Amanico revisits a unique piece from Jaeger-LeCoultre's Hybris Artistica line, the Duometre Spherotourbillon Pocket Watch. This article highlights the intricate design and historical connections of this exceptional timepiece, inviting readers to appreciate its artistry and technical prowess. Amanico's detailed comparison with its wristwatch counterpart and a vintage JLC pocket watch underscores its significance in the brand's heritage.
In the Hybris Artistica line, born in 2014, there were three Duometre Spherotourbillon.
A White Gold Sapphire case, limited to three pieces, a White Gold Blue Enamel, and a White Gold Blue Enamel pocket watch!
This is this last one I invite you to rediscover, here.
First, let me share a sketch of this watch, which is a good description:
And another one, even more artistic:
This is the first and the unique Duometre to be used in a pocket watch.
The case is big, with a diameter of 48 mm, but since it is a pocket watch, it is not as problematic as if it was a wrist watch.
This case is really magnificent, with its blue enamel bezel surrounding it. This ring helps to maintain some visual harmony between the dial, the movement and the case, in terms of proportions.
It makes me think of the 1928 Grande Complication pocket watch, as you can see with this side by side picture:
Compared to a " normal " Duometre à Spherotourbillon, this pocket watch version shows an interesting layout of the front side.
Here is the wrist watch.
Now, the pocket watch.
The dial layout of the pocket watch is much more my taste, with its Spherotourbillon at 6 o'clock, the dial dedicated to time at 12, and the small second and 2d time zone sub dials at 3 and 9 o clock. In terms of symmetry and balance, it is a winning choice, in my opinion, which I would have preferred to see in the Duometre in White gold Sapphire case!
The main dial, in white gold, is hand chiseled. The three white dials are using enamel Grand Feu. Sublime.
You will easily recognize the Cal 382, of course, but here, with one important change: The Tourbillon Bridge is transparent, made of sapphire.
Cherry on the cake, the ring surrounding the crown is in blue sapphire, too.
Like its two other Hybris Artistic Duometre Spherotourbillon, this pocket watch version is limited to 3 pieces. So the chances you can see one in the real world are close to zero.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas
