On September 20 in New York, Jaeger-LeCoultre welcomed special guests to the opening of its exhibition “The Sound Maker.” Revealed at 70-74 Gansevoort Street, the immersive presentation shares the rich history and heritage of the maison’s chiming watches, and marked its American debut of the traveling show previously seen in China and South Korea.
At the heart of the exhibition was a commissioned “Sound Sculpture” installation, created by the Swiss contemporary artist Zimoun. There, with raw and repurposed technical materials, the creator encapsulated the universe of sound to showcase its importance in the intrinsic spirit of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Made with small dc-motors, hand-bended wires, mdf panels, and almost 2,000 thin metal discs—once installed the piece stunningly comes alive sonically and visually, its dizzying movement reminiscent of the glimmering surface of the lakes of the Vallée de Joux.
“The Sound Maker,” courtesy of Jaeger LeCoultre.
“I first got hooked by the sound, like the soft, appeasing sound of the rain,” said Catherine Rénier, Chief Executive Officer of Jaeger-LeCoultre. “As you get closer, the movement of the metal is mesmerizing. Each angle gives a different feeling and invites you to stop, enjoy and listen.”
“The Sound Maker,” courtesy of Jaeger LeCoultre.
At the opening to explore this historic presentation were guests from all facets of the creative world, including the songwriter and music producer, Questlove, the artists Michael Murphy and Alex Trochut, and the acclaimed actor Nicholas Hoult.
Quest Love, courtesy of Jaeger LeCoultre.
Inside, the atmosphere encouraged these special attendees to explore Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dedication to artistic craft and artisanry through an array of historically significant installations. Alongside a curated selection of the Manufacture chiming masterworks, and Zimoun’s dynamic sculpture, were dozens of dynamic documents and materials from the archive’s 188-year history, guiding their eyes and ears to a number of rare never-before-seen pieces.
