Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2024, the Jaeger-LeCoultre‘s Duometre Chronograph Moon merges the impressive precision of a chronograph with the romanticism of a moonphase complication.
The centerpiece of this remarkable watch is the innovative Calibre 391. This entirely new movement boasts a monopusher chronograph function, a moonphase display, day/night indication, twin power reserve indicators, and a mesmerizing flying seconds hand.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s inventive Duometre technology takes center stage in this timepiece. Introduced in 2007, the Duometre comprises two separate watchmaking systems – one for timekeeping and another specifically designed for complications. This ingenious approach ensures the chronograph’s operation, which requires bursts of high power, doesn’t disrupt the timekeeping function’s precision.
The Duometre Chronograph Moon comes in two versions: a platinum case paired with a warm copper-colored dial, and a pink gold case presented with a silver dial. Both variations boast an alligator strap with intricate alligator lining, adding a touch of refined luxury.
Calibre 391 offers a cohesive visual experience. The bridges are adorned with a sunray Geneva stripes decoration, demanding meticulous precision during execution. The meticulous open-worked sections on the dial provide tantalizing glimpses of the watch’s inner workings, while the transparent caseback reveals the movement’s mesmerizing complexity.
The dial itself is a masterpiece of readability and elegance. The familiar three-counter layout and slender hands, a hallmark of the Duometre line, present timekeeping information with exceptional clarity. The sub-dials are recessed, adding depth to the dial, while the opaline finish on the main dial surface offers a luxurious touch.
The moonphase complication is incorporated into the chronograph’s hours and minutes sub-dial, balanced by the day/night display within the time sub-dial. The chronograph measures elapsed time up to 12 hours, 60 minutes, and 60 seconds, accurate to an impressive 1/6th of a second. A tachymeter scale allows the wearer to calculate speed or distance based on travel time.
The flying seconds hand takes center stage in a sub-dial at 6 o’clock. Flanking this sub-dial are the two power reserve displays, each indicating a 50-hour reserve for its corresponding barrel and gear train. A single crown winds both barrels – one for timekeeping and the other dedicated to the watch’s complications.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon marks the introduction of a completely new case design for the collection. Inspired by the Maison’s 19th-century savonette pocket watches, this modern interpretation features captivating round contours. The crown has also been redesigned for improved handling, while the lugs are the only exception to the watch’s graceful curves. The case itself is a complex structure comprised of 34 parts, allowing for a captivating play of light across its polished, brushed, and micro-blasted surfaces.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon represents the culmination of the brand’s unwavering commitment to innovative watchmaking, showcasing a deep respect for Haute Horlogerie traditions while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of horological creativity.