JLC Duomètre Unique Travel Time 2022 Complication

christianch · 2022-01-05T20:51:09Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Unique Travel Time (Ref. Q6062520). Discover its dual-wing movement, zero-reset, and intricate dial design. A must-read for JLC collectors.

christianch

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

24 replies5148 views4 photos

christianch's acquisition of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Unique Travel Time offers a timely exploration into one of JLC's most distinctive complications. This article delves into the unique appeal of the Duomètre, a collection celebrated for its dual-wing movement architecture, and specifically examines the Travel Time's intricate dial and advanced functionality. christianch's personal journey to this significant purchase highlights the enduring fascination this reference holds for serious collectors.

Happy to announce my latest incoming the Jaeger Le-Coultre Unique Travel Time Ref.:Q6062520 (BTW what's the difference between this and the : Q6062420 ? I can't tell them apart but there seems the JLC site now lists the 420 and this is 520). Our wonderful moderator Nicolas is patially "guilty" of showing several models throughout the year and highlighting why the Duometre is unlike any other watch. Truth to be told I was always fascinated by this complication. I bought other JLC watches in 2015 and 2016 but I tried on the duometre several times. Mostly the Chronograph version but never went for it because, as a very special watch, requires a certain investment.

Today I had the opportunity to visit a trusted AD that used to have many more available for sale. The last one was the Unique Travel Time. Frankly I don't travel a lot nowadays but I couldn't resist the charm of this watch that presents several unique features that makes it very desirable even vs the probably more popular and obvious choice, the Chronometer.

Please excuse the not-ideal lighting but I am very exciting about this incoming that I wanted to post some photos immediately. More to come in natural light in the next days:

I was initially interested in the Chronometer and it appeared that my AD had one in stock (with the partially skeletonised dial). It was already sold any I belive that things happen for a reason

I like more the dial of the UTC with the wonderful globe:

Some other strong points of the UTC: the home time zone is on the right side of the dial. On the Chronographer it is on the left. If you wear your watch like me on the left I found the right position for the time more convenient.

Other strengths were previously highlithed by fellow purist Horo Traveller in this post https://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-2/pi-13045091/ti-1420561/s-0/t--duometre-unique-travel-time/

for the me zero rest is fantastic (I think only Lange has this in the new Lange 1 and other models?) and so is the fact that this is perhaps is the only travel watch with separate power trains for each time display, independent power reserve and the possibility to set the away time at 1 min increments unrelated to the home time.

I spent quite a bit of time with the AD to set the away time as the same of the home time because the globe can be quiet tricky. I hope that we did set it correctly (Swiss time zone, GMT +1, feel free to comment if this is not the case)

The movement has 498 components (vs 445 of the Chronograph and 374 of the Quantieme Lunaire) making it perhaps the most complicated Duometre (beside the gyrotourbillons or other rare models). The case back also features the name of several world cities with the relevant time zones. I found this placement very pleasant and not as clutter as other travel watches.

I enjoyed a lot reading other reviews in the forum (especially the extensive one of Nicolas wearing the limited version and travelling throughout the US!). I also gave considerator to the not so positive reviews (in general about JLC even mine since both perpetual calendars that me and my brother got were far from great experiences in the long run) but, given the now extended warranty of 8 years, I am confident that this watch will be an highlight in my collection.

Thanks again to all the fellow purists that shared some very useful insights. I look forward to the new year with my new companion and to post many photos, even if I won't travel as much

How do you like it ?

Christian

Key Points from the Discussion

The Duomètre Unique Travel Time is considered one of the finest and most sophisticated travel watches available, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.
A key feature of the Duomètre Unique Travel Time is its zero-reset mechanism, a sophisticated complication that allows for precise time setting, similar to high-horology pieces from brands like A. Lange & Söhne.
Despite its complex dial, which features two time zones and a globe, the Duomètre Unique Travel Time maintains a balanced aesthetic that avoids appearing overly busy or crowded.
The placement of the home time zone on the right side of the dial in the Unique Travel Time is a design choice that some collectors find more convenient for left-wrist wearers, contrasting with other Duomètre models where it might be on the left.
The Duomètre line is recognized for its advanced technology and unique design, which was groundbreaking at its introduction and remains significant in contemporary horology.
While highly admired, some collectors find the dial of the Duomètre Unique Travel Time, with its detailed globe, to be 'supercharged' or too intricate for their personal taste, drawing comparisons to other complex World Time watches.

The Discussion

amanico

Jan 5, 2022

The Duometre UTT is my second favorite Duometre, and the one I want to add in my collection, the one which is the highest watch on my list. I am running after a Paris Boutique Edition, the one in white gold, I mean, without chiseled dial. This is the finest and one of the most sophisticated Travel Watches I know. I am very happy for you! Best, Nicolas

christianch

Jan 5, 2022

Indeed all Duometres are really special ! travel now is not as easy as before but I will enjoy the watch regardless always admired the Duometre but somehow I went for other pieces before ..

christianch

Jan 5, 2022

and the zero reset is for me just WOW. I did read your reviews and pretty much all posts about this model before going for it. But once I saw it I was captured. I hope we managed to set it right ! Thank you Nicolas, you should tell JLC during your next visit (knock on wood that travelling will be easy again) that you are responsible for at least 1 Duometre sold in early 2022

christianch

Jan 6, 2022

of course the movement are just very unique.

TeutonicCarFan

Jan 6, 2022

I love the duometre lineup and this version with the globs has a powerful presence. Enjoy! I also didn't know thus was zero reset. I love the idea of that. ALS does that with langematik perpetual and I'm sure others in their lineup. Very neat.

Alfihar

Jan 6, 2022

Love the WT and this UTT… If JLC had made it with a black Fuad and white gold case ... I think this model would be in my collection ... Best Ø

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