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Timekeepers Club / May 27, 2016

Jaeger-LeCoultre - Three new Métiers Rares

Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre presented three exclusive models intended to demonstrate the capability of the watchmaking Grande Maison to preserve rare handcrafts (Métiers Rares) which require talents but also exceptional skills developed through hard work and dedication in an inspiring place like Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rare Crafts Atelier.

The first model is the Master Grande Tradition à Répétition Minutes, whose technical appeal is further enhanced by the presence of a miniature painting on its dial paying tribute to Van Gogh’s Starry Night over the Rhône.

There is no need for many words to remark the enamellist’s artistry to transpose onto the dial a masterpiece like this. The intensity of the deep, dark colours is sealed by Grand Feu enamel.

Like the standard edition introduced at the beginning of 2015, this precious enamel version is powered by the Calibre 942 automatic movement equipped with a minute repeater.

To create an extremely rich sound, Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a crystal gong with a square section, made from a special secret alloy and machined all of a piece. In addition, the Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater is equipped with two patented trebuchet hammers that make a single and stronger strike on these crystal gongs whose heel is welded to the upper sapphire crystal. The striking regularity is ensured by the silent regulator that controls the energy delivered by the barrel of the minute repeater.

A feature that enhances the user experience, the Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater is activated by a single push-button instead of the traditional slide system. The mechanism is activated in one clear, smooth move.

Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement comprises 437 parts and delivers a 40-hour power reserve. This 39 mm watch is issued in a limited series of 18 pieces in pink gold.


The Master Grand Tourbillon Enamel is enriched by a paillonné enamel dial with deep blue tones illuminated with golden dust.

The art of paillonné enamel consists of cutting out tiny sparkles of silver and yellow gold leaf foil. Only experience can enable the artisan to distribute these extremely volatile tiny spangles or paillettes across the enamel in an aesthetically pleasing manner. After firing the enamel in the kiln, polishing reveals the metal elements glimmering beneath the dial.

Comprising 302 parts, the Calibre 978 automatic movement is equipped with an ultra-light titanium tourbillon. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it guarantees 45 hours of power reserve.

The white gold case has a diameter of 43 mm and finely decorated flanks.

Three different decorative techniques - engraving, skeleton-working and enamelling - merge in the precious Master Grande Tradition à Quantième Perpétuel 8 Jours SQ (where SQ stands for squelette), a model which displays the date, the day of the week, the month, the complete year in four digits and the age of the moon. A power-reserve display and a day/night indicator are also integrated in the dial at 12 o’clock.

The hand-wound Calibre 876SQ beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers an 8-day power reserve.

With its Grand Feu green enamelling crafted using the champlevé technique, this 42 mm model in white gold is issued in a limited series of 200 pieces. jaeger-lecoultre.com

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