Europa Star Special 2014 - JAEGER-LECOULTRE - English

SPECIAL SIHH 2014

THE WORLD’S most influential watch magazine SPECIAL

Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon Master Ultra Thin 1907 | Grande Reverso Night & Day Master Grande Tradition à Quantième Perpétuel 8 Jours SQ Duomètre Unique Travel Time | Rendez-Vous

EDITORIAL

Pushing the boundaries of Fine Watchmaking Birth of a new challenge: Ultra-thin grand complications 013 marked the 180th anniversary of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833. 180 years of inventions that have seen the company register 398 patents, develop 1,242 different calibres, and master the entire range of horological complications.

Since the dawn of the 21st century, this exceptional history has been further deepened and broadened with the creation of unique Grand Complication models in the Manufacture, all embodying the heritage and authenticity of its longstanding watchmaking tradition. This evocatively named Hybris Mechanica collection is intended to express the full wealth of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s inherent excellence and expertise. However, its purpose is also and above all to propel this expertise towards the future with the aim of creating ever more astonishing complications, while never losing sight of their horological goals: precision, functionality, readability and beauty.

From the early years of the 21st century onwards, the Manufacture has thus introduced a steady stream of extremely innovative timepieces, each in its own way striving to push the boundaries of Fine Watchmaking.

2008, the Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 model, which achieves the feat of fitting a spherical tourbillon with a cylindrical balance-spring inside the legendary swivel case;

2003, the extraordinary Atmos Mystérieuse clock with a remontoir (constant-force device), in which the wheeltrains appear to be hanging in mid-air;

2013, to mark the 180th anniversary, the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon 3 Jubilee watch paying tribute to the company founder Antoine LeCoultre.

A powerful wellspring of innovation that shows no sign of drying up…

2

2004, the Master Gyrotourbillon 1, the first Grand Complication multi-axis tourbillon watch; 2006, the Reverso Grande Complication à Tryptique watch, uniting 18 complications on three different faces; 2007, the Master Compressor Extreme LAB, the world’s first lubricant-free watch, a concentrated blend of technical feats protected by six patents;

2009, the Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie, one of the most complex watches in horological history, comprising over 1,400 parts and for which ten patents were filed; 2010, the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication which features a flying tourbillon, minute repeater and astronomical indications against a night sky map of the Northern hemisphere; 2011, the Reverso Répétition Minutes à Rideau, a magical watch on which the chiming mechanism is activated by sliding back the Venetian blind covering the dial; 2012, the Duomètre Sphérotourbillon, the first watch adjustable to the nearest second and driven by the incredible Sphérotourbillon mechanism;

2014 brings not only a continuation of this philosophy that is the driving force behind all those who have forged and are still forging the success of the Manufacture, but also a determination to meet the most daunting technical challenges by pooling the talents required to develop and produce unprecedented timepieces: ultra-thin Grand Complication models. p europa star / EDITORIAL 03

MASTER ULTRA THIN

Ultra-thin horology and top-flight complications Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon

The challenge of combining horological complications with extreme slenderness is ably met by the new Master Ultra Thin models. aris, 1907. Two men – Parisian entrepreneur Edmond Jaeger, and Vallée de Joux-born watchmaker JacquesDavid LeCoultre – have just created a pocket watch housing LeCoultre Calibre 145 measuring just 1.38 mm thin – an absolute record at the time. This model represented JacquesDavid LeCoultre’s response to the challenge set by Edmond Jaeger four years previously. But it was only the start of a series of ultra-thin movements that would make their mark on the history of Jaeger-LeCoultre and of the watch industry as a whole.

Among those deserving a special mention are the ones at the

P

04 MASTER ULTRA THIN / europa star

very origins of this saga: the minute repeater LeCoultre Calibre 136 in 1907; LeCoultre Calibre 6EB, the first ultra-thin rectangular movement in 1908; and that same year an ultra-thin chronograph movement, LeCoultre Calibre 11CCVEP. Over 100 years later, Jaeger-LeCoultre heralds a new chapter in this horological quest for slenderness within the Master Ultra Thin line. The model inaugurating this new chapter, and representing the 11th timepiece to take its place within the Hybris Mechanica lineage of Grand Complication models, is the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon.

Such talk of an authentic horological “quest” is fully justified, since the goal of slenderness, especially for a Grand Complication model, involves overcoming a whole series of obstacles on both technical and aesthetic levels. 100 years of assiduous practice in the realm of ultra-thin watches are none too many to draw upon in seeking to master all the difficulties that arise in the course of such endeavours.

While the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon certainly stems from this history, it is also a concentrated blend of innovations (as testified by seven patents, including six new pending patents). These innovations relate to the precision of the watch, to its new tourbillon, to the quality of its chime, to its activation system, to the architecture and finishing of its movement, and of course to its slenderness. From the latter standpoint alone, the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon sets a world record: featuring a total thickness of 7.9 mm and a movement less than 4.8 mm, it is the slimmest minute repeater watch ever made.

To achieve this record, the watchmakers of the Manufacture have developed a flying tourbillon equipped with a flying balance-wheel: a world-first accomplishment.

In a traditional tourbillon, the balance-wheel is held inside a carriage supported by an upper bridge. In this brand-new flying tourbillon, there is no upper bridge and the carriage has apparently vanished, reduced to an absolute minimum and placed behind the balance-wheel that therefore appears to be literally flying solo through space.

This original architecture provides a spectacular plunging view into the heart of this system with its magnificently blued new

type of balance-spring. This ultra high-performance balancespring has two terminal curves ensuring perfectly concentric “breathing” (patent pending).

But the innovation does not stop there.

Housing an automatic winding system within an ultra-thin case is a feat that involves rethinking the entire architecture of the calibre. The automatic winding system developed for this watch is of the peripheral kind. The winding is handled via a platinum segment mounted on a “huge” circular ball bearing mechanism, visible through the openings around the grained silver-toned dial, and which no longer oscillates beneath the movement but instead around it.

This ingenious system enabled the development of another innovation. The traditional repeater slide activating the minute repeater is replaced by a retractable single pushbutton (patent pending) that is not only discreet and user-friendly, but also ensures perfect (3-bar) water resistance. Positioned on the side of the watch at 10 o’clock, this device is secured by a small locking system at 8 o’clock.

The retractable pushbutton actuates a minute repeater mechanism that is also a compendium of innovations, since a new striking system has been developed and eliminates the tradi-

*A minute repeater strikes the hours, quarters and minutes. For example, at 8.17 am, it strikes the hour gong eight times, the quarter gong once and the minute gong twice; whereas at 8.12 am in the absence of any quarters, a traditional minute repeater hits the hour gong eight times and, after a slight pause, strikes the minute gong 12 times. The new system developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre eliminates this pause.

tional silent timelapses which, in the absence of quarters (such as at 8.12 am), would otherwise occur between sounding the hour and the minutes.* Turning over the watch enables one to admire through a sapphire crystal the magnificent traditional architecture of the movement made from a signature of the Vallée de Joux, and inspired by a pocket watch dated 1892. It affords a chance to see in action the patented trebuchet (catapult-type) hammers that optimise the striking on the gongs. This trebuchet system ensures a cleaner strike without any rebound, as well as enhanced force in terms of energy transmission (80% as compared with 10 to 30% for a classic hammer). These hammers strike gongs made all of a piece and featuring a square rather than a circular cross-section – thus giving the sound emitted exceptional strength by increasing the surface in contact with the hammer. The direct contact with the sapphire crystal by means of a crystal gong welded to the watch glass endows the sound with an exceptional, crystal-clear tone. p europa star / MASTER ULTRA THIN 05

Less is more Master Ultra Thin 1907 iterally as slim as a knife blade, the water-resistant case of the Master Ultra Thin 1907 watch measures just 4.05 mm thin and 39 mm in diameter. It is quite simply one of the slimmest manually-wound watches on the market today.

Inside it beats mechanical manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 849. Comprising just 123 parts and a mere 1.85 mm thin, this movement is equipped with a bridge-free barrel and an extremely diminutive escapement. It is thus one of the slimmest movements in the world and above all, beating steadily at 21,600 vibrations per hour and endowed with a 35-hour power-reserve, it has been consistently demonstrating exceptional rating qualities as well as tried and trusted reliability since 1994. The assembly, adjusting and fine rating of this movement requires particular care.

The Master Ultra Thin 1907 watch provides an admirable stage setting carved out of 18-carat pink gold and showcasing all the expertise required to achieve such slenderness. Epitomising absolute stylistic purity and an aesthetic directly inspired by the grand art of 19th century pocket watches, the Master Ultra Thin 1907 watch features an immaculate silver-toned dial graced with slim and elegant baton-type hour-markers and swept over by two perfectly streamlined Dauphine-style hands. Less is indeed more. p

L

06 MASTER ULTRA THIN / europa star

MASTER ULTRA THIN

Grand Feu finesse Master Ultra Thin Grand Feu n its quest for absolute purity of expression, the Master Ultra Thin Grand Feu watch holds a place of its own. The extremely arduous and delicate technique of Grand Feu white enamel, which cannot tolerate so much as the slightest imperfection that would become immediately visible, endows the dial with an exceptional limpidity that nothing can disturb – given that, in addition to its remarkable beauty, enamel boasts incomparable durability that years and even decades cannot alter.

The Grand Feu white enamel is applied to a perfectly smooth 18carat white gold dial base. The slender raised 18-carat white gold appliques are positioned on the dial and polished at the same time as the fired layer of enamel. This distinctive technique serves to achieve relief-effect hour-markers while preserving the exquisite slimness of the watch face. Nonetheless, the enamel does mean that the Master Ultra Thin Grand Feu is a marginal 0.99 mm “thicker” than the Master Ultra Thin 1907, standing at a total 5.04 mm thin. It otherwise features the same blade-shaped profile and the same 39 mm diameter. It is also driven by the mechanical manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 849.

Free of any ornamentation other than the prestige of its materials, soberly framed by an 18-carat white gold case with handpolished bezel and lugs and bearing a discreet “Email Grand Feu” inscription on its dial, the Master Ultra Thin Grand Feu is doubtless the subtlest and more refined expression of the Manufacture’s long-established experience in the field of ultrathin watches. p

I

europa star / MASTER ULTRA THIN 07

MASTER ULTRA THIN

Essentials Master Ultra Thin Date & Master Ultra Thin ours, minutes, seconds and date for one.

Hours, minutes and small seconds for the other.

On both models, slender Dauphine hands pointing like graceful arrows to sharply defined gold hour-markers; a subtle eggshell shade framed by a perfect circle of 18-carat pink gold; and an uncluttered face radiating supreme purity.

Ideal proportions and a remarkably slender size: 40 mm in diameter and 7.45 mm slim for the Master Ultra Thin Date watch; 38.5 mm in diameter and 7.60 mm for the Master Ultra Thin model. In other words, absolute essentials.

H

Achieving this degree of purity, attaining such a rare and restrained breed of elegance, calls for thorough mastery of watchmaking codes as well as smooth and constant interaction between the exterior of the watch and its movement.

The finesse of these supremely pure timepieces is indeed all the more remarkable in that they are powered by a mechanical automatic winding movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899 for the Master Ultra Thin Date watch; and Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 896 for the Master Ultra Thin.

08 MASTER ULTRA THIN / europa star

These two high-performance calibres are distinguished by their high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and incorporate the latest technical innovations from the Manufacture – including a variable-inertia balance guaranteeing the stable rate of the watch. Soldering the balance-spring to the balancespring stud and collet results in exceptional shock resistance and reliability. Moreover, the oscillating weight is crafted from a block of 22-carat pink gold, thus ensuring an ideal weight.

It runs on ceramic micro ball bearings that boast the precious advantage of requiring no lubrication or maintenance – a further guarantee of precision and reliability. Moreover, these two calibres are hand-decorated and their screws are flameblued. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899 driving the Master Ultra Thin Date is remarkably slim at just 3.30 mm, and is wound in one direction only, thus enhancing its performances on the wrist; while Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 896 powering the Master Ultra Thin model is 3.98 mm thin. Both movements have a 43hour power-reserve.

Fitted with alligator leather straps, the Master Ultra Thin Date and Master Ultra Thin quite simply embody true essentials. p

europa star / MASTER ULTRA THIN 09

REVERSO

Iconic, reversible and automatic Grande Reverso Night & Day

he Reverso watch born in 1931 scarcely requires an introduction. An Art Deco masterpiece that has become a timeless classic, it is one of the extremely rare iconic models that have found their way across the past century and are more vibrantly alive than ever.

Since the very first models specifically developed at the request of polo players in British colonial India, the innate elegance of this reversible watch initially designed to withstand the hard knocks and jolts involved in this impetuous sport has been interpreted in numerous different ways – including through sports, Grand Complication and Haute Joaillerie watches.

Originally equipped with a mechanical manually-wound movement, the Reverso watch has subsequently also been fitted with mechanical automatic movements: witness the Reverso Gran’Sport Automatique (2001), Reverso Grande Automatique (2005) and the Reverso Squadra Hometime (2006). Up until

T

10 REVERSO / europa star

now, however, there had been no automatic model available in a classic style with the emblematic décor of the first dials.

This has now been achieved in the Grande Reverso Night & Day – a model that will delight all devotees of this icon who also appreciate the user friendliness of a mechanical automatic movement.

The challenge taken up by the watchmakers and designers of the Manufacture lay in accommodating an automatic movement – which is by definition thicker than a manually-wound movement due to its oscillating weight – inside the slimmest possible case. Its perfectly balanced proportions – 46.8 mm long, 27.4 mm wide and just 9.14 mm thick – prove that the exercise has been entirely successful.

The Art Deco style dial of the Grande Reverso Night & Day displays the hours and minutes, along with the “Night & Day” indication shown by means of a single hand sweeping around a 24-hour scale. To ensure enhanced readability, this indicator is divided into two zones featuring a slightly different decoration and symbolising day and night.

The Grande Reverso Night & Day watch is clad in an 18-carat pink gold case fitted with an alligator leather strap secured by a pin buckle; or in a stainless steel version on an alligator leather strap complete with a folding clasp. p

Perfect colour matches Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 n 2011, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 watch. As its name implies, this model pays tribute to the historical model that launched the Reverso lineage, by reflecting its aesthetic through pure, geometrical Art Deco inspired lines.

Subsequently interpreted in red and then blue variations, this truly emblematic watch now comes in a chocolate-toned version – a deep brown colour that beautifully offsets the 18-carat pink gold case.

The dial, bearing no mention other than the name “Reverso”, carries hour and minute indications as well as small seconds

I

in a rectangular cartouche surrounded by its dedicated minute track.

The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 is available with two straps: one in alligator leather and the other named “Fagliano” after the most famous polo-boot makers. Still firmly located in its native Argentina, Casa Fagliano is a family-owned concern dedicated to equipping the world’s greatest polo players with finely handcrafted leather goods. For Jaeger-LeCoultre, Casa Fagliano has created highly exclusive straps in a glossy, brownish-red Cordovan leather, entirely fashioned by hand and making a particularly fine match with the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931. p europa star / REVERSO 11

An architectural challenge Master Grande Tradition à Quantième Perpétuel 8 Jours SQ he new Master Grande Tradition à Quantième Perpétuel 8 Jours SQ, released in a 200-piece limited run, single-handedly demonstrates the sheer diversity and wealth of the technical and artistic skills cultivated by the Manufacture. Master watchmakers and artistically gifted artisans have closely cooperated in creating this timepiece equipped with a complicated movement that is entirely openworked, engraved, adorned with a guilloché-patterned rim coated with translucent blue enamel.

This model represents the result of extremely meticulous craftsmanship that sees the watchmaking artisan patiently removing material using a tiny handsaw and thus highlighting the impressive complexity of the mechanism. The operation is a real challenge seeking to achieve a balance between all-important reliability and maximum openness. All the sides of the movement parts are then hand-drawn, bevelled, polished, chased and engraved.

T

12 MASTER GRANDE TRADITION / europa star

Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a highly distinctive and extremely architectural style of ‘skeletonisation’ or openworking that gives the model – inspired by a 1928 pocket watch – its imposing volumetric appearance. This is particularly visible on the back of the movement, also entirely openworked and featuring short lines shaped like meridians and parallels to create the impression of a three-dimensional globe.

Technically speaking, its movement – mechanical manuallywound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 876SQ – is one of the few perpetual calendars on the market to boast an exceptional eightday power-reserve, guaranteed by the movement’s two barrels.

Hours, minutes, date, day, month, year, moon phases, powerreserve and a day/night indication complete with red security zone all share the available space in an entirely readable manner, framed by a 42 mm Master Grande Tradition case in 18-carat white gold. p

MASTER GRANDE TRADITION

A CYLINDRICAL BEAT Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel irectly inspired by the superb pocket watches made by the Manufacture in the late 19th century, the Master Grande Tradition Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel, equipped with Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 985, now appears in a new 18-carat pink gold version.

Its extremely refined 42 mm-diameter, 13.1 mm-thick case is gently curved, its concave bezel is polished, its sides are satinbrushed and its lugs are polished.

The admirably visible grained silver-toned dial is rimmed by a traditional slender minute circle and baton-type hour-markers.

Counters for the date (at 9 o’clock), the months and years (at 12 o’clock), and the days surrounding a moon-phase display (at 3 o’clock), are all arranged with perfect clarity above the tourbillon revealed at 6 o’clock. The latter is of the flying tourbillon type, meaning with no upper bridge, a construction that gives it exceptional transparency and depth. This transparency affords a chance to enjoy a close-up look at the extraordinary beating of the cylindrical balance-spring at its heart. The adoption of this particular component means far more than just an appealing visual effect, however refined and subtle the sight may be. In conjunction with the tourbillon, this cylindrical balance-spring with its perfectly isochronous development thanks to its two terminal curves makes the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel the world’s most accurate perpetual calendar tourbillon watch. Despite the technical innovation it presents, this timepiece radiating a classically balanced aesthetic appeal looks as though it has existed forever.

D

This permanent, enduring stature is accentuated on the back of the watch by the finely engraved reproduction of the gold medal awarded to Jaeger-LeCoultre at the 1889 Universal Exhibition in Paris “for the use of cutting-edge equipment and the impeccable production of its complicated calibres, chronographs and repeaters”.

A symbolic reminder of the pioneering role played by the Manufacture, as well as the extraordinary continuity of this innovative spirit that had been consistently driving it throughout its 180 years of horological history. p europa star / MASTER GRANDE TRADITION 13

Time-zone adjustment to the nearest minute Duomètre Unique Travel Time he Dual-Wing concept developed in 2005 opened up whole new vistas for watchmaking, notably enabling the appearance of unprecedented functional combinations. Metaphorically speaking, the concept can be summed up in four words “One watch, two brains”. In other words, two separate mechanisms sharing the same regulating organ cohabit within a single movement. This cohabitation of a whole new genre may take on various forms according to the functions of the model and has notably led to the creation of the exceptional line of Duomètre watches.

Two models had been introduced to date: the Duomètre à Chronographe watch (2007) and the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire (2010), both enabling time measurement with sixth of a second precision.

T

14 Duomètre / europa star

This dual construction principle now gives rise to the Duomètre Unique Travel Time.

The concept is the same, but in this case applies to time zones.

Two different gear trains, powered by two separate barrels sharing the same regulating organ, drive the indications for two different time zones: home time on one side and a second time zone on the other. The resulting advantage, truly unique in its kind, lies in the possibility of adjusting each time zone to the nearest minute, and no longer to the nearest hour as with traditional GMT or World Time watches. This is particularly useful in that some of the 43 time zones (of which 37 apply year-round) sharing the time on our planet show differences of half or even three quarters of an hour rather than the usual full hour.

The Duomètre Unique Travel Time solves this tricky issue.

DUOMèTRE

Home time is conventionally shown on the right-hand side of the watch, while the second time zone appears in the left-hand side – with a digital display of the hours and a pointer-type minute indication. The respective 50-hour power-reserve for each time appears below it, marked off by a slender pointer; while the various time zones of the world are indicated on a delicately coloured globe at 6 o’clock.

On the left-hand side of this 42 mm 18-carat pink gold watch that conceals its remarkable performances beneath a perfectly balanced, classical face, two separate push-pieces serve to move the hour forwards or backwards in a very simple manner, while the minutes of the two time zones are separately adjusted via a 3 o’clock crown. The truly “unique” nature of this timepiece fully justifies its name! p

An immaculate Grand Feu enamel dial Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire 40.5 he same Dual-Wing concept was applied in 2010 to the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire, but in a significantly different way. In this instance, the first source of energy is entirely devoted to the regulating organ

T

itself, while the second source of energy is dedicated to the display of hours, minutes, seconds, date and moon phases for both hemispheres. Their synchronisation is ensured by a jumping seconds mechanism which moves in sixth of a second leaps, directly driven by the escapement. This distinctive arrangement that is indeed unique in its kind serves to reach peak precision levels, since the time can be adjusted to the nearest sixth of a second without suspending the steady beating of the regulating organ. This is the only watch in the world to enable such a performance.

The new version of the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire 40.5 comes in an 18-carat white gold case measuring 40.5 mm in diameter – a perfectly balanced size that suits all wrists. Its immaculate Grand Feu enamel dial is on a par with the excellent quality of its movement. The shiny radiance and absolute purity of this dial is extremely hard to achieve. After a first firing at 850°C, the fine minute circle, numerals and hourmarkers are meticulously painted, before a second and final firing in the kiln.

The result is a timepiece with a truly exceptional face, driven by mechanical manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 381 featuring two independent barrels, each with its own 50-hour power-reserve. p

europa star / DUOMèTRE 15

RENDEZ-VOUS WATCHES

Echoing the 2009 encounter between Diane Kruger and the Manufacture, the Rendez-Vous collection pays eloquent tribute to the personality of this stellar actress. Her innate grace, her cosmopolitan spirit and her choices inspired the feminine world of Jaeger-LeCoultre. A world with no compromises, in which beauty and refinement are expressed through each beat of the mechanisms driving its creations. Ballerina, fashion model, actress, and quite simply a woman, Diane Kruger has always managed to conduct every moment of her life with self-assured determination, perpetually reinventing herself while losing nothing of her natural finesse and elegance. The same can be said for the feminine creations that continue to forge the legend of Jaeger-LeCoultre and testify to the brand’s amazing creative liberty.

16 RENDEZ-VOUS WATCHES / europa star

A BLEND OF WATCHMAKING tradition and elegance Rendez-Vous Night & Day The Rendez-Vous collection is dedicated to women who not only appreciate beauty but are also sensitive to watchmaking tradition and the fascinating world of complications ith its dainty 29 mm case in 18-carat pink gold or stainless steel, highlighted by a subtle concave bezel conferring a remarkable light, airy appearance, the new Rendez-Vous Night & Day is a radiantly feminine model.

This bezel with its sophisticated polish beautifully accentuates the refinement of the dial adorned with enamel applied on various levels and featuring slimmer than ever blued hands. Through an aperture that gave the watch its name, the Rendez-Vous Night & Day provides an ongoing indication of nocturnal and daytime periods, displayed by a subtle and romantic dĂŠcor revolving in a 24-hour cycle and alternately revealing a sun and then a moon against a white or blue star-studded backdrop (in the stainless

W

steel version). These finely stylised motifs echo the applied dial numerals, each enhanced by a tiny chaton diamond.

The first watch in the Rendez-Vous collection to feature a bezel not set with diamonds, the Rendez-Vous Night & Day is as inherently horological as it is innately feminine, steadily driven

by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 967A: a 203-part mechanical automatic winding movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and endowed with a 42-hour power-reserve. p

europa star / Rendez-Vous watchES 17

AMVOX

The revolutionary transponder mechanism AMVOX2 Transponder o mark the tenth anniversary of the partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin, the Manufacture presents the new AMVOX2 Transponder watch. Developed in collaboration with Aston Martin, the watch has a built-in micro transmitter system serving to lock and unlock the Aston Martin car by pressing one of the two dedicated sensitised zones on the watch glass (respectively indicated by the words CLOSE and OPEN). Touching both zones at once activates the third “FIND ME” function that lights up the headlamps for several seconds to signal the car’s position.

Lengthy research made it possible to incorporate beneath the movement – automatic 5.56 mm thick Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 751E – a miniaturised electronic module as well as an antenna linked to the sensitive zones of the glass and thus ensuring the connectivity between watch and car. Contrary to the previous AMVOX Rapide Transponder watches – AMVOX2 DBS

T

18 AMVOX / europa star

Transponder and AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder – which were paired with specific Aston Martin models, the new AMVOX2 Transponder is designed to operate with all cars made by the prestigious English manufacturer.

In addition, the watches in the AMVOX Transponder collection are the world’s only vertical-trigger chronographs. This highly ingenious mechanism makes it possible to start, stop and reset the chronograph simply by pressing the sapphire crystal in order to gently pivot the case.

Nonetheless, this unusual way of operating a chronograph and which is particularly suitable for sports-driving situations is not the only special feature of this model.

Aesthetically speaking, the new AMVOX2 Transponder watch comes with an ergonomic 44 mm grade 5 titanium case, teamed with a calfskin strap. Its finely striated black dial gives it an undeniable aura of strength. The two chronograph counters, bearing tiny red arrow tips that facilitate read-off, are arranged on either side of thick partially openworked hands that are luminescent, as too are the numerals and hour-markers. In the lower part of this powerfully graphic dial, strategic apertures provide a chance to view the complex lever mechanism serving to pivot the entire case and bezel as well as activate the chronograph functions. A dedicated catch on the side enables the user to lock this system when it is not required. p

MASTER COMPRESSOR

Technical performance, excellence and reliability Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic

he Master Compressor line merges tradition and innovation in a design inspired by the 1965 Memovox Polaris watch. Protected by numerous patents and mercilessly tested in real-life conditions, Master Compressor watches combine the technological innovations of their high-tech cases with the durability of Fine Watchmaking movements.

The collection owes its name to the famous compression key, stemming from research conducted by the Manufacture JaegerLeCoultre and designed to guarantee the perfect water resistance of the case. The crown equipped with compression wingnuts ensures complete reliability and security. A half-turn is enough to seal the watertightness system as hermetically as a submarine hatch, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the chronograph crown.

Its powerful and refined design ensures smooth and easy readings of the various functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date.

Inspired by the hometime/traveltime system developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre, the second time zone indicated by an openworked hand is complemented by a day/night indication appearing through a porthole at 12 o’clock.

The watch is equipped with Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 757, a 300-part mechanical automatic winding movement beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and endowed with a 65-hour power-reserve.

This sporty and elegant interpretation of the Master Compressor Chronograph is issued in a 500-piece ceramic limited edition. p

T

europa star / MASTER COMPRESSOR 19

ONE ADJUSTMENT EVERY 100 YEARS. T HE KIND OF COMPLICATION THAT MAKES LIFE EASIER.

Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel Jubilee. Limited series of 180.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 985.

The all-mechanical programming of the perpetual calendar means the next time this watch needs adjustment will be at the turn of the century in 2100. To ensure its perfect precision throughout the many years to come, Jaeger-LeCoultre has equipped this model with a flying tourbillon featuring a cylindrical balance-spring.

The oscillating weight is finely engraved with a gold medal received in 1889 – a symbol of the pioneering spirit that has been driving the Inventors of the Vallée de Joux for 180 years.

www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

YO U D E S E RV E A R E A L WATC H.