JLC Duomètre à Chronographe Gold & Platinum

amanico · 2016-04-02T00:07:31Z

Compare Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Chronographe in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Amanico's photo essay highlights JLC's iconic complication.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

28 replies3207 views3 photos

Amanico presents a captivating visual comparison of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Chronographe in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. His Photoshop work allows for a direct appreciation of the subtle yet significant differences between these precious metal variants, offering collectors a unique perspective on this highly regarded complication.

I played a bit with photoshop to get this side by side picture:

Replace the white gold black dial which came in 2009 by the yellow gold pictured below:

And now, you are at my place, looking at the three Duometre à Chronographe, during the SIHH 2007, in April.

Now you can imagine how I felt, facing these three beauties, unveiled in a demonstration box by the JLC Team, and more precisely by Yves Meylan.

I didn't see it coming, I was not a Jaeger Lecoultre Moderator, yet.

While my first intense horological love affair with the brand was the Master Minute Repeater in titanium, which made me fell off my chair, followed by the Gyrotourbillon One, the Duometre à Chronographe came just after. Slightly just after.

And not only because of its classic face, which is beautiful, but because of its back, which is divine.

The Cal 380 in all its beauty:

One of my most intense horological astonishment, all brands included.

At the point that, once back in Paris, I ran at my AD and ordered it... In platinum.

One year after, I got it.

At that time, the white gold was not available, as explained above, and as colored gold is not my first choice, platinum was a logical solution.

I fell in love with its cold appeal. The rose gold pleased me a lot, too, for its warmth, its contrast, while yellow gold was more subtle with an interesting combination between the pale case and the eggshell dial.

But the platinum did it for me, in a very strong way.

I would have been more in trouble if the white gold black dial would have come at the same time than the platinum version...

The black dial adds a touch of coolness to the natural elegance of the silver / grey or white ( yes, both were available for a while ) dials of the platinum version.

For me, the best of the best would have been the black dial with the platinum case. The density of the platinum is something I crave for, and if it is a bit heavier, it is not that uncomfortable on the wrist.

Good memories, to be relived, soon, I hope...

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-04-02 00:07:55

Key Points from the Discussion

The platinum Duomètre à Chronographe with its grainy white dial and blued hands is considered by some to be JLC's finest work, showcasing unmatched beauty and tranquility from both front and back.
The Duomètre à Chronographe, while highly admired, can be perceived as slightly large for some wrists.
A collector's decision to acquire a limited edition Montblanc over a Duomètre might be influenced by the 'now or never' availability of limited editions versus the ongoing production of Duomètre models.
The emotional difficulty of re-purchasing a watch that was previously stolen can influence a collector's acquisition choices.
The Duomètre à Chronographe is a highly coveted timepiece, often leading to budget constraints for collectors.

The Discussion

cory

Apr 2, 2016

They continue to tease me when I see posts like this! Oh when and will will come next JLC?

nilomis

Apr 2, 2016

I will release my watch madness and get a black dialed one. Cheers, Nilo

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Apr 2, 2016

But I lack Budget now! So painful You are torturing me my friend, a sweet torture Cheers Robin

hs111

Apr 2, 2016

.. Wishing you all the very Best for your Duométre pilgrimage ! I would expect, that act 1 of 3 indeed will materialize this year ! Sometimes, such moving targets have us crave for fulfillment; but then, in your case, the quest will probably still continue.. Cheers & very Best, hs

Mark in Paris

Apr 3, 2016

You know I like the Duometre very much, especially the Chrono in fact (though always a little big for me) but can you tell us why you decide to go for the Montblanc first, before/instead of the Duometre? The Montblanc you got is a great watch but, as you were also looking very much in the direction of the Duometre (UTC, Chrono...), I wondered, just by curiosity. Maybe it is the fact that the Montblanc is limited, so it is now or never, whereas the Duometre will still be available in the future?

Mitch K

Apr 3, 2016

With mine. But I am a fan of the whole line.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Jaeger-LeCoultre forum with 28 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

JLC Duomètre à Chronographe Gold & Platinum

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum