JAEGER-LECOULTRE | Comprehensive Report from the Geneva Salons!
JAEGER-LECOULTRE | The Manufacture
The "Duo-Planétarium" Collection Welcomes Its First Tourbillon
Jaeger-LeCoultre, one of Switzerland's premier "manufactures" that crafts every component in-house, has consistently led the technological innovation of mechanical watches since its founding. This year, the brand presents a new model that pushes the boundaries of its innovative tourbillon technology, honed through its complication models of the "Reverso."
Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito
In 2011, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated the 80th anniversary of the "Reverso," its iconic rectangular watch with a reversible case, with a commemorative collection. In 2012, the brand unveiled a comprehensive range of new models, showcasing its leading-edge Swiss watchmaking prowess. Alongside the Reverso, the collection includes the "Master Control," the brand's signature round-cased watch, updated Reverso models, ladies' models, complex timepieces, and even the "Atmos" clock.
The undisputed highlight among these is the highly anticipated new addition to the "Duo-Planétarium" collection, first introduced in 2007. This collection pursues the precision of mechanical wristwatches through its unique "Dual-Wing" structure. The new model is the "Duo-Planétarium Sphérotourbillon."
This groundbreaking movement features two independent barrels, one for the regulating mechanism and one for the display. Unlike conventional mechanical movements, it maintains the regulating mechanism's operation even while setting the time, thus achieving exceptional timekeeping accuracy. Jaeger-LeCoultre's engineers have integrated an innovative, multi-axis, high-speed tourbillon regulator into this remarkable structure.
Furthermore, a flyback mechanism has been incorporated into the small seconds subdial, allowing the seconds hand to be reset to zero and instantly restarted for precise time setting. This marks a world-first for a tourbillon watch dedicated to ultimate precision, enabling time to be set perfectly down to the second. The 24-hour indicator at the top of the dial and the hour and minute hands at 3 o'clock can also be used to display home time and local time, respectively. For enthusiasts of complex timepieces, this is an unmissable model this year.
"Duo-Planétarium Sphérotourbillon"
The First Tourbillon Pursuing Ultimate Precision
The tourbillon mechanism, which achieves the ultimate precision in mechanical watchmaking. Jaeger-LeCoultre, which has explored its potential through creations like the three-dimensional "Gyrotourbillon," has now perfected its latest masterpiece. The cage of the Sphérotourbillon at 9 o'clock is crafted from lightweight titanium. The cage itself rotates once every 30 seconds, while the axis of the cage, tilted at 20 degrees, rotates once every 15 seconds. This design minimizes the impact of Earth's gravity on the regulating mechanism. Precise time setting down to the second can be achieved by pressing the push-button at 2 o'clock to reset the small seconds hand with the flyback mechanism at 6 o'clock to zero.
Manual winding, pink gold case, 42mm diameter, crocodile strap. Estimated price €200,000, release date to be determined.
"Master Control"
Timeless Classic Undergoing Further Refinement
This masterpiece of simple watchmaking from Jaeger-LeCoultre, characterized by its minimalist three-hand design and exceptional accuracy and reliability, having passed the brand's rigorous "1000-hour control test" far exceeding chronometer standards, has been renewed with a redesigned case and lugs for a slimmer profile. The case is available in stainless steel, as shown, and pink gold. The exhibition case back reveals the beauty of the in-house automatic movement.
Automatic winding, with date, 39mm diameter, crocodile strap. Estimated price ¥630,000, scheduled for release this spring.
"Master Ultra Thin Reserve de Marche"
A Complication for Daily Wear, Now in a New Case Size
This slim dress watch, with its classic dial design reminiscent of pocket watches and popular among connoisseurs for its date and power reserve indicators, has been updated with a larger case size, increased from 37mm to 39mm. Despite its delicate appearance, it boasts unparalleled reliability and durability, having passed the rigorous "1000-hour Master Control test." Like the simple models, the exhibition case back allows viewing of the in-house caliber. This model is also available in stainless steel, as shown, and pink gold.
Automatic winding, crocodile strap. 39mm diameter, ¥861,000 (estimated price). Scheduled for release in April.
"Vintage Chronograph 1959"
Inheriting the Essence of a Masterpiece Military Model
Based on a classic two-counter chronograph introduced in 1959, this mechanical chronograph with a military and vintage style incorporates the aesthetic of last year's highly popular "Deep Sea" replica model, which featured a military alarm function. Similar to the "Deep Sea," the crystal is made of plexiglass (acrylic), as used at the time. This is a rare and exquisite piece that perfectly complements an "adult casual" look.
Automatic winding, stainless steel case, 40.5mm diameter, technical fiber strap, 10 ATM water resistance. ¥1,050,000 (estimated price), scheduled for release in October.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Tel.03-3288-6370
http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/
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