JLC Duomètre Chronographe White Gold Black Dial

amanico · 2022-12-26T09:26:53Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Chronographe in white gold, black dial. A collector's 6-year journey with JLC's dual-wing concept and Caliber 380.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

75 replies12739 views9 photos

Amanico's enduring passion for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Chronographe is a testament to its unique appeal, celebrating six years with his white gold, black dial reference. His journey, marked by an initial platinum acquisition and a subsequent return to the collection, highlights the Duomètre's rare combination of aesthetic and horological excellence. This article delves into why this specific JLC model continues to captivate collectors, exploring its 'dual-wing' concept and distinctive charm through Amanico's personal experience and community insights.

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There are watches we love for their cool factor, others for their beauty, or their refinement and class.

There are few watches which gather all these qualities. This is indisputably the case of the Duometre, which, moreover, adds a touch of originality due to its dual wing concept.

You all know my story or journey with the Duomètre. Love at first sight since Day One, in April 2007, at the SIHH. At such a point that I ordered it immediately, once back in Paris. It was the rare platinum white dial version. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I had to replace it, but this time in the white gold / black dial version, issued in a limited edition of 200 pieces in 2010. The big difference between these two? The platinum had all the qualities mentioned above, at the exception of the cool factor.

My first Duomètre, platinum case, white dial:

So, after 5 years without the Duomètre, I could finally add it, again, in my collection, on the 26th of December 2016.

Since then, it has been an eternal ecstasy. I lose any notion of time each time I look at this dial, its cool sophistication, the level of details, the different colors of the hands depending on their functions ( golden for the chronograph / silver for the time ) and their refinement.

And, of course, this superb movement, the Cal 380:

The case is good enough for me, but if I had only one thing to change, it would be a thinner one. Smaller, not necessarily, but thinner, yes.

And well, since we are at it, a pin buckle would be more my taste than this uncomfortable double folding one...

I feel so mad about the Duomètre that I would say that, among all the modern Jaeger Lecoultre watches I own, it is my favorite... Yes, yes, I like it even more than my Master Minute Repeater in Titanium, which means a lot!

You got it, it is a keeper, for me. I dream of being able to add at least two more Duomètres, the Quantième Lunaire Enamel and the Unique Travel Time Paris Boutique Edition in white gold!

THAT would drive me to Watch Heaven.

Happy Birthday, Dear Duomètre!

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The black dial Duomètre à Chronographe is particularly striking and well-executed by Jaeger-LeCoultre, often inspiring other collectors to acquire Duomètre models.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre and A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk are considered by some collectors to represent the pinnacle of watchmaking, suggesting both are worthy additions to a high-end collection.
While acknowledging the Duomètre's unique design, superb movement (Caliber 380), and intricate finishing, its price point in the current market is noted as a significant consideration for potential buyers.
The folding clasp on the Duomètre can be uncomfortable; a more comfortable alternative is to replace it with a matching pin buckle, which JLC offers.
The Duomètre's split-second hands appear to operate on the same pinion but function independently, showcasing a remarkable feat of mechanical engineering.
The Duomètre's perceived value and market price would likely be significantly higher if it bore the name of a different, more exclusive brand on its dial.
Another Duomètre model, the black dial Quantième Perpétuel, is suggested as a desirable alternative or complementary piece within the Duomètre collection.

The Discussion

Lankysudanese

Dec 26, 2022

What an amazing post, dear Nico.

And it couldn’t be timelier as I’d been discussing (with a colleague) how he should get a Duometre and a Zeitwerk, as opposed to choosing between the two. Two watches at the pinnacle of watchmaking, IMHO. Whatever happened with your original Duometre (in platinum)? Why did it have to go?

amanico

Dec 26, 2022

Thanks for your comment, mon ami. It is part of the watches which were stolen to me, in January 2011.

keks

Dec 26, 2022

THE JLC to want

This is an incredibly beautiful and cool piece. Generates strong “want” feelings whenever I see one! Hope you find your enamel version and Paris version soon!

amanico

Dec 26, 2022

It is really eye catching. I cannot get rid of it, and believe me, I take a lot of long times admiring it.

Alfihar

Dec 28, 2022

I understand better why you see double... it's because of looking at the Duometre... I thought that alcohol abuse was the cause ;-)

andrea~

Dec 26, 2022

It's by far the best version of the Duometre

It packs a loud visual punch while remaining understated. This is proof that a simple dial change can give so much to a watch.