2013/01/26 - Review 2013/04/10
*Jaeger-LeCoultre "New Productions 2013"
Jaeger-LeCoultre the Duomètre Unique Travel Time
A horological first
The Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux undeniably owes its incredible destiny to the inventive spirit of its founder. Since 1833, every watch bearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre signature is crafted with the same passion, guided by a constant quest for technical enhancement. Each masterpiece, heir to 180 years of expertise, benefits from state-of-the-art research. A fresh interpretation of the revolutionary Dual-Wing movement created by Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Duomètre Unique Travel Time watch reflects the technical breakthroughs achieved by the Manufacture in the field of GMT watches and offers original solutions to travellers with a love of Fine Watchmaking.
For the first time ever on a worldtime watch, this model enables the user to adjust the time in the travel time zone to the nearest minute. The worldtime function thus enables travellers to adjust their time-zone display to all continents and countries, whatever the time-zone difference.
In keeping with the technical and aesthetic spirit of the creations by the Duomètre line signed Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Duomètre Unique Travel Time watch reveals the various facets of horological excellence by the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux. It asserts itself as an absolute reference in terms of mechanical watchmaking and of the intrinsic elegance with which all creations from the Grande Maison have been imbued since 1833. Past, present and future converge in perfect harmony in this exceptional creation, exclusively presented at the inauguration of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris.
For this new movement, the Dual-Wing system is divided into two distinct mechanisms: the first is devoted to displaying the local time, and the second to show that in a second time zone. The two mechanisms share the same regulating organ but each has its own independent source of energy, thereby avoiding the losses due to interaction between the mechanisms. The operation of the dual time-zone display does not in any way influence the running of the watch, a fact that considerably enhances the precision of the watch.
Each mechanism has a 50-hour power reserve and, governed by a wish to achieve ideal user- friendliness, the same crown serves to wound both barrels. The timekeeping barrel is wound by a counter-clockwise rotation, and the travel-time barrel by a clockwise rotation.
Act II: given the complexity of the functions, the finely grained dial provides impeccable clarity. Two magnificent symmetrically arranged subdials lend a perfectly balanced touch to this horological creation: the first subdial at 2 o’clock sets the stage for the hour and minute hand; while the second at 10 o’clock hosts the hour and minutes of the worldtime. Two red 7 and 9 numerals specially applied on the dial pay tribute to the address of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique.
Beckoning observers to travel and presented like a globe, the day/night indication and the hours disc are placed at 6 o’clock, a location that considerably facilitates their read-off. The single crown is used to adjust the travel time zone in position 1, and the local time in position 2, as well as to wind the mainsprings when in position 1. Turning the crown in a clockwise direction winds the standard time indication and, turning it in the opposite direction winds the travel time-zone indication.
Act III: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 383, a remarkably beautiful and exquisitely finished movement is revealed through the sapphire crystal caseback. Its bridges and gear trains are hand-chamfered and feature polished sinks. The moving parts, also hand-chamfered or adorned with polished sinks, are graced with a snailed or smoothed finish. These decorative touches are clearly inspired by the grand tradition of the brand’s pocket-watches and lay new milestones through their exceptionally refined finishing. The engraved names of the cities corresponding to the world’s 24 time zones are also visible through the back.
Issued in a 100-piece limited series in 18-carat white gold, the Duomètre Unique Travel Time watch has been specially produced for the inauguration of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Place Vendôme in Paris, where it will be available as of November 20th. A worthy heir to the Duomètre line, it is a celebration of technical and precious Fine Watchmaking, vividly illustrating 180 years of history while prefiguring the watchmaking of tomorrow.
Ref. : 606 35 2J
Movement :
- New mechanical manually-wound movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 383, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
- 50-hour power reserve for each of the two barrels
- 498 parts
- 54 jewels
- 7.25 mm thick
- 34.30 mm in diameter
- 28'800 vibrations per hour
Dial :
- Grained, silver-toned
Hands:
- Leaf-type
Functions :
- Hours, minutes (Home time)
- Hour (jumping; digital 2nd time-zone display), minutes and world map
- Indication of the two power reserves
Case :
- White gold
- 13.65 mm thick
- 42 mm in diameter
- Polished lugs and satin-brushed caseband
- Water resistance: 5 atm
Strap :
- Alligator leather, white gold pin buckle