Jaeger-LeCoultre

I see that some JLC movements have Kif Shock Protection, but I always thought that JLC manufactures all of its own components.  Does JLC have some ownership/interest in Kif, or do they indeed source this part from a separate company (Kif)?  If they do source the, why would JLC leave a single component that they do not manufacture in house?

Thank you for any information.

I think they used the Kif Shock Protection in some of their vintage watches, I don't know if it is still the case.

Why would they outsource this element? Because maybe for a cost reason? There are suppliers which are not avoidable, sometimes.

Even for a Manufacture. For example, their glass was supplied by another company, in a recent past.

Best,

Nicolas

except for the crystal and strap, why wouldn't they just make that last mechanical component?  I understand it may be more cost effective to get it from Kif, it just surprised me that the shock absorber would be the only sourced mechanical piece.

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Master Chronograph, I added a blue Camille Fournet strap which really brings the dial to life.  The dial has much more depth in person, but I have these photos to share with the forum.

I really love this watch...the winding is so smooth, pushers feel crisp, and I feel it is a nice blend of dressy/casual.  Thank you for looking, and thank you for answering my question about Kif shock protection.  It is my first JLC, so I try to learn as much as possible about  the brand.

- Chris

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I apologize, not familiar with the photo uploading method. 

Thank you for looking. 

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that JLC uses the Kif shock protection in all their movements from Master Control to Gyro3.
I am not sure though,if they make all the hairsprings,or they come from other companys like Lange.
By the way,in my mind JLC is synonymous with innovation.How come they didn't use(in a regular basis)
silicium components for hairsprings, levers and escape-wheels like many Swatch brands and recently Rolex?

Best regards
Yannis

From the Manufacture:

" We do not have any ownership/interest in Kif.

When there are long-term partners who provide quality, reliability and performance satisfying Jaeger-LeCoultre standards, we do not try to do it ourselves. We reserve our internal resources for those aspects that can make a difference. "

Stephane Belmont.

Best,

Nicolas

I really appreciate you inquiring to find this answer.   I have always been treated well by the moderators and members of this forum, so I hope to be here more frequently and contribute myself as well.   I guess for JLC it just makes sense financially, not worth the effort since they are satisfied with the sourcing of this piece.  

Aah, and yes, here we treat every member well, and we are looking for ward to reading you more often!

Best, Chris.

Nicolas

Nice 'inside-information' to know.

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