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Dje recounts a memorable watchmaking week in Paris, highlighted by a significant conference on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Chronographe. This post captures the vibrant atmosphere of a collector's gathering, emphasizing the shared passion for horology and the intellectual exchange among enthusiasts and industry leaders. It offers a nostalgic look at community events that foster deep appreciation for fine watchmaking.
We just ended a fantastic watchmaking week in Paris !
You certainly have read several posts here about the activities offered but please let me share with you my experience of this week.
An attended conference
The beginning of the week was the "Duometre a Chronographe" conference at the Jeu de Paume museum in the gardens of the Tuilerie.
Stephane Belmont
The conference was given by Mr Yves Meylan, manager of JLC France, Mr Stephane Belmont, head of marketing for JLC, and by our own Amanico, Mr Nicolas Fondaneche!
Happy men
The conference was a success by its lecture and by its interested and knowledgeable attendance. The numerous and pertinent questions perfectly complemented the lecture.
The secret of the Duometre
We saw several drawings that I would have been happy to see and use for this article last year : http://jlc.watchprosite.com/show-nblog.post/ti-367427/
Brasserie Lipp
The night ended with a pleasing dinner at the Brasserie Lipp on the Boulevard Saint-Germain, after a very nice cocktail at the Jeu de Paume.
Tribute to Polaris
The dinner was shared by a small group of friends and turned in a meeting of Polaristi ! Actually it was probably the largest worldwide meeting of Tribute to Polaris watches on that night
Omega Tourbillon Central
The next day was a day of visits for me, while the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master class was going on for the second day (it is ending the 1st of December).
Among the few watches I saw and tried was this magnificent and IMVHO under estimated Omega Tourbillon Central. I should bring Nicolas to see it someday! 
Perfect back
The next visit was for the Breguet boutique.
Breguet La Tradition Tourbillon
I chose to have a closer look at the La Tradition Tourbillon prototype currently on show over there.
Tasty
I've been a fan of the La Tradition range since its launch and this tourbillon is really a cherry on the cake! I hope to see soon a definitive watch.
It deserves a plain back
This prototype was not functioning but I've been able to see its toubillon carriage rotating. The view on this large balance is really a treat.
Try to find a large balance that's not easy
I've heard negative comments about the thickness of the watch and specially its top glass. I have to say that I like it the way it is. I see it as an old 'onion" watch worn on the wrist so I like this "bubble" glass.
Simple dial
After taking a break I went back to Paris on Friday for the second edition of the watch show "Belles Montres".
LeCoultre Grande complication calibre 19/20 SMCCSQ
The show was hosting a very interesting exhibition of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie about "the world of complication watches".
LeCoultre pilot watch
The historical exhibition was very rich for JLC lovers, but in fact for any watch lover.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris
The Polaris we talk so much about these days was hard to miss, as three watches were on show on different areas.
Another Polaris for sale elsewhere in the show
This exhibition showed a great success on Friday, even if the show was not too crowdy yet on that first day.
Another option
It would be hard to choose a favorite watch among those on show but a very rare tear drop lugs minute repeater triple date Vacheron Constantin would be a great choice.
Exceptional minute repeater from Vacheron Constantin
A well known Parisian vintage watch shop had a nice selection of watches on display in a discreet window!
The Reverso below was among these watches.
Early Reverso
Some of the watches were really historical pieces from nearly a half millenium !!!
Early striking pocket watch showing Copernicus made around 1540 in Germany
Apparently many people were amazed to discover that some watches could be so old !
Another not so recent marvel
Still after discussing with several watchmakers and exhibitors it was clear that the overall impression was that the attendance was quite educated in general about horology, and willing to learn and know much more!
No see through back yet
One of the interests of these shows is to allow us to compare watches that you would rarely imagine to see !
Universal day and night pocket watch by Cartier from 1940
Sometimes people have a very recent vision of the horological market and it is a very rich experience to see what was made even 20 years ago.
The simplest Breguet tourbillon
From the picture above to the one below you can see how a concept can evolve and be brought to the extreme.
Antoine Preziuso triple tourbillon
Still it is hard to say that modern watches are more complicated than the historical ones.
Grande complication by Audemars Piguet
It is when you see the really old and complicated watches that you think that they were doing an amazing job, without all the modern technical means.
back side
Then we are just pleased to see that they respect their greatest traditions.
Vacheron Constantin minute repeater
As I said earlier the choice was impossible!
Cartier Tortue minute repeater from 1928
Even between eras it is impossible to choose.
Daniel Roth minute repeater from 2002
You can't choose between complications either !
Van Cleef et Arpels Midnight in Paris showing the stars above Paris
Some die-hard collectors of very specific brands would perhaps more easily think they can choose, but would they be able to forget all the marvels around?
Patek Philippe Nautilus 1977 from the Beyer Museum
You could touch the extreme of wrist watches.
Extreme watch
Let me ask who can make such a calibre ?
This is a Grande Sonnerie calibre from Gerald Genta.
The Grande Sonnerie watch from Daniel Roth
My favorite opportunity was to hear the fantastic grande sonnerie calibre made by Gerald Genta for its use and the use of Daniel Roth. 1000 pieces or so to produce a fascinating watch
Historical Gerald Genta Grande Sonnerie
I could even put on my wrist an empty Daniel Roth Grande Sonnerie. I could wear it!
8 days tourbillon with perpetual calendar
A very handsome 8 days tourbillon Daniel roth with perpetual calendar was showing a new dial, kind of smoked! Really handsome!
Perpetual back
Still one of my favorite was a very simple watch, the black dial white gold Daniel Roth Athys 2. The two men from DR were really kind but unfortunately didn't let me leave with the watch!
Athys 2
This kind of show is also an opportunity to see some watches you don't see in shops because of their extreme rarity, even if they are not so expensive.
Jaquet Droz
There was obviously a wide selection of Jaquet droz watches exhibited.
Simple beauty
I didn't even know there was a Jaquet Droz pocket watch !
The pocket
Piaget was showing a watch with a very beautiful dial, engraved and enamelled (we call it "flinque" in France). Among the more complicated Piaget models this one caught my heart!
Enamelled dial on a Piaget Altiplano
There were not only large brands, or long established brands, but also many independent watchmakers.
Romain Gauthier
The Vallee de Joux dream team was there with Romain Gauthier and Philippe Dufour.
High level of finish
These watches are never exhibited in France except at this show, so that was the day to fall in love….
Glorified Vallee de Joux
All the range of watches made by Philippe Dufour was exhibited.
Grande sonnerie pocket watch by Philippe Dufour
I was not able to talk to the man this time, but his watches talked to me !
Philippe Dufour Duality
It's even surprising that the tiny window was still there even after one day with so many marvels inside.
Grande sonnerie wristwatch by Philippe Dufour
Tha Vallee de Joux was also represented this year by its largest player Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon 1
The Grande Complication a Triptyque was also on show. Both superwatches will be on show in the JLC boutique in Lyon from the 3rd till the 8th of December.
Gerald Genta Arena
Gerald Genta was also exhibiting a large selection of watches. Apparently the steel watches are disappearing fast from the GG collection!
Kari Voutilainen's Chronometre 27
It could have been tempting to leave with Mr Voutilainen's window too!!
Kari Voutilainen's Observatoire
The independants' work range from the perfectly finished classical round watch to the most extreme new design.
Vianney Halter's new creation
Vianney Halter's creation can hardly leave cold !
The Antiqua
The work on the cases can also bring to philosophical approches like the B-side from Preziuso. The time indication becomes secondary!
Antoine Preziuso B-side
I must confess that I'm more appealed by some more classical efforts even from established companies like Girard-Perregaux.
Girard-Perregaux Vintage 45
Still some watches need to be seen to be appreciated !
Andreas Strehler's Papillon
I would finally want to end this week with my new watch !
Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968 Edition
We read so much about it already, but let me say it's not the end but just the beginning.
Horrible pic of a superb watch
Of course this re-edition can seem to lack of innovation, but we asked for it so…..
Nice plexiglass
I'm very happy to wear it now and hope it will wake me up tomorrow!
A diver
Simplicity to some extent !
My watch of exception
Thanks for reading and thank you for such a week !
Dje
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris 1968 is a notable iteration of the Memovox line, distinguished by its multi-crown design and internal rotating bezel. This particular reference is recognized for its robust case construction and the integration of an alarm function, a signature complication of the Memovox series, presented in a sport-oriented configuration. It represents a specific period in the development of the Memovox collection, offering a distinct aesthetic and functional profile.
This timepiece features a stainless steel case, measuring 42mm in diameter. It is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber K825, which provides the time, alarm, and an internal rotating bezel function. The crystal protecting the dial is acrylic, contributing to its period-correct appearance. The movement offers a power reserve suitable for daily wear.
For collectors, the Memovox Polaris 1968 holds interest due to its unique design elements and its place within the broader history of alarm watches. Its three-crown configuration, with one crown for winding and setting the time, another for setting and activating the alarm, and a third for operating the internal bezel, makes it a distinctive piece. The watch appeals to those who appreciate mid-century sports watch designs with integrated complications.
love the standard strap.... i really dont think i'll even swap it out ;-)
And congrats on the Polaris 1968, it's a real beauty! Fernando
And nice acquisition, congratulations.
That was a very Rich Week, indeed... Rich in emotions, and of pleasure, to meet all our friends, to see beautiful pieces, too. And to count a new Polaristi among us, YOU, Jerome, my friend ,and now Brother! LOL Heeeerm, as for the Omega Tourbillon Central, yes, I saw it, and it 's freakie as I like ! LOL Nooo more shopping with you, Jerome! LOL Best, and thanks for this verr nice and wonderful post! Nicolas
Thanks for sharing your personal view. Oliver
To my boss why I was late for work this morning!? I think I'll have to clear the drool from my keyboard later on. What an extraordinary post. Thanks so much for the time an effort!
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