Jaeger LeCoultre has stood on the forefront of Swiss watchmaking as a pioneer of the craft since their launch in the mid 1800’s. Today, the Duometre series has found a base of adoring fans who understand the workmanship and skill it takes to create these stunning examples of Haute Horlogerie. Of the many variations of the Duometre, the Quantieme Lunaire stands as possibly their most innovative design to date.
For 2014, the Duometre a Quantieme Lunaire takes on a smaller diameter and thinner proportions, while retaining the relentless sophistication that Jaeger LeCoultre has become known across the world for. The new case dimensions come in at a conservative 40.5mm for the diameter and a case height of 13.2mm. The single tiered bezel as well as the rest of the case is crafted from polished 18kt pink gold. The case back is an exhibition styled sapphire crystal, which allows the wearer to admire the hand wound movement.
The movement Caliber 381 is crafted from 369 parts; each finished to perfection employing a variety of techniques such as snailing, and Cotes de Genève. The movement is fitted with a double barrel system and carries a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound. The balance wheel on this model beats at a consistent 28,800 VpH. For a movement which features as many complications as the Duometre does, it is quite astounding that the height of the movement is just a mere 7.25mm high.
The dial is white and is textured. At the 2 position is the main timekeeping dial, which uses 18kt pink gold hour markers and Feuille hands. At the 10 position is a single register indicating the phases of the moon over a 29 ½ day scale, and the date in analog format. The moon phase uses a pink gold hand, while the date is indicated using a blued steel hand. The final counter resides at the 6 position and reveals the jumping hours. Completing the dial are double retrograde power reserve indicators for each of the barrels I the movement.
Jaeger LeCoultre fits this watch with a brown alligator leather strap, which is secured with a tang type buckle made from 18kt pink gold. This timepiece is water resistant to a depth of 50 meters.
TAGS: Date, Duometre, Exhibition Case Back, Haute Horlogerie, Jaeger LeCoultre, Jumping Seconds, Leather, Manual Watches, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Moon Phase, Power Reserve, Retrograde, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Selfwinding Watches, Swiss Made, Water Resistant, White Gold