Jaeger-LeCoultre showcases its SIHH 2017 collections

  |   23-01-2017

Screen Shot 2017-01-23 at 14.17.45 Screen Shot 2017-01-23 at 14.19.22 Screen Shot 2017-01-23 at 14.20.58

[Left to right: Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Tourbillon Universal Time, Geophysic True Second and Geophysic Universal.]

Geophysic Collection

Created in 1958 by Jaeger-LeCoultre in honour of the International Geophysical Year, the first Geophysic watch remains a symbol of Swiss expertise par excellence. In keeping with this tradition, the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux launched the Geophysic collection in 2015; a collection of several models combining powerful watchmaking expertise with a classic, timeless aesthetic. This line has now been reinterpreted reinforcing its original qualities: a generously dimensioned case, easily legible functions, visible luminescent hands and the high-tech Gyrolab balance wheel to name some of the changes.

For the first time in its history, Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced a flying tourbillon in a watch, allowing the time in twenty-four cities around the world to be read simultaneously. Available in a limited series of 100 pieces, the Geophysic Tourbillon Universal Time watch is a testament to the Manufacture’s remarkable watchmaking skills expressed through the watch’s ease-of-use and operating.

For the Geophysic True Second and Geophysic Universal Time, what’s new in 2017 comes down to one word: interchangeability. With the introduction of a new interchangeable bracelet, these two models are now available in a resolutely contemporary steel version and a sleek and elegant leather version.

Screen Shot 2017-01-23 at 14.49.47 Screen Shot 2017-01-23 at 14.50.29 Screen Shot 2017-01-23 at 14.51.17

[Left to right: Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Chronographe, Duomètre Sphérotourbillon, Duomètre Quantième.]

Duomètre Collection

A striking design, a unique function, and refinement in the purest tradition of watchmaking – the Duomètre Sphérotourbillon combines all these ingredients. Only a small number of tourbillon watches have a clearly legible seconds display with a dedicated counter, and even fewer allow the seconds indication to be stopped. Using the Dual-Wing concept has enabled Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watchmakers to create a tourbillon with precision adjustment. The small seconds can be reset to zero according to the flyback principle by using a push-piece located under the tourbillon at 2 o’clock.

A particular feature of the flyback is that it does not stop the function of the regulating organ. The small seconds hand is reset, and immediately continues its course. As a result, the watch retains maximum precision, accurate to one second, even while the time is being set. A fascinating spectacle is revealed by the cut-away dial as the tourbillon completes a rotating motion that is highly unusual in nature. As well as revolving around the axis in its titanium cage, the tourbillon turns around a second axis, tilted at 20°. The combination of these two distinct and rapid rotations (30 and 15 seconds respectively) enables the watch to defy the effects of gravity in all positions.

 

The timepiece come in a sophisticated pink gold case, a plain and readable dial, polished lugs and bezel, and a satin-brushed case middle – the Duomètre’s signature aesthetic is meticulously preserved in this model and creates a striking contrast with the level of complexity of the movement housed within.  The Dual-Wing concept is reflected on the dial with the presence of two separate zones: to the left sits the opening revealing the secrets of the Sphérotourbillon, and to the right is the main dial, indicating local time and the date, subtly placed on a lower level all around the dial.