The month-long event in Dubai showcased exceptional creations designed for women and offered a glimpse into the world of watches shaped by women
In September 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled “The Dream Shaper” exhibition at their Dubai Mall boutique. The exhibition showcased an intriguing collection that celebrated the profound influence of women on the aesthetics of time and how timepieces have been worn over more than 150 years.
This exhibition took visitors on a captivating journey through the ever-evolving world of feminine style, using historic women’s watches to trace the changes in women’s tastes and societal roles. It also highlighted Jaeger-LeCoultre’s latest feminine timepieces and explored how the brand’s designers, watchmakers, and craftsmen interpreted the limitless possibilities of timekeeping.
Throughout the centuries, not only have fashion trends changed, but the concept of femininity itself has evolved. Women’s watches have reflected these shifts, combining technical sophistication, creative design, and aesthetic beauty in various ways. Surprisingly, it was women who first embraced wristwatches, long before men adopted the style in the 1920s. “The Dream Shaper” exhibition immersed visitors in the creative and cultural world of Jaeger-LeCoultre, exploring the theme of femininity through four chapters: Decoration, Shapes, Miniaturization, and Complications.
Decoration:
In the 18th and 19th centuries, watches were not just timekeepers but powerful status symbols. They were made from precious materials and adorned with engravings, enamel, miniature paintings, and gemstones. By the early 20th century, wristwatches became essential jewellery for women. The exhibition displayed exquisite pieces from around 1900, showcasing Jaeger-LeCoultre’s heritage of artistic craftsmanship. These watches merged outer ornamentation with inner technical excellence.
Shapes:
As women increasingly wore wristwatches, a world of creative possibilities opened up. Time was expressed in various shapes, including rectangles, squares, ovals, and trapezoids, alongside traditional round shapes. La Grande Maison became known for its “shaped” calibres that closely followed the contours of the cases. The iconic Reverso, with its rectangular case, became a design icon of the 20th century.
Miniaturization:
Jaeger-LeCoultre, with its pursuit of extreme miniaturization, introduced Calibre 101 in 1929, the world’s smallest mechanical movement. The exhibition showcased this exceptional expertise in miniature watchmaking, including Calibre 101 Feuille from 1959 and Calibre 101 Reine from 1982, inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation watch.
Complications:
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expertise extended to complications beyond just telling time. The exhibition highlighted the fusion of functionality and aesthetics in watches with complications such as calendars and moon phases. One standout piece was a 1948 “mystery” watch with floating diamond-set chatons on the dial.
Through the ages, women have influenced watchmaking, inspiring innovations and transformations. “The Dream Shaper” celebrated these trailblazers, showcasing exceptional creations explicitly designed for women. The exhibition ran from September 2nd to 24th, 2023, at the Dubai Mall boutique, providing a captivating glimpse into the world of timepieces shaped by women.