Jaeger-LeCoultre New Collection: Predictions & Wishes

Key Points from the Discussion

• While Jaeger-LeCoultre's movements are technically sound, the cases, particularly on chrono divers, often suffer from large dimensions and insufficient finishing. Key areas for improvement include bezel action (more than sixty clicks) and pusher design that allows for underwater operation without locking, a feature seen in some competitors.
• A cynical view suggests JLC might focus on jewel-set ladies' watches, a few high-horology pieces, and numerous thick, noisy men's watches with small movements and boring dials. This perspective anticipates higher prices, industrial finishing, and increased advertising to justify these changes, reflecting a broader industry trend of diminishing value.
• Some collectors, already owning complex pieces like the Extreme Lab 2 and Duomètre, express a strong desire for JLC to continue its legacy of technological innovation and unique aesthetics, as exemplified by the Diving Pro Geographic. They are less enthusiastic about re-issues and conservative designs, preferring the brand's more adventurous side.
• Wishlist items include new iterations of iconic lines such as a new diver, a Duomètre, and a Memovox with a black dial. There's also a call for tributes to vintage references like the Shark or Futurematic Porthole, and even a 'crazy RM-style' piece, though some anticipate the actual releases might not align with these desires.
• One collector reported seeing a new Reverso with a special blue dial, no date, and a skeletonized display on the reverse, showing the same time. This new model also featured a retrograde chronograph, reviving the Gran Sport chronograph style, potentially available in stainless steel.
• Specific desires include matte black dials for the Master Control line, a complete revamp of the Master Ultra Thin collection, and a smaller, cool jump hour or chronograph Reverso. A Tantalum Duomètre à Chronographe in a 40.5mm case and a re-release of the Geophysic were also mentioned.
• The combination of black and orange is noted as a striking and sporty aesthetic, drawing parallels to models like the Patek Philippe Ref. 5968A. This color scheme is suggested as a potential design direction for a new, interesting Reverso.