The Duomètre collection is one of our favorite collections from Jaeger-LeCoultre due to its exceptionally beautiful and highly complicated timepeices. The unique technical nature and distinctive styling of the Duomètre places it in the most exclusive echelons of watchmaking. Based on an unprecedented concept nicknamed 'Dual-Wing', its movement is composed of two separate watch mechanisms connected by a shared regulating organ. A true masterpiece of horology, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire ref. 6042522 is a perfect interpretation of the revolutionary ‘Dual-Wing’ concept, featuring two independent power reserves, one of which, in this case, is devoted solely to precise time measurement while the other takes care of the functional displays.
Things to Know About the Watch
Fitted with a 42 mm 18K pink gold case and a gorgeous granulated silvered dial, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire raises in full glory just like the moon goes from its waxing gibbous to a full moon. Interestingly enough, the granular texture on this dial is obtained by hand-chiseling —with a special graver— the surface of the dial repeatedly in all directions until the desired textured is obtained.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire ref. 6042522 features the zero/reset system for the seconds and the jumping stop seconds at 6 o'clock that ensures accuracy to the nearest 1/6th second when setting the timepiece. This unique feature not only guarantees optimal accuracy, but it also happens to be an amusing feature as one can see the 1/6th of a second hand jumping around as the running seconds hand located on the central pinion sweeps around the dial.
Additionally, the watch features a stunning moonphase aperture with date indicator at 10 o'clock and hour/minutes subsidiary dial at 2 o'clock. For those of you that prefer dark colored dials, the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire is now also available with a black dial housed in an 18K white gold case and is available in a limited edition of 200 pieces.
One thing we love about this watch are the applied Arabic numerals on the hour/minutes subsidiary dial as well as the applied JLC logo at 12 o'clock and the calibre 381 plaque at 6 o'clock.
One exceptional thing about the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire, is that the two independent energy sources and unique regulator, allow for an interesting dial design with two power reserve indicators. One located between 7 and 8 o'clock—time keeping 50-hour power reserve— and the other between 4 and 5 o'clock —functional displays power reserve.
The superbly finished case features highly polished bezel and lugs, while the caseband is satin brushed finished. A convenient date correcting pusher is located at 11 o'clock, while the moonphases are easily adjusted via a discreetly located corrector near the left lug at 12 o'clock.
For precise time setting, the marked JLC crown can be pulled out in two different positons. The first position allows to adjust the time without resetting the flyback running seconds hand to zero, while pulling the crown to its second position allows for more precise time setting stopping the 1/6th of a second hand and resetting the flyback running seconds hand to zero.
The Strap & Buckle
Perhaps the only thing that we don't love about the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire is the fact that the gorgeous dark brown alligator strap is fitted with an 18K pink gold tang buckle instead of a deployant or a folding clasp. While tang buckles are easier to use and a lot of watchlifestylers like them, they sometimes increase the risk of dropping the watch while putting it on —the last thing you would want to do to a watch of this calibre. Regardless, the buckle features the JLC logo and if very nicely finished with alternating highly polished and satin brushed areas.
The Movement
Turning the watch around reveals the exceptional beauty of its beating heart. The Jaeger-LeCoultre manual wound movement calibre 381 is fully visible and so nicely finished that you could absolutely wear the watch with the movement up and the dial down on your wrist. Similar to A. Lange & Söhne movements, the JLC calibre 381 features hand-bevelled german silver bridges and the exclusive “côtes soleillées” developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The look of these bridges under the anti-reflective coated sapphire display case back gives them a greenish blueish tint that reaffirms their argentum nature. The movement is composed of 374 parts, 40 jewels and 2 barrels with engraved denominations. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide a power reserve of 50 hours. As you can see, the finish is superb and you can stare at the movement forever.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size —more like a 44 mm— but with extreme elegance. This is another one of those watches that will spark a conversation wherever you go. Next time you are out and about in Paris and there's a full moon setting, don't worry about the werewolves, the silver bridges on your watch will protect you. Don't they say that the only way to kill a werewolf is with a silver bullet?
Sticker Price $39,200 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
