Jaeger-LeCoultre’s The Collectibles VII exhibition in Hong Kong featured 10 rare vintage watches, the new Calibre 101 Chain, and live restoration demonstrations.
Some watches tell time, but the best ones tell stories of the hands that made them, the eras that shaped them, and the craftsmanship kept them ticking for decades. Jaeger-LeCoultre recently invited collectors and watch enthusiasts to revisit these stories with The Collectibles VII, the Maison’s first-ever exhibition dedicated to its vintage timepiece program, which opened in Hong Kong from October 13 to 19, 2026.
Held at The Chater House in Central, the exhibition presented rare vintage watches, contemporary interpretations, and live demonstrations of traditional restoration techniques. It also marked the global debut of the Calibre 101 Chain, a high-jewelery bangle watch that draws inspiration from one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s own creations from the 1950s.
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The Collectibles VII Looks Back At The Golden Age Of Watchmaking
At the center of the exhibition is Capsule VII, a curated selection of 10 museum-grade timepieces restored by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s master watchmakers and offered for acquisition. Each comes with an official extract from the Maison’s archives and a copy of The Collectibles book, giving its next owner a closer connection to its history.
The selection spans several decades of watchmaking, from the 1931 Reverso Cordonnet to the 1958 Futurematic E502, nicknamed the “Porthole” for its uniquely recognizable display. Jewelery-watch enthusiasts can also look forward to the 1955 Duoplan Chain, crafted in 18K pink gold, and the 1949 Duoplan Tubogas secret watch, which conceals its dial beneath a sculptural gold cover.
Complementing these pieces is a 16-watch presentation pairing eight emblematic vintage models with eight contemporary evolutions. Organized into four chapters—Duoplan, Reverso, Memovox, and Precision—the display traces how Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designs and technical achievements continue to inform its modern collections.
Introducing The Calibre 101 Chain: Where High Jewelery Meets Watchmaking
Making its global debut at the exhibition, the Calibre 101 Chain reimagines Jaeger-LeCoultre’s heritage of miniature watchmaking through a sculptural high-jewelery bangle. Crafted in 18K pink gold, the design features diagonal bands of brilliant-cut white diamonds alternating with glossy black HyCeram®, creating a striking contrast of color and texture.
At its center is the Maison’s celebrated Calibre 101, the world’s smallest rectangular manually wound mechanical movement. First introduced in 1929, the calibre showcases Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of miniaturization, its mechanical precision incorporated into a jewelery-led design.
Inspired by the 1955 Duoplan Chain, the new creation possesses the earlier model’s sculptural gold links while introducing contemporary materials and a fresh approach to design. The bangle is set with 158 brilliant-cut diamonds, while a black lacquer dial completes its polished finish. By placing the bracelet’s form and ornamentation at the forefront of the design process, Jaeger-LeCoultre offers a modern take on the longstanding relationship between fine watchmaking and high jewelery.
Inside The Art Of Watch Restoration
Visitors at The Collectibles VII exhibition also had the opportunity to watch a restoration specialist from the Manufacture-Atelier demonstrate hand-bluing and pivot polishing, two traditional techniques used to restore vintage timepieces.
Two panel discussions then gathered international watch experts; local specialists; and Matthieu Sauret, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Product & Heritage Director, to discuss watchmaking, collectability, and restoration. Together, these activities offered a closer look at the skills and specialist knowledge involved in preserving the Maison’s vintage timepieces for future generations.
The 10 timepieces in Capsule VII are available worldwide for purchase through Jaeger-LeCoultre’s official website.
All photos courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre
Frequently Asked Questions
The Collectibles VII is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s first-ever exhibition dedicated to its The Collectibles vintage timepiece programme. It features 10 restored, museum-grade vintage watches, a 16-piece heritage display pairing vintage models with contemporary evolutions, live restoration demonstrations, and the global debut of the Calibre 101 Chain.
The exhibition runs from October 13 to 19, 2026, at 1/F, The Chater House in Central, Hong Kong. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on public holidays.
Yes. Admission to The Collectibles VII exhibition is complimentary. Visitors who wish to join a guided tour can register through Jaeger-LeCoultre’s online booking portal at https://online-booking.jaeger-lecoultre.com/atelier/195.
The 10-piece Capsule VII includes the 1955 Duoplan Chain, 1949 Duoplan Tubogas secret watch, circa 1935 single-lug Duoplan, circa 1950 Calibre 101 watch in platinum, 1931 Reverso Cordonnet, 2001 Reverso Platinum Number 1, 2003 Reverso Platinum Number 2, 1949 Triple Calendar, 1958 Futurematic E502 “Porthole,” and 1958 Memovox Parking.
The Calibre 101 Chain is a high-jewellery bangle watch making its global debut at The Collectibles VII exhibition. Crafted in 18K pink gold, it features brilliant-cut white diamonds alternating with glossy black Hyceram® and is powered by the Calibre 101, the world’s smallest rectangular manually wound mechanical calibre. Its design draws inspiration from the 1955 Duoplan Chain.
