Jaeger-LeCoultre at SIHH 2012 – Reinterpretation of Classics and New Breakthroughs

The first major event in 2012 in the world of watchmaking, the Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie, has started and all the enthusiasts are turning their attention to Geneva. The luxury brand Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the high end timepiece manufacturers that are participating in the show. The company based in Le Sentier, which is, like most of the other brands, owned by the Swiss luxury group, Richemont, has prepared an abundance of new models. When exploring the new models, one can notice a few trends. There is a certain nostalgic tendency, with the new interpretations of the classical watches. The examples of this inclination are the brand new versions of Master Control and Master Reserve de Marche, as well as four models with the Reverso designation. Besides, there are a few completely new designs, such as the newly developed Master Ultra Tourbillon and Reverso Triple Date.

Still, the list of watches that are introduced at this year’s edition is quite long, so let us say a few details about each of the models. Apart from the three timepieces that we have already reported about
Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph,
Grande Reverso 1931 Rouge Watch and
Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire 40.5 Watch,
there are nine more fresh timepieces on display at Geneva show.

Duemètre á Sphérotourbillon Sets New Standards for Tourbillons

The first in line of new JLC timepieces is the groundbreaking Duomètre á Sphérotourbillon. This watch represents a certain kind of revolution in the area of Grande Complication models. This novelty model is the first timepiece which features an unparalleled multi-axis tourbillon. The exceptional trait of the watch that is made with the Calibre 382 “dual-wing” movement is the fact that it has a second axis (that is inclined at 20 degrees), in addition to the axis of the watch’s carriage. The new trait enables it to be undamaged by the harmful effects of gravity, regardless of the position. It is also the first timepiece with the tourbillon complication which is accurately adjustable, because it includes the small second flyback system.  Apart from small second flyback, the dial shows the date indication and travel time. The amazing spherotourbillon is also visible in the left part of the face. Jaeger-LeCoultre has prepared two versions of this model.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre á Sphérotourbillon Watch

The first one is presented in rose gold housing, while the other variation is constructed from platinum. The platinum version is made in the limited edition that consists of 74 pieces. The diameter of the case is 42 mm, while the thickness is 14.1 mm.

The Choice of New Models from the Master Collection

The next timepiece that JLC shows off at the Geneva show is the classically designed Master Control timepiece, presented in a new case (with the diameter of 39 mm and the thickness of 8.8 mm). This watch includes a very simple, yet extremely elegant dial with a date aperture, located at the traditional place at the three o’clock position. It is equipped with the self-winding movement Calibre 899 that is visible through the sapphire case back.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Watch

There are three new models from the Master line of products that are inspired by the pocket watches of the 19^th century. The first among them is Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon watch that can be presented as a pure personification of the subtle and restrained elegance. It is supplied with the in-house developed Calibre 982 mechanism that includes extremely light grade 5 titanium carriage. Master Ultra Thin Torbillon timepiece is housed in the circular pink gold case that is 40 mm wide and 11.3 mm thick.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Watch

Another newcomer by Jaeger-LeCoultre is Master Ultra Thin Rèserve de Marche. This watch combines two classical complications: a power reserve (that gave the name to this product) and a date display with the pointer-type indication. It is fitted into Master Ultra Thin Case (with the diameter of 39 mm and the thickness of 8.85) that is constructed from either stainless steel or rose gold.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Rèserve de Marche Watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Rèserve de Marche Watch

The last among the products from the Master line is the limited edition of Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater Rose timepiece. This timepiece includes Calibre 947 mechanical movement with the real watchmaking treat – the minute repeater complication. It includes a striking skeletonized dial and a round rose gold case that is 44 mm wide and 15.63 mm thick.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Tradition Minute Repeater Rose Gold Watch

More Iconic Reversos

Furthermore, there are also three more new models from the iconic Reverso collection by JLC. The first among them is women’s Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin timepiece. It is very feminine and elegant with the dial that creates a mesmerizing play of light. The second face of the reversible timepiece enables personalized engraving. Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin watch is available with a leather strap or with a bracelet. Its recognizable rectangle shaped case made from the combination of stainless steel and 18K pink gold is 40 mm high, 24 mm wide and 7.17 mm thick, and it houses the quartz Calibre 657 movement.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin Watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin Watch

The next novelty from this series of Jaeger-LeCoultre is Grande Reverso Calendar timepiece. Apart from showing the current time, the dial of this product displays the day, month and date, as well as the moon phase. This model features the old case, previously seen in Reverso 976. The options for material are stainless steel and rose gold. Inside the old case sits the beating heart of the timepiece, the brand new mechanical hand-wound Calibre 843 which can be inspected through the sapphire case back.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Calendar Watch

The list of Reverso timepieces is concluded with the amazing Reverso Skeleton timepiece. Fitted in the white gold case, the product features a lovely skeletonized and blue enamel dial that revels the functioning of the Calibre 849 SK. This fine timekeeping instrument is constructed in the limited edition that consists of 50 pieces.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Skeleton Watch

The list of new arrivals by JLC ends with a truly unique and original product called Atmos Marqueterie. It is a clock fitted into a wooden marquetry cabinet crafted by Jerôme Boutteçon who holds the title of “Best French Craftsman”. The construction of this work of art that includes over 1,200 wood and gold leaf elements required hundreds of hours of work. The cabinet has an opening mechanism that is activated with the concealed button. The clock features month and moon-phase displays and is made in the limited edition of 10 pieces.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Marqueterie Clock

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