Tiny Triumph

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 is the smallest mechanical movement in the world, and it has revolutionised luxury watches for women

- Chitra Lohani Saharan

In June of 1953, Westminster Abbey witnessed a landmark moment, the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II. All of 25 and with the world's eyes on her, the queen wore a white silk dress embroidered with floral emblems of the Commonwealth countries of the time, and completed the look with diamond studded earrings and necklace, and a pink-gold, diamond-studded slender bracelet watch. This was the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 Reine, which featured 110 pavé set diamonds, totalling 11K, in two adjacent rows with a silvered opaline dial at the centre. The watch measured 18.35mm x 6.80mm x 5.47mm, and was gifted by the former president of France, Vincent Auriol, when the queen was still a princess.

It was a fitting watch: While the ceremony broke records for being the first of its kind to be aired globally and watched by millions, the Calibre 101 carried the title of being the smallest mechanical movement ever created. And it still holds that title today. In 2012, on the 60th anniversary of the queen's coronation, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented to her another Calibre 101, a white-gold piece, as a tribute to the one she wore on that day. "Over the decades, the Calibre 101 has been a symbol of elegance and sophistication, particularly in women's watchmaking," says Matthieu Le Voyer, Chief Marketing Officer of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Undoubtedly, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Calibre 101 is iconic, a mechanical marvel most sought-after for bejewelled ladies' watches.

It is not just a milestone development for the brand, but also a turning point in watchmaking history. The Calibre 101 was presented in 1929 and measured 14mm in length, 4.8mm in width, and 3.4mm in height.