Swiss Watches
The Swiss watchmaker has once again updated its Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre a Quantieme Lunaire series of complicated watches with the Ref. Q6043570 limited edition model.
Overall Impression
Jaeger-LeCoultre is well known for its ability to magically combine refinement of a classic complication watch with mojo of a modern sporty timekeeper. Mixing the two in a perfect proportion, the Swiss-based brand seems to effortlessly churn out gorgeous objects of conspicuous consumption that, like many iterations of Porsche 911, stay relevant for decades to come.
From the technical point of view, the new limited edition model is identical to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre a Quantieme Lunaire moonphase chronograph that was revealed at SIHH 2010 trade show.
This new JLC Duometre a Quantieme Lunaire (ref. Q6043570) is one of those timekeepers that look so perfect, it almost hurts.
Mechanism
The model is still powered by the JLC Caliber 381 manually-wound movement that features two independent spring barrels: one for the “main” mechanism and the other for the chronograph movement.
The mechanism was first introduced only about a year ago, so there is still not enough data to make claims regarding its reliability, however it is already clear that the mechanism is quite accurate for a mechanical watch. Also, it is superbly decorated with its visible parts featuring sunray-style Geneva stripes, as well as the usual screws that have their heads heat-blued and polished. The pair of spring barrels, too, is nicely decorated, although their decor looks more technical and functional.
Case
The case is, too, the same. Still measuring 42 millimeters in diameter and less than 14 millimeters top to bottom, the body looks relatively compact in theory, but in reality -especially for those with thinner wrists- it may feel really big on a hand.
Still, the shape of its lugs and the extremely well-crafted leather strap make the timepiece feel quite comfortable on a wrist: although there is a probability that it just won’t sit well on your hand due to some anatomical features, but most persons will love it, I am sure.
Well, perhaps the crown is a bit on a shorter side, but that’s so far the only potential ergonomic problem that I noticed.
It is also nice to not that the watch is very versatile: you can watch it not only with a business suit, but also with something more casual.
Dial
Visually, however, it looks like a new watch, thanks to the black non-skeletonized dial that makes the limited edition timepiece look even dressier than the original watch did.
Jaeger-LeCoultre will limit the watch’s production to only 200 pieces that will be presented in stately 18-carat white gold cases.
See also: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 43175/000R-9687)
Photos: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre a Quantieme Lunaire Limited Edition (Ref. Q6043570) manual-wind watch specification
Price: $47,000
Movement: Manual (hand-wound,) JLC Caliber 381, 33.70 in diameter, 7.25 mm in height, in-house, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 40
Movement frequency: 21,600 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph, moonphase, two power reserve indicator (one for each spring barrel)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Case material: 18-carat White gold
Bezel material: 18-carat White gold
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 42.00 mm
Lug width: No data
Case height: 13.50 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Brass, rhodium plated, polished
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Matte black alligator leather with buckle in 18-carat white gold
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Case back: Sapphire