For the first time, the watches of the Duometre collection received a platinum case, and an opaline copper-colored dial is located on it. Connoisseurs of fine watchmaking appreciated this bold and original combination. The Duometre Chronograph Moon watch, equipped with a 391 caliber with two reels and two wheel systems, demonstrates the complexity of functions on exquisitely decorated scales: chronograph and moon phases at 2 o’clock, hours-minutes and day/night indicator at 9 o’clock, the blue central chronograph hand for the tachometric scale on the outside on the edge of the dial, a “flying” second hand (a signature element of the collection) at 6 o’clock, power reserve.
The Duometre movement, which has solved the fundamental problem of complex mechanical watches, pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the world of watchmaking and becomes a true embodiment of precision. Check out the four newest models in the collection.
THE PUREST CHRONOGRAPH
The Duometre Chronograph Moon watch with the new 391 caliber is a combination of high chronograph precision and the charm of astronomical complications.
THE ESSENCE OF INGENUITY
In 2007, the patented Duometre mechanism was introduced: two drums and two separate wheel systems connected to a single regulatory body. One wheel system feeds the time display, the second provides additional functions, thus ensuring an exceptionally high degree of accuracy.
EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE DUOMETRE WATCH
A DILEMMA WITH COMPLICATIONS
The chronograph was chosen for the first model of the Duometre watch because it is the most difficult to ensure the accuracy of time measurement with it: such a mechanism requires short but very strong bursts of energy. Since that time, the Duometre collection has become associated with several other complications.
IN THE HANDS OF OUR WATCHMAKERS: LEARN THE SECRETS OF CREATING A MODEL
BRAND NEW CALIBER 391
For the calibre 391, Jaeger-LeCoultre engineers started from scratch and developed a fully integrated movement that combined a manual-winding monopoucher chronograph with the complexities of the moon and day/night phases. They also added two power reserve indicators and a “flying” second hand.
CALIBER
IN-HOUSE CALIBER 391
MECHANISM Manual winding
The balance wheel performs reciprocating movements at the desired frequency (two vibrations). This frequency is measured in the number of half-vibrations per hour (VPH) or in hertz (Hz). 21600
The balance wheel performs reciprocating movements at the desired frequency (two vibrations). This frequency is measured in the number of half-vibrations per hour (VPH) or in hertz (Hz). 3
The time that the watch can be operated without winding. 50 hours
FUNCTIONS Dual Power Reserve, Chronograph Second Hand, Fraction of a second, Hours and Minutes, Seconds, Moon Phase Indicator, Day/Night Indicator, Chronograph
COMPONENTS 482 Gems are used as sliding bearings for pins to reduce friction in the movement of the watch. 54
DIAMETER 33.7 mm
DUOMETRE MECHANISM
Two separate drums and two independent wheel systems are connected to a single anchor here.
SECTOR DIAL
Three dials with different finishes, as a reminder of the traditional sector dials.
ACCURACY UP TO 1/6 OF A SECOND
The chronograph’s flying second hand makes a complete revolution in one second in six jumps.
ELEGANT OPALESCENT AZURE DIAL
This elegant and intuitive dial has a traditional aesthetic: the powdery texture of the opaline contrasts with the azure on all three scales. Adding to the visual interest is the fact that the scales are slightly recessed into the main dial, and the edges of the dial are slightly curved, following the contours of the glass.
BRUSHED, POLISHED AND SANDBLASTED HOUSING
The case consists of as many as 34 parts, and the ears are screwed to it rather than integrated — all in order to make possible different decorating techniques. Matted, polished and sandblasted surfaces play wonderfully in the light with every movement of the wrist.
MESMERIZING MOON
The moon phase display, which further emphasizes the symmetry of the dial, is integrated into the chronograph’s hour-minute dial, located at 3 o’clock. The blue background is visually balanced by the same color of the day and night display integrated into the time dial at 9 o’clock.
CREATED AT OUR MANUFACTORY
Every component of the Jaeger‑LeCoultre watch, from the caliber to the case, is designed, assembled and manufactured under one roof at our Vallee-de-Joux Manufactory. We are renowned for our commitment to precision. All models of Jaeger‑LeCoultre watches are tested for “Control of 1000 hours”. This unique program includes internal certification checks that go far beyond the official timekeeping tests.
It includes testing the mechanism before and after its installation in the case, as well as throughout the watch assembly process in conditions close to the conditions of daily use. When the watch is checked for compliance with our strict standards, a quality control stamp is engraved on the back of the case.
A BREAKTHROUGH IN PRECISION IMPROVEMENT
Before the advent of the Duometre concept, it was believed that clock complications and time measurement accuracy were incompatible. Invented and patented in 2007, the Duometre mechanism consists of two wind—up drums and two independent wheel systems connected to a single anchor. One drum and the system are responsible for the countdown, the other for the complications.
By dividing the energy flow in this way, the Duometre movement guarantees exceptional high-precision operation. To pay tribute to this unique knowledge and the legacy of “The Precision Maker”, Jaeger-LeCoultre is relaunching the Duometre Swiss watch collection and introducing four new models, embodying almost 200 years of our watch House’s commitment to precision.