Jaeger-LeCoultre | SIHH 2015 Geneva Salon Live Report | JAEGER-LECOULTRE

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

The Origin of Watchmaking: Expressing Astronomy

The Moon and Cosmos: A Theme-Driven Approach to Watchmaking

Jaeger-LeCoultre, a preeminent Swiss manufacture, has consistently explored ways to represent the cosmos on the dial, particularly through watches featuring moon phase complications. From highly precise moon phase mechanisms and the use of cosmic materials like meteorite to romantic celestial displays, their innovations have always captivated watch enthusiasts. At this year's SIHH, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled new creations themed around the moon and the universe, reminding us that the very concept of time is intrinsically linked to celestial movements. These are truly captivating pieces.

Text by KAWADA Akinori

An ultra-high precision with an error of one day in 3,887 years
Duomètre Sphérotourbillon Moon

Introducing a moon phase model featuring the "Dual-Wing" concept, which utilizes a structure with two barrels and two gear trains sharing a single escapement and regulating organ to provide various functions. The moon phase boasts an astonishing precision of only one day's error in 3,887 years. The moon phase disc is crafted from lapis lazuli, finished to exquisite perfection.

It is equipped with a flyback function, allowing the small seconds hand to be instantly reset to zero with a pusher at the 2 o'clock position, enabling precise time setting. The inclusion of a multi-axis tourbillon (Sphérotourbillon), with an axis tilt of approximately 20 degrees, close to the Earth's axial tilt (about 23 degrees), achieved by combining two high-speed rotations at 15-second and 30-second intervals, further enhances accuracy.

A Meteorite Dial Evoking Thoughts of the Cosmos
Master Calendar Meteorite

This timepiece features a dial crafted from meteorite, formed in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter approximately 400 million years ago, which fell to Earth about 850,000 years ago and was recovered in Sweden. Each dial, sliced into thin plates from the meteorite, is unique, making every watch a precious object. Gazing at the dial invites contemplation of the universe.

The layout, with the small seconds and moon phase at 6 o'clock, the moon and day display at 12 o'clock, and a pointer-type date hand extending from the center to the dial's periphery, is inspired by a 1945 complete calendar watch (triple calendar + moon phase). This design achieves a harmonious balance and ensures excellent legibility.

Case | Stainless steel
Diameter | 39mm
Thickness | 10.62mm
Movement | Automatic-winding (Cal.866)
Functions | Date display (pointer date), day display, month display, moon phase
Strap | Alligator
Water resistance | 5 bar
Release | Scheduled for June
Estimated price (excl. tax) | 1.37 million yen

An Ultra-Complicated Model Expressing Astronomical Phenomena on the Dial
Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication

This is a highly complicated model that succinctly embodies the fact that watches are expressions of celestial motion. The tourbillon is an orbital flying tourbillon where the carriage rotates and completes one revolution around the dial in 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds (the sidereal day). The dial displays the constellations of the Northern Hemisphere, and in sync with the dial's rotation, it indicates the current arrangement of celestial constellations, the positions of the moon and zodiac, while also serving as a 24-hour time display.

Furthermore, this watch is a minute repeater, equipped with crystal cathedral gongs and trebuchet hammers, producing a truly resonant chime. As such, this Grande Complication model, featuring three complex mechanisms, is one that watch aficionados will aspire to own at least once.

Case | 18K pink gold
Diameter | 45mm
Thickness | 15.8mm
Movement | Manual-winding (Cal.945)
Strap | Alligator
Water resistance | 5 bar
Release | Undisclosed
Price | Undisclosed

A Romantic Depiction of the Lunar Surface
Rendez-vous Moon

This is a piece from a collection that carries forward the maison's experience in creating ladies' watches since the 19th century. The name "Rendez-vous" refers to the star-shaped indicator on the dial's periphery, the Rendez-vous Indicator, which can be set for important times like appointments, serving as a reminder when you glance at the dial.

From the dial's center towards the 6 o'clock position, a beautiful blue sky is romantically depicted with stars, featuring a large moon phase. It displays the lunar phases with a realism akin to the moon in the heavens. This is a highly innovative design, harmonizing elegance with the mechanical fascination of the moon phase.

Case | 18K white gold with diamonds
Diameter | 39mm (*also available in 36mm)
Movement | Automatic-winding (Cal.935)
Functions | Moon phase, Rendez-vous Indicator
Strap | Satin
Water resistance | 3 bar
Release | Scheduled for July
Estimated price (excl. tax) | 5.95 million yen

Jaeger-LeCoultre
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