IN ANY MECHANICAL WATCH, THE timekeeping function relies on a steady supply of power derived from the barrel/mainspring. When watchmakers pile on a power-hungry complication onto the movement, such as a chronograph, the complication taps into the same power source. This affects the precise functioning of the timekeeping instruments.

When Jaeger-LeCoultre began searching for answers to this age-old problem, it found a possible solution in a calibre produced in 1881. That movement had two barrels, but only one gear train, which didn’t solve the issue. Taking this idea to the next level, the watchmaker developed the Duometre mechanism.

The first Duometre watch, circa 2007, boasted two independent barrels and two separate gear trains – one for the timekeeping function and one for the complication, a chronograph. Divide and conquer, as it were.

Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual

In 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled the latest iteration of the Duometre, the Heliotourbillon Perpetual, equipped with the all-new calibre 388.

There’s quite a lot going on in terms of functions – perpetual calendar, big date display, moon phase, two power reserve indicators and the granddaddy of them all, a triple axis tourbillon, which marks a first for Jaeger-LeCoultre. The iconic Gyrotourbillon of 2004, by comparison, had two axes.

Here, the tourbillon – which resembles a tiny armillary sphere – boasts three titanium cages that rotate on three axes and two different speeds (30 seconds and 60 seconds). It’s a fascinating spectacle to watch the entire assembly spin around, so the dial and case are designed to enhance the viewing pleasure.

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The caseback is no less alluring, with the sunburst Geneva stripes on the plates lending the calibre a radiant quality. Housed in a 44 mm pink gold case with a brown alligator strap, the watch is limited to just 20 pieces.

Duometre Chronograph Moon

The Duometre Chronograph Moon is surely one of the handsomest watches we’ve seen this year, and that’s partly to do with the symmetric composition of the dial. Another reason: the seductive salmon hue (Jaeger-LeCoultre calls it “copper-coloured opaline”) of the dial on the platinum-cased variant. The pink gold variant has a silver opaline dial.

Aesthetics aside, the 42.5 mm watch is packed with features such as a monopusher chronograph with seconde foudroyante (flying seconds), moon phase, day and night indicator and dual power reserve indicators. The chronograph is accurate to 1/6th of a second. When activated, the flying seconds hand at 6 o’clock makes a complete rotation in just one second, hence the name.

The watchmaker created an entirely new movement, calibre 391, for this beauty, part of which can be glimpsed through the openwork on the dial. A transparent caseback reveals the full splendour, with distinctive double barrels (offering a 50-hour power supply each) and sunray Geneva stripes.

Duometre Quantieme Lunaire

The most accessible of the three new Duometre models, the Quantieme Lunaire is housed in a steel case – a first for the collection. It’s worth noting that the Quantieme Lunaire model already existed in previous Duometre collections, but Jaeger-LeCoultre has reworked the case, sizing it up to 42.5 mm and rounding the contours of its sapphire crystal and bezel. 

The Quantieme Lunaire relies on the same “two brains, one heart” principle of its brethren. Emphasising calibre 381’s high-precision is the flying seconds indicator at 6 o’clock, offering accuracy of up to 1/6th of a second. It’s a rare complication, and could be a conversation starter at networking events. 

Rounding out the watch’s functions are a date display, moon phase, and the two power reserve indicators that are typical of the Duometre line. All this on a striking new blue opaline dial. On the caseback, you’ll find the same high level of finishing on the movement as its counterparts.