JLC Masterclass - Part 1: disassembling the Cal. 875

Last weekend, I was invited by the JLC Boutique in Lucerne to attend the "JLC Master Class" Finally I would have the chance to lay my hands on a Jeager LeCoultre movement….

8.33: Leaving home…. (yes, I know, it is the wrong watch for the JLC masterclass…but the only JLC I own yet has the size of a brick – it is an vintage ADOS alarm clock)

That was quick: arrived at the venue. Less than ten minutes by public transport

Everything is ready. 7 watchmakers benches have been set up for us

Still have time for a shot from the balcony: Lake Lucerne

A bit cloudy this morning: the summer seems over

Mr. Rochat, the Watchmaker from JLC Le Sentier, and Mr. Torres, responsible for the Swiss market at JLC, are preparing for the class.

Welcome by the hosts: Mrs Born of the JLC Boutique Lucerne, Mr. Faessler from Bank Sarasin, who provide the room, and Mr. Torres and Mr. Rochat

My working place for this morning: Looks kind of different to my regular desk, but very intriguing

Here we go: the task of the morning is to disassemble and assemble the Cal. 875, the 8 day power reserve movement used in the Reverso. To make it a bit simpler for us, the escapement has already been removed. (Except the escapement wheel)

Mr. Rochat explains us watchmaking "students" how to remove one part after the other

First part done: escapement wheel, bridges and spring barrels removed.

The base plate, stripped pretty much of everything. That was the easy part….

Spring barrel, Center wheel and bridge. The screws are soooo small….in only realize this now.

(End of Part 1)