amanico
[JLC Moderator]
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Jaeger Lecoultre Duometre à Chronographe / Quantième Lunaire / Spherotourbillon Rose Gold, Magnetite Grey dial. The Swan Song?
In 2017, Jaeger Lecoutlre surprised us with the unveiling of three Duometres, the Chronographe, the Quantième Lunaire and the Spherotourbillon in rose gold with a magnetite grey dial, all having a 42 mm diameter.
If the Spherotourbillon has a traditional opening for the... tourbillon, the Manufacture opted for the two apertures on the Chronographe and the Quantième Lunaire, when I would have preferred a plain dial.
One thing is really magnificent, the combination of the rose gold case and this grey dial, though. But plain, it would have been even better, in my opinion.
The other small changes: The spade hands, and the baton indices for the dial dedicated to Time which is an element of design borrowed to the Jubilée watches from 2013.
I lost my own pictures of these watches, sadly, but here are the official pictures.
I have been told, in 2017, that the Chronographe and Spherotourbillon are limited to 30 pieces, while the Quantième Lunaire is limited to 60 pieces.
That being said, there are two things which are important, in my opinion.
The most important thing is that the Manufacture keeps in mind that the Duomètre is a very important family which is worth being promoted, defended if you prefer.
The second thing is that it is time for the brand to develop new concepts, to house new complications, and maybe, to revisit the design, for the case and for the dials.
Not that I am unhappy with the Duomètre, I am totally in love with the Chronographe in white gold and I dream to own the Unique Travel Time and Quantième Lunaire Enamel, but we have to remember that the Duometre was introduced in 2007, in the catalogue. In 2019, that will be the 12th anniversary of the first model, the Chronographe.
Since then, we had the Quantième Lunaire, in 2009, the Duomètre à Grande Sonnerie in 2009, the Spherotourbillon in 2012 / Spherotourbillon Moon in 2015, and the Unique Travel Time in 2013.
That makes 6 models, 6 complications... There is some place for several other complications: A superlative alarm, an original quantième perpetuel ( which will be challenging with the design of the Duometre! ), a Rattrapante ala Jaeger Lecoultre, and so on...
There is also some room for some aesthetic improvements, regarding the case and the dial. Better proportions for the case ( thinner, and why not, a tad smaller ), revisited dials... And why not, a bit more enamel dials?
And please, as we are it, let's stop with these apertures, or, why not, let's see a Duometre with a totally open dial!
So, to answer to my own question, yes, I do hope that with these three " Mangetite dials ", we have a kind of Swan Song, you know, the best song for a goodbye and a rebirth!
What do you think?
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas
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Jaeger Lecoultre Duometre à Chronographe / Quantième Lunaire / Spherotourbillon Rose Gold, Magnetite Grey dial. The Swan Song?
In 2017, Jaeger Lecoutlre surprised us with the unveiling of three Duometres, the Chronographe, the Quantième Lunaire and the Spherotourbillon in rose gold with a magnetite grey dial, all having a 42 mm diameter. If the Spherotourbillon has a traditional ...
Amen to every detail mentioned above.
I would LOVE to see a complete openworked dial on a Duometre.
you know that I am definitely in for any type of swan song from JLC regarding the Duometre family but...
I would be first in line for a Duometre Rattrapante in titanium or tantalum and maybe a Perpetual of some kind as well.
We already had the Grande Sonnerie, but why not a superlative MR? I would opt for a special and / or noble material for the members of the Duometre family.
Tantalum would be a top choice. Best, Nicolas
Tantalum would be amazing but...
does tantalum have the sound resonating properties as titanium? We all know that titanium cases amplify the sound of the gongs better than gold or platinum so I would be curious to know how a tantalum case sounds as well.
Something old, something new
The Duometre line is the crown jewel for JLC. It is technically innovative, with strong case design and a very nice finishing on the movement, making the view from the back...something to remember. To further endorse your thoughts, I would also want to se...
Agreed on what you said about the case and the movement. A new case for a new movement ( or vice versa, it also works ).
I also agree on the size. 40 mm is good, 42 mm as well. And you are totally right. If the Duometre was " Patek " badged, the price wouldn't be the same. So, yes, the main thing is the watch, not the brand, even if I am very happy to see that it is a JLC. ...
I must disagree on one level...
While I do believe a completely open dial would be nice, I actually really like the apertures. Why? The level of movement decoration rivals Patek and Lange, easily, and - like a woman's low-cut neckline - it reveals a bit of cleavage, without being nude. ...
Yes, but you can still admire the movement from the back side, my friend, and you have more to see, then more reasons to love it.
And I also have to agree that it easily rivals Patek in terms of decoration for that level of price, and even for higher priced Patek... Not sure about Lange, though... All the best, my dear Dean. Nicolas
that tourbillon is beautiful & aesthetically great...
I love the way the layout takes the calendar function into it But then it is expensive enough to reach for a normal collector. I wish JLC gives a Tantalum or Titanium with a chrono, rattrapante & a dual time ! I guess this would fit most of the buyers IMH...
But it’s got to be innovative and different to the rest.
If you know what I mean. Would be nice if it had another complication too... what do you think?
Thx for the kind reminder !.. As to my own humble wishes, I also would love to add a UTT & maybe a QL.. But if there would be..
.. a Rattrapente and maybe Ti or Tantalum, I would be more than happy to also put my name on such a wish-list ! Food for thoughts.. Best, hs
Simply beautiful
That duometre concept is so good so strong I’m always impressed when I see it
Swang Song?
I hope not. Duometre is my favourite JLC line. I secretly wish for a double split chronograph. I personally dislike these open apertures on the dial. They barely revealed the movement while making the watch put on an "evil clown" face. I hope JLC get rid ...
