SIHH 2010: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Lady Tourbillon Feathers

At this year’s SIHH 2010 event the Swiss watch maker Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced a number of ladies watches. Among them, the new Master Lady Tourbillon Feathers looks the most appealing.

I am not the greatest expert on ladies watches, so, to make the experiment more scientifically correct, I showed pictures of this little piece of expensive gadget to my wife. Friends, what a terrible mistake it was!

Although clearly preferring watches from 12 mm to 20 mm in diameter, she absolutely fell in love with this model, which is presented in an oversized, but very slim, rose gold (Ref. 3412401) or white gold (Ref. 3413401) body whole 39 millimeters in diameter.

The new watch is animated by the relatively new (it was unveiled about three years ago) JLC Cailbre 978 self-winding base movement.

Crafted totally in-house and sporting a tourbillon escapement, which is clearly visible at 6 o’clock, this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Lady Tourbillon Feathers still doesn’t look overly complicated.

Unlike many other watches that are designed for men, this one features a tourbillon carriage that doesn’t intimidate with its technical sophistication, but rather entertains with its dozens of diamonds, blued screws and meticulously crafted parts.

Of course, featuring numerous mother-of-pearl inserts that look like an Art deco representation of Manhattan skyline, real feathers (omg!) and about half a pound of diamonds, this one is a pricey gadget and is certainly not among the most affordable gift ideas for the Valentines Day, which is rushing on us with a terrifying speed of a MagLev train.

Photos: Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Lady Tourbillon Feathers watch specification

Price range: N/A, expensive
Movement: JLC Calibre 978, automatic, 302 parts, 33 jewels, 28,800 vph, in-house, 7.05 mm high
Complications: Tourbillon regulator
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case material: 18-carat pink gold (Ref. 3412401) or 18-carat white gold (Ref. 3413401)
Bezel material: 18-carat pink gold (Ref. 3412401) or 18-carat white gold (Ref. 3413401) studded with 315 and 341 diamonds respectively
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire crystal caseback
Case size: 39.0 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: Mother or pearl, feathers and diamonds
Numerals: N/A
Hands: White or pink gold
Strap: Satin, alligator leather with gold folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 meters