Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new Duometre novelties demonstrate its mastery of haute horlogerie with state-of-the-art mechanical functionality
“It’s always interesting to note that all Duometre watches share the same symmetrical design, with three subdials resembling an inverted pyramid, along with the use of lengthy and exceptionally delicate hands”
Throughout the year, luxury watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre continued to surprises collectors and watch aficionados with an amazing range of new novelties, showcasing its expertise of fine watchmaking. The maison’s quest for mechanical perfection is arguably demonstrated most clearly this year by the new Duometre models, which became among the most exciting highlights at Watches and Wonders Geneva.
Initially, the maison introduced the Duometre mechanism in 2007 as a chronograph. Following its debut, it has been united with other complications, forming a collection in its own right. This year, Jaeger-LeCoultre incorporated the Duometre concept into a brand-new watch that combines the extreme precision of a chronograph with the dreamy allure of celestial complications.
First up, there’s the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Quantieme Lunaire that’s notable for its exceptionally accurate lunar indications and calendar. Then there’s the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon which enthrals with its technological ingenuity and heavenly splendour. If anything, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new collection showcases the maison’s exceptional craftsmanship in haute horlogerie which, in turn, demonstrates its dedication to producing innovative and exquisite timepieces.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Quantieme Lunaire
As mentioned earlier, one of the most notable among Jaeger-LeCoultre’s novelties this year is the Duometre Quantieme Lunaire (Moon Phase), which dazzles with an intricately deep blue dial distinguished by multiple decorative finishes. This new watch is the first Duometre watch made of steel. With its striking appearance and updated case, this new watch gives the iconic and classic Duometre design a distinctively modern feel.
The most interesting part of the Duometre Quantieme Lunaire is the seconde foudroyante hand, a unique feature that highlights the accuracy of the watch’s movement, namely the Calibre 381. The hand revolves constantly in a sub-dial at six o’clock. With six “jumps” every rotation, the foudroyante hand completes a full revolution in one second instead of a more standard seconds hand’s 60-second rotation. This allows for exact observation of sixth of a second intervals.
It’s always interesting to note that all Duometre watches share the same symmetrical design, with three subdials resembling an inverted pyramid, along with the use of lengthy and exceptionally delicate hands. Aside from the distinctive seconde foudroyante hand at 6 o’clock, the subdial at 9 o’clock shows the date with a hand and the moon phase set against a blue sky, while the subdial at 3 o’clock shows the time, with the cardinal hours marked by applied Arabic numerals. All of these are set on a blue dial housed in a steel case measuring a comfortable 42.5mm.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon
There are two versions of the Duometre Chronograph Moon unveiled at this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva. The first one features a platinum case and a contrasting copper-colored dial, while the second has a pink gold case paired with a silver dial that exudes a subtle elegance. Both models feature a couple of open-worked parts on the dial side that provides a fascinating perspective of the brilliant Calibre 391 movement.
Speaking of which, the calibre itself is a major technical feat. This brand-new movement offers a captivating juxtaposition between the lightning-fast chronograph (which can record time intervals as small as one sixth of a second) and the leisurely pace of the moon as it completes its orbit every 29.53 days.
The wearer of the Duometre Chronograph Moon can see and admire the reverse side of the movement through the clear crystal case-back. The design is primarily open-worked and draws the eye deep into the mechanism. This eye-catching and mechanically mesmerizing watch is then fastened to the wrist with a hand-stitched alligator strap.