Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire Enamel

amanico · 2014-12-01T00:00:50Z

Amanico reviews the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire Enamel. Discover its 40.5mm case, stunning enamel dial, and unique dual-wing movement for accuracy.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico shares his in-depth experience with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire Enamel, a watch he specifically sought to test during a trip to Asia. His post explores the nuances of this timepiece, particularly its enamel dial and 40.5mm case size, and how these elements influenced his long-standing preferences within the Duomètre line. This detailed review offers valuable insights into the aesthetic and technical considerations of a high-end JLC.

This is THE Watch, along with the Tribute To Geophysic in stainless steel, I wanted to test on the wrist during this trip.

The Tribute To Geophysic, I wrote a lot about it, so I will not come back to it, here, but the " QL Enamel ", I had to convince JLC to let me play with it for some days.

The reasons are obvious:

- I love the Duometre Line, with a light preference for the " A Chronographe " and a strong attraction for the Unique Travel Time.

Not that I dislike the " Q.L ", but till I saw it in this enamel dial configuration, it was not my priority.

- I am a big, huge fan of enamel dials, and, obviously, this " Q.L " is just superb. So, I had to see if my priorities were still in this order: A Chronographe, UTT, and QL, or if something had changed, since I ( sadly? ) cannot afford all of these three in the same time.

Getting the three makes sense, as they are all very complementary: The A Chronographe could be used for the sport chic moments, the UTT to travel with class, and the QL Enamel for the elegant oppotunities of life...

I owned the Duometre à Chronographe for 3 years, I travelled with the UTT during my stay in South California, but I still had to evaluate the power of attraction of the QL.

It is now done.

I am totally in love with this watch, and one reason surprised me more than others, the size.

Normally, I don't like Duometres to be Under the original size, which is 42 mm. Here, the QL is 40,5 mm. On the paper, I had some reserves, in the real, I am deeply convinced that JLC took the right decision, because to me, the enamel dial would not have the same impact with a a bigger size.

Elegance works better with smaller cases, in my opinion.

Moreover, the enamel dial has such an important aperture that it looks bigger than 40, 5 mm.

The comfort on the wrist is undisputable. Is is due to the smaller case, or to the pin buckle, or both?

The pleasure is clear, this Watch has so much to offer to its owner, in terms of elegance, presence.

We had, several times, some discussions with my local friends, about the small seconds running perpetually and fast. It was often mentionned that this detail was maybe a bit contradictory with the spirit, the environment of this watch, with the serenity of the enamel dial or of the moonphase.

Still, I am strongly convinced that the name given to this Duometre is not very well chosen. Indeed, what is the main goal of this one? The moonphase, which from my point of view is more an original pretext than anything else, with an accuracy of one day each 2,5 years, or the accuracy of its movement, with one barrel dedicated to the balance Wheel, while the second barrel and its gear train is here to feed to time functions ( time, date and moonphase )?

The trip in Asia instantaneously gave me the idea to ask JLC to let me play with this Watch, because I clearly saw an association between China and Porcelain. Since, wearing an enamel dialed Watch in the country of porcelain was, somehow, à propos, even if Singapore is not China, and that things are more complicated when it comes to Hong Kong.

One thing is sure, this Duometre à QL won my heart, during these five days...

Here are the pictures of my trip, with this beauty on my wrist.

Singapore, first.

In front of one of the nicest hôtels, The Raffles:

Not far from another Hotel, The Fullerton, with the Marina Bay Sand in the background:

In Marina Bay Sand:

In Hong Kong, now...

Just Close to the Heritage 1881:

At the Peak, with an awesome panorama:

Some static shots, with some local material used as a background.

Singapore " style ":

Hong Kong:

On an old wooden table, in my hotel room.

The only issue I had with the QL was to give it back to JLC at the end of my trip... Which means all...

Best,

Nicolas.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-01 00:32:12 This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-04 00:28:45

Key Points from the Discussion

The 40.5mm case size of the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire Enamel is a judicious choice, as a larger case might have overwhelmed the brilliant white enamel and white metal aesthetic.
The enamel dial significantly enhances the watch's elegance and presence, making it appear larger than its actual 40.5mm size due to its important aperture.
The Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire's true aim is accuracy, achieved through its unique construction with separate barrels for time/date/moonphase and the escapement, preventing pollution of the escapement.
The lunar disc in the enamel version is described as a "little jewel in the jewel," appearing more precious and refined than in the regular edition, with the southern hemisphere indication removed for a cleaner look.
The comfort on the wrist is noted as undisputable, potentially due to the smaller case size or the pin buckle, or a combination of both.
The Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire features two hacking and resettable second hands (one foudroyante/diablotine and a classic central second) to illustrate its dedication to accuracy.

The Discussion

moc

Dec 1, 2014

No doubt the choice of the size is very good,a few details turn this watch into almost a new watch ,not just an edition of the QL family. First and foremost the lunar disc becomes a little jewel in the jewel,so much better than the regular edition QL,precious,refined..... The southern hemisphere indication disappears and I like that,it would have been too busy. I personally dislike the "enamel grand feu" writing....actually ,maybe it is the detail that put me off this watch(I mean,put me off tra

Fricks

Dec 1, 2014

that enamel dial pops out really well. So is it white gold or grey gold? On your last pics, it looks grey, and contrasts nicely. Looks like you had a great trip. There is a thing about watches and traveling. As if we are taking them on a trip as we would with a living thing... Shooting them in another environment makes very nice pics.

amanico

Dec 1, 2014

But the rest of the Watch is to die for.... Nightmaresque. Now that you have the black version, things are a bit different, indeed. You need to be 120% seduced to consider a trade. Best, Mo. Nicolas

amanico

Dec 1, 2014

And this one did it in a very convincing way. AFAIK, the case is in white gold. The light may have played a trick on some pics. Best, Nicolas

Mark in Paris

Dec 1, 2014

These pictures of you trip are very nice by the way. At the beginiing of my watch fan journey, case size was not a subject as I only look at mechanical mastery, finishing and style. But I discovered as time goes by that big cases are not as comfy to wear and finally I think I changed my mind as I don't like big cases as an everyday wearer. That's why big Duometre are great but to big for me to purchase one. This 40.5 which seems to be nicer to wear may be, not a compromise, but a nice move. As f

amanico

Dec 1, 2014

It is the only way to make your mind. Best, Mark. Nicolas

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