacture and paying tribute to its founder Antoine LeCoultre.
The Ultra Thin Jubilee is one of the most elegant timepieces we have reviewed recently. This watch is fitted with a glossy alligator leather strap with pin buckle making it the perfect watch for a gala night while wearing a tuxedo.
The ultra-thin case is the perfect housing for one of the most advanced manual-wound calibres ever created. The beating heart of this watch is the Jaeger-LeCoultre ultra-thin calibre 849 with a thickness of only 1.85 mm. This calibre is a perfect example of the watchmaking expertise of this manufacture around ultra thin watches. As expected, in order to maintain the thinness of the case, the watch is fitted with a solid case back that is nicely finished and properly engraved. The crown on this watch is very small but easy to use.
This limited edition watch comes with a beautiful white dial with printed black markers and double batons at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. The dial also includes the year —1833— in which the manufacture was established commemorating its 180 years. To complete the simple and classic look of this timepiece, the watch is fitted with 'dauphine' hands.
Because of its slim construction, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size but very comfortably. You can almost forget the watch is on your wrist because of its delicate presence. This is a watch that needs to be worn with a suit or a tuxedo to fully appreciate its beauty and craftsmanship. Unfortunately this is a watch that looks somewhat awkward with casual clothes or short sleeve shirts.
If you are ready to own the thinnest manual-wound wristwatch ever made, then it's time to get this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee Edition 'Hommage à Antoine LeCoultre'.
Next time you are attending a wedding at The Peninsula in Hong Kong, you will for sure have the right wrist companion to go along with that bespoke tuxedo of yours.
Sticker Price $17,800 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
