In 2007 Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the ground-breaking Duomètre mechanism in the form of a chronograph – the complication that epitomises the concept of precision.
In 2024, the Maison applies the Duomètre concept in an entirely new timepiece, marrying the high precision of a chronograph with the charm of a celestial complication. Powered by the new Calibre 391, the Duomètre Chronograph Moon presents an intriguing contrast between the lightning-fast operation of the chronograph – which can time intervals as small as 1/6th of a second – and the slow rhythm of the moon as it passes through its cycle in 29.53 days, complemented by a Night and Day display.
For Calibre 391, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers started from the ground up to develop a fully integrated movement that combines a manually wound mono-pusher chronograph with moon phase and night-day complications, as well as two power reserve indicators and a seconde foudroyante (flying second) display.
When the chronograph mechanism is activated, the foudroyante hand begins its whirling dance, making a complete rotation in one second, during which it beats six times – stopping instantaneously when the chronograph timer is stopped and thus providing a reading accurate to 1/6th of a second.
On the dial side of the Duomètre Chronograph Moon, two open-worked sections offer intriguing glimpses of the mechanism, hinting at the mechanical beauty of the calibre. On the reverse side, fully revealed beneath the transparent crystal case-back, much of the movement is open-worked and an array of bridges seems almost to be floating above the levers and wheels, drawing the eye deep into the mechanism.
The dial is both elegant and intuitive to read, featuring the distinctive three-counter layout and long, thin hands that make the Duomètre so recognisable. Echoing the aesthetic of traditional sector dials, the main dial surface and the centre of each sub-dial has the fine, almost powdery texture achieved by the opaline finish; in contrast, the broad ring encircling each sub-dial is decorated with azuré (ultra-fine engraving in perfectly regular, concentric circles).
Marking the launch of three new Duomètre models in 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre has designed an entirely new case for the collection. A contemporary interpretation of the savonette pocket watches created by the Maison in the 19th-century, its rounded contours are highly tactile as well as visually appealing.
A comfortable 42.5 mm in diameter, the case is a complex structure of 34 separate parts and the lugs are screwed rather than integrated to enable the use of multiple finishing techniques. A mixture of polished, brushed and micro-blasted surfaces creates a fascinating play of light with every movement of the wrist.
Technical Specifications:
Case: Pink Gold 750/1000 (18 carats) or 950 platinum
Dimensions: 42.5 mm diameter x 14.2 mm thick
Calibre: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 391
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds; Chronograph with 12-hour counter, 30-minute counter, 1/6th-second counter and central chronograph seconds; Moon phases, Night & Day, two Power Reserve indicators
Power Reserve: 50 hours for each barrel
Front dial: Silver opaline (in pink gold case); Copper-coloured opaline (in platinum case)
Water resistance: 5 bar
Strap: Alligator with small scale alligator lining
Reference: Pink Gold: Q622252J / Platinum: Q622656J
Price: Upon request
For more information please visit Jaeger-LeCoultre