The first event to which the members of L’Orologio Club (and exceptionally, to celebrate the launch of the initiative, also ordinary readers of The Clock) have been able to take part bears the name of Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Class and a real watchmaking lesson, held from 12 to 15 November in Milan by one of the company's watchmakers, as part of the BeSpoke event, dedicated to the promotion of top-quality products. The participants, wearing branded smocks and seated at classic watchmaker's benches, were introduced by Claudio Angè - Brand Manager Jaeger-LeCoultre Italy - and Raffaella Guerra - Marketing Manager - to the world and values of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Then it was time for practice: disassembling a mechanical movement with one's own hands. At the disposal of the Master Class participants, Jaeger-LeCoultre provided the 875 calibre: manual winding in the form of a double disc large date, 8-day power reserve display, small seconds. A brief explanation of how it works, from the watchmaker, and off we go! But let's hear from the voices of some of the participants, the vivid impressions that this experience gave them.
"As I commented with other participants at the 15 November event, I would like one a week! The difficulties of parking in the rainy Milanese afternoon were soon forgotten at the sight of the workshop, the scent of the wood of the watchmaker's benches, the pleasure of touching tools and gauges. As far as I was concerned, it was a successful session, with a perfect balance of marketing, theory and practice. The people in charge were able to put us at ease with an attitude that was not too formal, diluting the reverential fear that such an environment can arouse in an enthusiast. If this is the tenor of L'Orologio Club's initiatives, I am very happy with my membership!".
Giampiero Di Ludovico
"The initiative is to be described as splendid because it gave enthusiasts the opportunity to see the inside of a watch movement, to try their hand at the tools of the trade and to understand the difficulties involved in disassembling and reassembling its component parts. I felt so much emotion in handling a watch as valuable as the Reverso Grande Date and I appreciated the finishing touches. The organisation was impeccable, considering that as soon as a place became available, I was contacted and given the opportunity to participate in the event. I believe that the initiative can also generate excitement in other enthusiasts and I hope that it can be opened up to a larger number of participants.
Giuseppe Saluzzi
"Dear Mrs. Giussani, we thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to take part in an event that was not only very interesting but also unique. It was a new experience for us, which enriched us greatly from both a historical and 'technical' point of view.
We were introduced to this historic watchmaker, explaining the most salient stages that led it to become what it is today, one of the world's greatest haute horlogerie houses. The 'technical' part, in which we first studied the movement and then tried to take it apart in some of its parts, was the most exciting and beautiful moment of the entire meeting, because we entered into the heart of a watch and grasped the 'secrets' that move this perfect machine. And it was done like real technicians, complete with lab coat and 'tools of the trade', immersing us, if only for a few hours, in a fascinating world that was unknown to us. It was a unique meeting from our point of view, because I have never heard of other Maisons organising something like this, and this makes you realise how much Jaeger-LeCoultre wants to make known not only its own brand, which is already known throughout the world, but also what is hidden inside the case, which is the beating heart of a watch. As well as coming out of this meeting enriched and enthusiastic, we were literally "enraptured" by this Maison, so much so that we are planning to purchase a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso fitted with the movement we had the honour of examining.
Luca Piantanida and Lucrezia Monastro
"The hospitality and organisation were excellent. The presentations by Raffaella Guerra and master watchmaker Pasini were very clear, with the assistance of a very effective video. What struck me, however, was the use of high-end manufacture movements, which animate the Reverso Gran Data, for a beginners' course. I would have expected some old 'disposable' movements, perhaps anonymous and of modest standard. The biggest thrill was then when I was able to touch with my own hands what micromechanics really is, getting a feeling that years of articles and photographs cannot convey: the incredible lightness of the parts (all it takes is a breath a little deeper and a component can end up who knows where). I believe that the escape wheel of the Reverso, which we practised reassembling with the most disparate results, will populate my memories (and even some dreams) for a long time.
Giovanni Arosio
