Master of masterpieces

We meet Janek Deleskiewicz, Design and Artistic Director, Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, whose creative pursuits lead to a treasure trove of horological works of art. He talks about the brand that is innovative but still loyal to its past and even supports UNESCO’s charity missions.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

We have just presented the new ladies Rendez-Vous Ivy collection and I have had lots of positive feedback from all around the world! It is very inspiring! I live between Vallée de Joux, Switzerland and Paris and I travel a lot. It is often the encounters with clients and friends of the Brand that give me new ideas.

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When and how, did your journey with design begin?

Upon completing my training as an industrial designer, I began working in the Ford Industries development bureau in Bordeaux. In 1977, I moved to Paris, where I took part in organising art and design exhibitions in the Pompidou Centre, in the Louvre and in the Grand Palais. I then joined the Edouard Maurel design studio, where I worked on projects for Citroën Industries, and on a number of cultural and commercial exhibitions.

For how long, have you been associated with Jaeger-LeCoultre?

For 28 years! I started first, thanks to an encounter with the then CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, Henry-John Belmont. I began working with the Manufacture in 1987 first as a design consultant.

What is the most challenging aspect about being the Artistic and Creative Director at a Manufacture like Jaeger-LeCoultre?

Time, in both figurative and literal senses. We create objects that should last in time… our work is not ephemeral.

What do you admire the most about your work? And what drives you?

I admire the work of people that surround me. The execution that often surpasses expectations. Jaeger-LeCoultre products are unique. No other company makes perpetual clocks such as Atmos or reversible watches such as the Reverso. These objects have existed for over 80 years and still look contemporary and trendy.

I am driven by natural curiosity. I always want to understand how this works. The creative drive comes from within me. And it has always been like this.

How would you define Jaeger-LeCoultre’s design sensibilities? Have they evolved over the years?

The design codes are historical marks adapted to the contemporary expression of our clients’ desires. The design codes are our references. We are in continuous research of refining them each year using the savoir-faire of Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. Refinement and savoir-faire are inherent qualities of a luxury product.

How flexible are the design parameters? Does it have room for innovation; especially, if it is in contrast to its core sensibilities?

It is the force of innovation that is driving us in our work. The innovation and design parameters of each object go hand in hand, there is no contrast, one aspect mirrors another, and there is no contrast.

As a brand, is Jaeger-LeCoultre more design oriented or is technology more pivotal. How are the two balanced?

There is no split between the two, these are two complementary elements. In the breakthrough technical projects, it is the function that defines the form. As for example is the case with the Extreme Lab watch from 2007. In case of the Rendez-Vous Moon ladies watch, it is the form that defined the function. But behind each creation there is always a joint work of a designer and an engineer.

What all have been Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most historic collections so far, including the famed pocket watches? Tell us about some of the inspirations behind them?

Since its creation, Jaeger-LeCoultre has invented 1200 mechanisms for its watches. In the 19th century there was no serial production, so each watch was produced as a work of art in one single piece. It is in the 1930s, with the creation of Reverso, that we started speaking of collections. We always refer to the past. The spirit of the past is preserved in all our contemporary creations, in their style codes – Atmos, Master, Reverso or Rendez-Vous collection are rooted in the past with their resolutely contemporary materials, movements and best modern reliability standards.

Would you please elaborate more on the Rendez-Vous Ivy collection?

It is inspired by the Ivy, the symbol of love and loyalty that is linked to fairy tales and legends. This symbol of love and friendship. The Ivy Secret watch is inspired by some of our secret watches, it is an astounding work of jewellery and gem-setting. The Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater is the first Jaeger-LeCoultre watch with a chime created especially for women. And the Ivy Tourbillon will capture anyone by the colour of its dial, the very rare plum shade of enamel.

How would you define a Jaeger-LeCoultre client or watch wearer?

Someone with a sensitive heart, spontaneous nature and passionate character.

Which living person do you most admire?

It is hard to name one, but I will choose Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO who I have recently met. She devotes her life to defending causes that are important for the planet. She is a hard worker and there is a deep meaning to what she does. I am proud that Jaeger-LeCoultre supports UNESCO in its missions.

And who would want to custom-make a piece for?

I usually do not have one single person in mind while creating a new watch… each project is a work of imagination.

Finally how do you unwind to recharge?

I play saxophone, I love jazz. It is the music where we break the rules all the time. It is spontaneous creation. And the same notes can express sadness, nostalgic tones, cheerful mood.