A Trip In Asia. Part 3: Jaeger-Lecoultre Duometre à Quantième Lunaire Enamel.

Dec 01, 2014,00:00 AM
 

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.  wink

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


More posts: DuometreDuometre ChronographeGeophysicUnique Travel Time

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A superb watch,a beautiful face...

 
 By: moc : December 1st, 2014-00:26
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,prec... 

Without this special wording, it would have been better, I totally agree.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2014-04:16
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

Fantastic!

 
 By: Fricks : December 1st, 2014-02:28
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 ... 

A nice watch always enhances the pleasure of a trip, Fricks.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2014-04:17
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

You're a lucky well escorted traveller

 
 By: Mark in Paris : December 1st, 2014-05:48
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 ... 

There are some you can see, not far from where you live. ;)

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2014-05:52
It is the only way to make your mind. Best, Mark. Nicolas

Almost every time.. Duomètres are shown & discussed.. I am mesmerized & curious..

 
 By: hs111 : December 1st, 2014-06:54
.. If my personal fav would change ( for me the WG / dark dialled Duo QL), and as we are now having a Boutique in our city, I now always try to get to see them. This enamel feu 40,5 , apparently wearing bigger, with the special flair of elegant filigranei... 

The problem with enamel dials is that you have to see them in the flesh.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2014-07:49
They are much better. Once you tasted the milky dial, its sweet depth, you are done... Try to see it in the real, my friend. It is a dangerous but delectable experience! Best, Nicolas

Thx for the hint !.. Actually the Boutique here will have one soon for short showing. ;)

 
 By: hs111 : December 1st, 2014-08:00
.. but conversely, they still have this one WG/ black dial Duometre a QL !!.. Might be nice to see them side-by-side ! Refined looking it apparently takes.. Best & thx again for advising, hs

Fine watch, tried it recently... mixed feelings

 
 By: Tim_M : December 1st, 2014-07:44
First, excellent photos. Now that I've seen the DQL in the flesh with enamel dial, I realize that your photos capture it perfectly. I'm partial to black dials and white metal, and I love the white gold Duometre a Chronographe enough to own it. But I also ... 

The issue, with the QL, is to understand it.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2014-07:54
And I must say that the title is not helping a lot. With that name, you think that the Duometre à QL is all about the moonphase, which is wrong. It is not especially accurate with a deviation of one day each 2, 5 years, while others do much better with ea... 

This is true, but it's a very cerebral intent and hard to verify

 
 By: Tim_M : December 1st, 2014-09:14
Hi Nicolas, Absolutely true regarding the character of this moonphase. It's of the 59-tooth variety rather than the 135-tooth of the grander JLC moonphases (such as the perpetual). What challenges me is the true need for such an involved drivetrain to ach... 

I should also have added that....

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2014-09:28
The dedication to accuracy explains why the QL has two second hands ( one foudroyante, or diablotine should be more correct, and the other, the classic central second ) which: - Both hack. - Can be both reset to zero. Now, what I saw at the Manufacture ( ... 

It is a great watch and a very clever evolution of the Duometre

 
 By: foversta : December 1st, 2014-13:12
The enamel dial totally changes the feeling we have with this watch which becomes more classic while preserving the originaly of the dial lay-out. Thanks for the pics! Fx

Thank you for this great report, Nicolas!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 1st, 2014-15:10
A very nice watch for sure! But I must confess that my favorite Duometre so far (non-hybris/sphero tourbillon) is the original Chronograph version. Best Blomman

So you are planning to get several?! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 1st, 2014-23:26

Three?! And you call me greedy?! ;)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 1st, 2014-23:35

Spot on

 
 By: rnaden : December 1st, 2014-16:40
Your last line summarizes a lot :-) I have not seen this in the metal, but it looks very balanced and legible - maybe a tad too busy on the dial for me, but then again, that's based on pictures. The size seems to be at the sweet spot for comfort and cooln... 

Certainly will but the Reverso Septantieme is now haunting me

 
 By: rnaden : December 2nd, 2014-05:33
I have you to blame for the torment ;-)

Nicolas, That Is A Serious Beauty And...

 
 By: elliot55 : December 1st, 2014-20:21
... I love the 1/6 of a second foudroyante. Soooo Cooooool. The enamel dial is just the icing on the cake of this dual-wing masterpiece. Best, - Scott

Great post Nicolas!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : December 1st, 2014-22:53
You bring out the best of this JLC Duometre QL on your SingaKong photos! :) This was me staring at the beautiful enamel dial for ages (and Ruckdee snapped a shot without me knowing!) And of course, lots of memories of your trip to Asia! First time meeting...  

Nice watch and excellent memories. It was worth making a link between the two. ;)

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2014-03:20
Tha,ks for looking, my friend, and for adding this superb picture of you contemplating the Duometre QL Enamel. I read in your eyes that you are moved... And tempted. ;) Best, Nicolas

Can't be tempted by every watch I see!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : December 2nd, 2014-05:27
Else I will be VERY broke lol! Yes good memories we had my friend :) Cheers robin

Wonderful model of JLC and successful Trips in Asia

 
 By: WTA : December 2nd, 2014-21:35
The beautiful Dial hide behind Wonderful machine I still remember this model, are suitable in the wrist and clear of seeing ,  I think, It combines the old taste (Dial) and modern ( Case) at the same time You know the place in the photo number five is the...  

Very well put, my friend WTA. Excellent souvenirs, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2014-21:48
If money was not a problem, I would have jumped on it, as well as on the A Chronographe and the UTT. These 3 will be hrd to beat! All the best, WTA. Nicolas. PS: Yes, I do remember! ;)

You sure know how to enjoy life...great trip and watch...what can

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 2nd, 2014-22:01
We ask for more? Nice hotels, by the way. The JLC Duometre QL series,, I remember now, trying on during my 2012 Europe trip, but was beyond my budget. I love the mesmerizing globe of the UTT. I can't read anymore...afraid might get poisoned in this forum.... 

The UTT is another very tempting one, I agree. No, better...

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2014-23:08
I share your weakness for that one. In fact, I found a solution to solve my dilemmas on which Duometre to get first... I just realized that I wouldn't go wrong with any of those. So... No more troubles. ;) But that QL Enamel was one big revelation, for me... 

Had some wrist time today with the Duometre QL enamel

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : December 3rd, 2014-17:16
It's a beauty. Tho the enamel dial does make it way more formal than the white gold/black dialed QL. Anyway. I do have this less than a year old IWC (IW-what?! as they called it at the JLC boutique) Perpetual Calendar for direct trade-in. Couldn't make a ... 

On your wish list, too?

 
 By: amanico : December 3rd, 2014-21:47
I can understand your fascination for this Watch, which will soon turn into obsession... You will see. ;) Best, and thanks for your feedback, Arie. Nicolas

still doubting

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : December 5th, 2014-15:16
between that one and the QL white gold. So had no choice to put them both on the wish list :-) Whichever one comes first wins. Dear Santa, ....................................

Grazie, Amico. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-04:28

I had a chance to play with this beauty, too.

 
 By: masterspiece : December 11th, 2014-12:44
Though I have a smaller wrist, it fit well and wears well, too. The dial is amazing, the size, well, fits well on my smaller wrist. Had this on my right wrist and this baby on my left. (iPhone images) Aloha, Bob ...