Thread: Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Sphérotourbillon

When Jaeger-LeCoultre began reflecting in parallel on a new chronograph movement capable of maintaining the same precision, whether or not the chronograph function were activated, watchmakers did not imagine that they were going to create a whole new watch movement concept. The latter proved so innovative that it paved the way for unprecedented functions and gave rise to the Duomètre line.

The principle behind the revolutionary Dual-Wing concept involves two independent mechanisms, each with its own source of energy, but sharing a common regulating organ. This principle gave rise to the first chronograph maintaining the same level of precision whether in chronograph on or off mode, the first calendar-display watch adjustable to the nearest 1/6th of a second, and the first Grande Sonnerie model to faithfully reproduce the tune chimed by Big Ben.



Another distinctive feature of the Duomètre line is the arrangement of the dial displays, which reflects the dual structure of the Dual-Wing concept. An hour display off-centred along the 3 – 9 o’clock axis; twin indications of the respective power reserves; hands in two different colours; grained silver-toned finish: all these fascinating details combine to endow each of the Duomètre models with a unique aesthetic and a strong identity.

A striking design, a unique function and an aura of refinement in harmony with the finest watchmaking traditions: the new Duomètre à Sphérotourbillon combines all these ingredients. This Grande Complication model vividly demonstrates that it is in fact possible to combine technical performances, discreet aesthetic elegance and spectacular horological complexity.




The Sphérotourbillon : a precision-adjusted tourbillon

Precision is the cornerstone of the Dual-Wing concept and was the watchword for the Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers in their reflection leading to the creation of the Duomètre à Sphérotourbillon. The result is a watch that can legitimately claim to be the first tourbillon watch adjustable to the nearest second. For what’s the point of precision if you can’t display it?
There are indeed very few tourbillon models with an extremely readable display of the seconds in a dedicated subdial, and even fewer with a stop seconds device. Certainly none until now had ever enabled the user to stop the seconds hand and bring it back to zero in order to perform an ultra-accurate time setting.

Using the Dual-Wing concept enabled the Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers to create the first precision-adjusted tourbillon. A push-piece at 2 o’clock serves to bring the small seconds hand positioned beneath the tourbillon back to zero, according to the flyback principle.

One special feature of this flyback system is that it does not halt the operation of the regulating organ. The small seconds hand is reset to zero and begins running again instantly. This means the watch maintains optimal precision even when accurately adjusting the time to the nearest second.



A multi-axis tourbillon

Above and beyond its exemplary reliability, the chief characteristic of this Sphérotourbillon watch, the fourth exceptional model in the Duomètre line, is its tourbillon.

Initially devised for pocket-watches, the traditional tourbillon does not serve to compensate for the effects of gravity in all positions. An additional rotation axis must be added in order to achieve a three-dimensional rotation movement and thus prove itself more effective in all positions that a wristworn watch may adopt.

The openworked dial provides a fascinating view of the tourbillon performing an extremely unusual rotation movement. As well as revolving around the axis of its titanium carriage, the tourbillon also spins around a second axis, inclined at a 20° angle. The combination of these two distinct and fast rotations (respectively 30 and 15 seconds per revolution) serves to free the watch from the effects of gravity.

This spectacular tourbillon incorporates all the innovations that enabled Jaeger-LeCoultre to win a brilliant victory in the first official timing competition of the 21st century. The carriage machined from a single block of titanium features a combination of lightness and extreme precision. The cylindrical balance-spring with its two terminal curves beats with a concentricity impossible to achieve with a traditional balance-spring. The balance with its generous inertia oscillates at a cadence of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The balance-spring stud-holder is protected by a screw-locking system from the effects of shocks and vibrations to which the watch is subjected.

For enhanced visual pleasure, a transparent caseback provides an admirable “backstage” view of the intricate working of the hand-assembled and decorated movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 382.




Making complexity beautiful

This technological complexity nonetheless remains extremely beautiful. The innovative spirit of the watch merges with an inspired design inspired by vintage pocket-watches and designed to endow it with a blend of elegance and refinement.

The level of finishing of the ébauches made in non-treated nickel silver accentuates the sense of exclusivity exuded by the Duomètre à Sphérotourbillon. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature “côtes soleillées”, clean-cut exterior and internal angles, harmonious shapes: the appearance of Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 382 is the very epitome of the watchmaking art.
Demonstrating profound respect for ideal proportions and watchmaking design codes, expressed through the sophisticated pink gold case, the restrained, highly readable dial, the polished bezel and lugs, and the satin-brushed case middle, the signature aesthetic characteristics of the Duomètre are meticulously preserved in this model and create a striking contrast with the level of complexity of the movement housed within.

The Dual-Wing concept is reflected on the dial by the presence of two separate zones: to the left sits the opening revealing the secrets of the Sphérotourbillon; and to the left the main dial indicating local time and the date, subtly placed on a lower level all around the dial.

An additional 24-hour subdial occupying the upper part of the dial serves to display the time in another time-zone, while the small seconds appear in the lower part.

In developing this Duomètre à Sphérotourbillion, the first tourbillon accurate to the nearest second thanks to the Dual-Wing concept combined with the small seconds flyback function, did the Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers realise that they were in fact creating one of the most exceptional models of this early 21st century? ■

Technical specifications

Movement

Mechanical manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 382, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand, nickel silver bridges and mainplate
2 barrels
50-hour power reserve
460 parts
55 jewels
10.45 mm thick
33.70 mm in diameter
Sphérotourbillon
105 parts
Tourbillon carriage: grade 5 titanium
Total rotation speed: 30 seconds for a complete revolution
2 combined movements. Carriage axis rotation speed: 15 seconds for a complete revolution. Carriage rotation speed: 30 seconds for a complete revolution
Carriage inclination: 20°
Carriage diameter: 11.50 mm
Carriage mass: 0.518 grams
14-carat gold balance with eccentric inertia blocks in 14-carat gold, inertia = 12.5 mg.cm2 , 21,600 vibrations per hour
Cylindrical balance-spring

Functions

Hours (travel time), minutes and small seconds with flyback function
Power reserves (indications and movement)
Pointer-type date display
24-hour reference time-zone
Sphérotourbillon

Case

18-carat pink gold
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 14.1 mm (including the sapphire crystal)
Polished and satin-brushed finish
Domed glareproofed front and back sapphire crystals, hardness n°9
Water resistance : 5 bars

Dial

Crystalline grained
pink gold appliques
Hands
Hours and minutes: “leaf” type
Small seconds: baton type with pear-shaped counterweight, blued steel
Crowns
One crown to wind the watch, set the time (travel time-zone), adjust the date and adjust the travel time-zone
One push-piece at 2 o’clock to activate the small seconds flyback mechanism

Strap

Hand-sewn crocodile leather, 18-carat pink gold pin buckle
Reference
605 25 20

I can't pronounce it, but I want it. Soooo gorgeous.

Very cool to see JLC further developing their Dual-Wing concept to help regulate a tourbillon now!

I posted a video by JLC in the Complicated thread about a week or so ago that debuted and explained JLC's new Duomètre line and their Dual-Wing concept.

That's an excellent vid.

Oh, imagine that. A couple new videos from JLC about the Duomètre à Sphérotourbillon. I guess I have some catching up to do on my Youtube feed...

Just read about this in the latest issue of WT, it is a fantastic technical achievement, and is utterly gorgeous to boot! Imho, JLC absolutely belongs in the conversation of the finest manufactures in the business, and they are helping their case a lot with this one!

Yea, this is what a watch should look like. Gorgeous piece.

Don't you dare photoshop this one, Creech!!!

TTT