Benedict Cumberbatch began by observing one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s longest-serving watchmakers Richard Phipps-Carter as he dismantled a Jaeger-LeCoultre 925 movement. Phipps-Carter, who originally joined the company 31 years ago, then guided Benedict Cumberbatch through the numerous, intricate steps involved in assembling a movement’s components with the help of traditional watchmaking tools, while Benedict Cumberbatch attempted to perform some parts of this exceptionally demanding process for himself.
In a series of intimate photographs taken during the masterclass, Benedict Cumberbatch is seen sitting on the watchmaker’s workbench examining watch parts up-close with the naked eye, including the oscillating weight of the Master Ultra Thin Moon Caliber 925. He later admires a selection of Jaeger‑LeCoultre calibers displayed behind a glass wall cabinet in the store. Benedict Cumberbatch wears the Jaeger‑LeCoultre Polaris Memovox, a watch originally inspired by its iconic 1968 predecessor and available in a limited edition of 1000.
“Before I visited the manufacture, I didn’t really know about the ateliers or even much about the Vallée de Joux. The valley is the sacred home of Swiss watchmaking and an area of unspoilt natural green beauty,” said Cumberbatch. “I didn’t know how manual, dexterous and analogue the process was, to be honest. To a degree acting requires that same dedication and attention to detail. We are required to invent and create on different levels, but the dedication and care is the same.”
