WORLDTEMPUS – 17 June 2011
Interview by Louis Nardin
For more than twenty years, Janek Deleskiewicz has shared his life between Paris (“where I brew my ideas”), the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture in Le Sentier, where he today directs the creation department, and the place called Rocheray, located on the shores of Lake Joux, where he stays at the little hotel located there. Naturally, this is where Veloptuous Times makes a stop to better understand the creativity that characterizes Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Worldtempus: How does your creation department work?
Janek Deleskiewicz: It is composed of designers whose priorities are to concentrate on the aesthetics of the watch and other creators who work under a certain technical aspect to look for the best way to integrate new materials, for example. This department has close relationships with the general direction of the company and the different technical offices. The obligation of each new model is to correspond to the era in which it was created while appealing to the public. It needs to integrate the patrimony of the brand, which is rich and important.
What are the aesthetic codes inherent to Jaeger-LeCoultre?
For sure the rectangular shape and the Reverso system of the reversible case. Otherwise, Roman numerals are utilized in an exceptional manner. Historically, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always preferred Arabic numerals or indices to mark the hours. The legibility remains excellent either way, and can offer a maximum of comfort in reading the watch. Graphic research goes in this direction as opposed to an expressionist way, for example. Beyond this precise point, every watch should be conceived so as to be utilitarian and so that its wearer can operate it in the most simple way possible, with comfort being the prime element.
What are the complications most en vogue at the moment?
Our society is becoming ever more mobile. Very often when traveling, it is the second time zone that is by far the most convenient, and alarms are very common as the moment as well. From a stylistic point of view, the tendency is going toward minimalism, eliminating all information that is indispensible. The models displaying only the hours and the minutes are currently the most present on the market, for example.
What is your next challenge in watchmaking?
To realize a beautiful watch that is round and feminine. The rectangular Duetto already incorporated a beautiful advance in this direction, but it needs to be translated into this universal shape. To create such a watch is going to also fit in well with the habits of the watchmakers at home in the Vallée de Joux, who have always looked to make the most complicated and technical calibers, but prioritizing the gents.
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