INTRODUCING 'THE VALLEY OF INVENTIONS’ IN SHANGHAI

KEY FACTS:

• The birthplace of precision: bringing Jaeger-LeCoultre’s story of inventiveness to life

• 3 product launches: limited-edition models making their global debut, presented alongside the 2026 collections revealed at Watches and Wonders Geneva in April

• A richly immersive experience: brought to life with live demonstrations, hands-on learning experiences and a special room with a unique ice sculpture

In the heart of Shanghai this September, Jaeger-LeCoultre will invite the public to discover the profound influence that the Vallée de Joux has had in laying the foundations of modern high watchmaking. The Valley of Inventions exhibition traces more than 190 years of ingenuity and inventiveness in the pursuit of utmost precision while safeguarding the precious traditions of high watchmaking. Taking place at Zhang Yuan W4, Lane 188, Maoming North Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, The Valley of Inventions will run from 10–23 September 2026 and will be open to the public free of charge.

Immersing visitors in the creative and cultural universe of Jaeger-LeCoultre, The Valley of Inventions reveals the fascinating story of the origins and mastery of precision through four major themes: Precision and Chronometry, Precision and Tourbillon, Precision and Multi-Axis Tourbillons and Precision and Complications. As visitors explore the exhibition, their experience will be enriched by:

• The launch of new Hybris and feminine timepieces; the Asian presentation of new Reverso Enamel masterpieces; and the 2026 collections launched at Watches and Wonders Geneva in April;
• Live demonstrations of key watchmaking and artistic crafts;
• A space devoted to the Vallée des Merveilles™, a capsule collection of feminine timepieces celebrating the glory of nature;
• A space dedicated to The Collectibles, fine examples of the most emblematic mid-20^th century vintage models;
• A gallery dedicated to Atmos clocks and watchmaking objects, conceived as a Cabinet of Curiosity;
• A dedicated room demonstrating HPG, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new High Precision Guarantee seal;
• Hands-on watchmaking Discovery Workshops: The Precision Pioneer experience at the Atelier d’Antoine;

INVENTIVENESS INSPIRED BY A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT

The story of Jaeger-LeCoultre began in a hidden valley, high in the Swiss Jura, where Huguenot refugees settled in the 16^th century. To carve out a living from the beautiful yet harsh landscape, with its dense forests and bitterly cold winters demanded resilience and determination. Over generations, this resourcefulness was honed into ingenuity and inventiveness – a spirit that would eventually lead to the establishment of the LeCoultre watchmaking atelier in 1833. A constant stream of inventions was to follow – new production tools, the creation of the first integrated Manufacture, innovative manufacturing processes and unprecedented complications. This momentum, sustained to the present day, has been recognised by more than 430 patents.

Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre stands as a true Manufacture-Atelier, bringing together 82 ateliers, 108 crafts and 235 techniques – including 69 signature techniques – under one roof. It is a legacy shaped by place: a rarefied environment where landscape and climate forged the character of its people, whose ingenuity has, in turn, shaped the course of watchmaking history.

THE VALLEY OF INVENTIONS – A STORY OF PRECISION TOLD IN FOUR CHAPTERS

Visitors will be welcomed to The Valley of Inventions by a specially commissioned art installation that evokes the frozen landscape and forests of the Vallée de Joux in winter. A spectacular pine tree, sculpted from ice will form the centrepiece of an immersive show narrating the story of the place, the people and the inventions that shaped the Manufacture. Harnessing multi-sensory cinema technology, the show will feature synchronised physical and environmental effects that draw viewers deeply into the experience. Each of the four chapters in the story of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of precision will be devoted to a different facet of this crucial aspect of watchmaking.

Precision and Chronometry: Chronometry simply means timekeeping accuracy and the first chapter of the precision story explores the challenge of creating mechanical watch calibres that achieve the very high level of accuracy required to be certified as chronometers through a stringent testing process. In the 19^th century, LeCoultre & Cie produced chronometer-certified pocket watches for marine exploration, before developing precision instruments for aviation and for modern explorers and engineers with the Geophysic chronometer. The Master Control Chronometre collection, launched in April 2026, sets a new standard with double certification by both COSC and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new HPG (High Precision Guarantee) seal.

Precision and Tourbillon focus on the regulating organ – the balance wheel and hairspring – whose isochronism is essential for accurate timekeeping. To counter the effects of gravity, Jaeger-LeCoultre developed its first tourbillon calibre, Calibre 170, in 1946. That same year, the calibre won the Neuchâtel Observatory chronometry competition with an exceptional variation of ±1 second per day. Since then, the Maison has refined tourbillon construction and hairspring design, with Calibre 978 winning the first modern chronometry competition in 2009 and inspiring the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2026.

Precision and Multi-Axis Tourbillons: Originally designed for pocket watches, the traditional tourbillon was not intended to fully compensate for gravity’s effects in wristwatch positions. In 2004, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Gyrotourbillon 1, the Maison’s first multi-axis tourbillon, creating three-dimensional rotation to enhance chronometric precision and establishing its leadership in this field. Since then, each generation has pushed boundaries in engineering and miniaturisation, culminating in the 2026 Master Hybris Inventiva Gyrotourbillon à Stratosphère, featuring a triple-axis tourbillon architecture with three titanium cages rotating at different speeds to compensate for gravity in 98% of positions.

Precision and Complications: Adding complications – functions beyond hours, minutes and seconds – requires additional energy, which can affect precision by disturbing the stable power supply to the regulating organ. To overcome this challenge, Jaeger-LeCoultre created the Duometre system in 2007, with two independent barrels and gear trains separating timekeeping from complications to preserve isochronism. Building on 150 years of expertise in complicated calibres and minute repeaters, the Maison continues this pursuit in 2026 with a new expression of Calibre 362, advancing precision, acoustic performance and ultra-thin construction.

A CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

Visitors will immerse themselves in the craft and art of watchmaking, with a focus on techniques central to the exhibition’s Métiers Rares™ theme.

La Vallée des Merveilles™: presenting a limited-edition capsule collection devoted to feminine timepieces. An ode to nature’s boundless beauty and diversity, La Vallée des Merveilles™ highlights the precision of the traditional decorative handcrafts such as enamelling, engraving and gem-setting practised in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house Métiers Rares™ atelier.

New Reverso Tribute Enamel models: making their Asian debut, four unique creations, crafted through a rare, centuries-old artistry of color and fire, subtly capture the spirit of an iconic city. Each piece bears the intricate vision of a 19^th-century master.

Live Demonstrations: A rare opportunity to witness four high-watchmaking skills brought to life by Master Artisans from the Manufacture and engage directly with them as they share insights into their crafts. Hand-bevelling and enamelling reveal the precision and meticulous execution behind fine watchmaking, while a perlage demonstration highlights the artistry of decorative finishing. The programme concludes with a watchmaker from the Complications workshop assembling a Master Control Chronometre movement and explaining different tourbillon constructions – from traditional flat tourbillons to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s pioneering multi-axis Gyrotourbillon à Stratosphère.

A LABORATORY OF PRECISION

HPG Laboratory: a hands-on experience exploring the key stages of the stringent new High Precision Guarantee (HPG) seal, which certifies the accuracy and quality of the Maison’s watches. Visitors will immerse themselves in simulations of rigorous tests, including the shock test, the impact of changing pressures at different altitudes, various positions and variable temperatures. The High Precision Guarantee (HPG) seal guarantees not only the refined aesthetic finishes but also the high precision of the timepiece. This certification is met through a patented protocol that rigorously tests cased-up watches, replicating the daily wear of a watch.

Beyond precision, the laboratory experience also delves into the art of watch decoration, highlighting not only its aesthetic beauty but also its original functional purposes from historical watchmaking. This approach allows visitors to truly comprehend the profound intricacies of watchmaking.

The mystery of the Atmos and watchmaking objects: This display features a selection of key Atmos models, including the traditional Atmos Classic, an artistic interpretation of the Atmos Régulateur, as well as the Memovox Travel Clock by Marc Newson, which was newly launched during Milan Design Week.

A hands-on journey into Precision: for those wishing to deepen their understanding of watchmaking a Discovery Workshop focusing on the theme of Precision will be presented by the Atelier d’Antoine in a dedicated space within the exhibition. This dynamic and interactive workshop includes the rare opportunity for participants to try a key watchmaking skill, guided by an expert from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Discovery Workshops are available upon invitation; participation is free of charge but reservations must be made in advance.

OPENING HOURS AND ADMISSION

‘The Valley of Inventions’ will take place from 10 September until 23 September 2026 at Zhangyuan W4, Lane 188, Maoming North Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai. It is open to the public every 11.00AM until 08.00PM every day. Visitors may register online in advance at WeChat mini program link or on arrival.