FIRST LOOK: The latest Jaeger-LeCoultre Novelties, in Australia and on our wrist
Felix ScholzLast week, Time+Tide had the opportunity to check out, for the first time on Australian soil, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s latest batch of brand new watches – fresh from SIHH.
It was, all told, a gorgeous line-up – not as strong as the 2013 collection perhaps, but with some truly exceptional watches. We’re going to stand aside now, and let the watches do the talking, (OK – maybe we will add a little judicious commentary) with what we thought were the best watches of the collection.
THE REVERSO MODELS
Without doubt, the star of the night (well, along with the Geophysic – but more on that later) was the latest Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931. This version comes in rich pink gold case and even richer chocolate dial. it’s a sweet watch, but the icing on the cake is the butter soft Casa Fagliano cordovan strap. Seriously, this watch is a dream to wear.
Aside from the supple cordovan material, what is really great about this watch is that the hand stitched, sporty style strap tones down what could be a very classic, formal watch into one you could easily wear every day.
While maybe not as drool worthy as the Chocolate Dream (that’s what we’re calling it – the jury’s out on whether it will catch on), the new Grande Reverso Night and Day model is perfect for those wanting the classic Reverso look (with second time zone indicator no less), and the convenience of an automatic movement.
And while the steel is everything a Reverso should be, the gold elevates the look of the watch, especially when contrasted with the silver Clous de Paris dial.
THE ULTRA THIN MODELS
The Ultra Thin is one of JLC’s greatest hits. And this year they released it in the perfectly flexible size of 38.5mm and in steel (as well as pink gold). If you’re looking for a refined dress watch, you could do a lot worse than this.
While the Ultra Thins are great watches – they are often relegated to tuxedo duty because (until now) they’ve lacked the ever so useful date complication. This year JLC risked the wrath of the purists and added a date to their signature line. Sure, it breaks up the symmetry of the dial, but at least you don’t have to pull your phone out to check the date.
THE COMPLICATIONS
JLC is known for their movements – and boy does this annual calendar boast an impressive one. Not only is the movement first rate, but JLC have made an annual calendar with a flying tourbillion and cylindrical balance spring with a relatively uncluttered dial. Round of applause to the JLC design department for that. The dial on this guy is stunning – the silver finish adds great texture, and the multi-stepped construction adds great depth.
This Duometre UTT was a rather well worn prototype, and it’s somewhat fitting that this traveller’s watch has jetted the globe so much since SIHH 2014. It’s a complex and stunning dual time watch – and the enamel dial (sadly Australia didn’t make it onto the map for this model) really makes it pop. It’s a beast on the wrist, and would be a worthy contender for any globe trotting captains of industry out there.
THE GEOPHYSIC
This watch was the belle of the ball, a literal latecomer that arrived on the wrist of JLC Asia-Pacific Managing Director Alexis de Laporte. It is, of course the latest in JLC’s line of historical tributes – the Geophyic 1958. The Geophysic was originally a scientific instrument watch, much like the Milguass from Rolex or the Ingenieur from IWC. And like those two historical watches it has transformed into a modern casual sports watch. However, unlike the Rolex and the IWC, JLC have retained a dressy elegance in this version. It’s perfectly sized at 38.5mm, and this particular version (the odds are good we’ll see more variants next year) is limited to 800 pieces in steel, 300 in pink gold and 58 in platinum. If you like this guy, move quick, cos it won’t stay around for long.
You can see the complete collection, and find out more details, from JLC.