Introducing Jaeger-LeCoultre Unveils The New Duomètre Chronograph Moon

The core challenge faced by intricate mechanical watches lies in the fact that any additional feature, or complication, inevitably taps into the energy provided by the barrel. This disrupts the consistent and precise power supply necessary for the escapement to perform its timekeeping function with utmost accuracy. In the early 2000s, Jaeger-LeCoultre embarked on a quest to resolve this issue, which culminated in the development of the Duomètre mechanism. Unveiled in 2007 and patented by Jaeger-LeCoultre, this innovation incorporates two distinct barrels and gear trains within a single caliber. One is dedicated to propelling the escapement for timekeeping purposes, while the other drives the complications. By integrating both into one mechanism and connecting them to a single escapement, Jaeger-LeCoultre achieved a breakthrough: ensuring that the movement's isochronism remains uncompromised even when complications are engaged. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre's engineers and watchmakers selected the chronograph as the initial application for the Duomètre concept. This choice stemmed from the fact that the chronograph presents the most significant challenge to precise timekeeping among complications, due to its need for brief bursts of exceptionally high power. During Watches and Wonders 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils the Duomètre Chronograph Moon in two distinct variations: one featuring a platinum case complemented by a copper-colored dial, and the other adorned with a pink gold case paired with a silver dial. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre has crafted a new rounded case for its collection, drawing inspiration from the savonette pocket watches pioneered by the Maison during the 19th century. The new Duomètre case features a convex sapphire crystal and a curved bezel. The crown is redesigned with deep, rounded notches, enhancing the aesthetics. 

Measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and 14.2 mm in thickness, the case comprises a complex assembly of 34 distinct components. The screwed lugs, instead of the integrated ones, facilitate the use of various finishing techniques. A combination of polished, brushed, and micro-blasted surfaces creates a captivating interplay of light with each movement of the wrist.

The dial features a three-counter layout, with slender hands characteristic of the Duomètre. The opaline finish lends a fine, almost velvety texture to the main dial surface and the center of each sub-dial. In contrast, the broad ring encircling each sub-dial features azuré decoration, composed of concentric circles. The moon phase display is integrated into the chronograph hours and minutes sub-dial at 3 o'clock. Its blue backdrop harmonizes with the Night and Day display, nestled within the time sub-dial at 9 o'clock. Elapsed time is presented up to 12 hours, 60 minutes, and 60 seconds, with precision down to 1/6th of a second, and a tachymeter scale encircles the dial periphery.

The “seconde foudroyante” is positioned at 6 o'clock, which is a sub-dial indicating fractions of a second, a complication known as the flying seconds hand. The dial also features  two open-worked areas that offer glimpses into the intricate mechanism. The dual power reserves, each boasting 50 hours for their barrel and gear train, are elegantly displayed on arc-shaped bridges flanking the sub-dial. 

The Duomètre Chronograph Moon is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 391, a Manually wound movement with two barrels that are wound by a single crown, rotating forwards for the barrel powering the timekeeping function and backwards for the second barrel, fueling the complications. The integrated movement incorporates a manually wound mono-pusher chronograph alongside moon phase and night-day complications. Both releases come with an alligator leather strap with small scale alligator lining.

For more information please visit JLC’s official website.