Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced the 101 Chain, a high-jewelry watch reinterpreting a 1955 model with a sculptural 18K pink-gold bangle. The bangle features alternating bands of black HyCeram and brilliant-cut diamonds, framing a diminutive black lacquered dial and powered by the world's smallest manually wound mechanical movement, the Calibre 101.
- 18K pink gold case
- 18K pink gold bangle bracelet
- Manual-wound movement
- Power reserve: 33 hours
- Price on request
- Limited production of a few dozen pieces per year
The design is inspired by a 1955 Duoplan model nicknamed the "Chain" for its "braided" gold-link bracelet.
The 18K pink-gold bangle is cast in a mold made specifically for each watch, with 36 cavities filled by hand with liquid HyCeram.
The bangle frames a diminutive watch with a black lacquered dial, a "JL" monogram above the hour and minute hands, and a diamond bezel totaling approximately 2.73 carats.
The Calibre 101, the world's smallest manually wound mechanical movement, measures 14mm long, 4.8mm wide, and 3.4mm thick, weighing barely a gram.
Each Calibre 101 movement takes around 40 hours to assemble by hand.
The watch offers hours and minutes and features a manual winding ritual.