Jaeger-LeCoultre, a big name in Swiss watchmaking, is taking the art world for a spin with their Made of Makers programme. They’re known for blending traditional craftsmanship with fresh artistic perspectives, and their latest gig involves teaming up with an olfactory artist rather than the typical visual ones. Nicolas Bonneville, a well-known perfumer with a knack for creating aromatic wonders, is their new partner in this endeavour. He’s whipped up three unique scents that capture the essence and elegance of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s timepieces.
Bonneville isn’t new to this kind of thing. He’s been in the scent game for a while, learning from some of the big players in the industry. His work is widely recognized for its creativity and depth. So, when Jaeger-LeCoultre knocked on his door, he was ready to blend his love of perfumes with their historic horological legacy. The result? Three standout fragrances that pay tribute to both the watchmaker’s ethos and some of their well-loved collections.
First up on the roster is The Timeless Stories. This fragrance takes inspiration from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic Reverso watch. Originally designed with the rigours of a polo match in mind, the watch’s reversible feature says much about resilience and style. The perfume follows suit, with notes of leather, wood, and grassy elements—all meant to capture the sport’s raw energy and quintessential charm.
Then there’s The Celestial Odyssey. Inspired by the celestial motifs often tinkered with by Jaeger-LeCoultre, this scent explores themes of the sun, moon, and stars. It mixes amber, patchouli, ambergris, and vanilla to evoke a sense of cosmic wonder—a fragrance designed to transport you to a starry night sky.
Rounding off the trio is The Precision Pioneer. This scent draws on the watchmaker’s rigorous quest for accuracy and reliability. Ingredients like cedar, guaiac wood, and oud, combined with incense and amber, bring to life the intense heat and craftsmanship found in a blacksmith’s forge. It’s as much a nod to innovation as it is to heritage, reinforcing the company’s reputation for precision.
The partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Nicolas Bonneville showcases the intersection of two meticulous fields—watchmaking and perfumery. It’s a dialogue between the past and the present, tradition and innovation, and the tangible and the ephemeral.