A few closeup pics and videos of the JLC Duometre Spherotourbillon

Jun 30, 2012,14:50 PM
 

A few months ago I had visited the Jaeger LeCoultre Beverly Hills Boutique to view the JLC novelties from SIHH 2012.  One of the most mesmerizing timepieces from the new collection was the stunning Duometre Spherotourbillon. 

This is the fourth addition to the Duometre collection and follow similar styling cues but with unique differences.  The Spherotourbillon is the first one that does not have the signature foudroyante small seconds display.  You can see on the dial at the 6 o'clock position that the subdial has the flyback seconds display.  The two power reserve indicators are positioned at the 5 o'clock for time reserve de marche, and at the 1 o'clock is for the regulating organ reserve de marche. 





The dial is symmetrically divided in two with the right half of the dial mainly taken up with the large subdial displaying the hour and minutes, and a cicular jumping date.  This date display reminds me of the design element from the the hybris mechnica grande sonnerie which has a simliar circular track around the time but had a dual perpetual calender function with the month on the upper half and the day on the bottom half. 





The case is made of 18k rose gold and a platinum version is also available as a limited edition of 75 pieces.  The diameter of the Spherotourbillon is a bit large at 42mm but still fits on smaller wrists.  The thickness is 14.1mm which is fairly thick but needs this height due to the space for the Spherotourbillon to makes it rotation.  The movement is JLC's Caliber 382 which has a total of 460 parts, 55 jewels and a 50 hour power reserve. 
The Spherotourbillon is designed with JLC's dualwing concept where one barrel and it's gear train is used for time, while the other barrel and gear train is used for the spherotourbillon.
A small gold plaque is place at the 7 o'clock position of the dial indicating the Cal. 382 movement.  This is similar in style to the Duometre chronograph dial.  Sapphire crystals are placed on both sides and provide a clear view of the Spherotourbillon.





Here's a side view of the Duometre Spherotourbillon.  The rose gold case has alternating brush and polished surfaces.  On the upper right hand side of the case at the 2 o'clock position is a pushpiece to activate the flyback small seconds hand and allows it to reset to zero. 





Here's a closeup of the Spherotourbillon.  It was difficult to take closeup pictures due to the spinning movement across the two axis. 





This is a two axis tourbillon with different rotational speeds, at  30 seconds in the first axis along the carriage and 15 seconds in the second axis at a 20 degree angle.  The spherotourbillon is made up of 105 parts and weighs in at a mere .518 grams with a carriage made in titanium beating at 21600vph.  You can see the angle of the spherotourbillon in the pictures, but here's a closeup video I made showing the rational movement which should demonstrate how it works:




Here's a second video of the Spherotourbillon:





Hope you enjoyed the pics and video of the Spherotourbillon. 

Regards,
ED-209
This message has been edited by ED209 on 2012-06-30 14:50:42


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Great close up and video...

 
 By: DRMW : June 30th, 2012-14:55
Great writeup on the Duometre Sphero, cool to see the macro video with the JLC in action. Thanks! -MW

I think it makes a difference

 
 By: ED209 : July 1st, 2012-23:06
Thanks DRMW. I like having these videos as it demonstrates how the Spherotourbillon moves. Regards, ED-209

A great idea to have posted videos of the Sphero.

 
 By: amanico : June 30th, 2012-15:46
Seeing it turning is certainly worth a thousand words, even if the words are good. This is a magic creation. Devilish. Best, Nicolas

It's a magic creation

 
 By: ED209 : July 1st, 2012-23:07
Exactly, it's so mesmerizing to see in person. Thanks for viewing the video Nicholas. Regards, ED-209

brilliant! just look at the gyro go.

 
 By: patrickmaniac : July 1st, 2012-07:33
i can watch it all day and get hypnotize. cheers PAt

Glad you liked the video

 
 By: ED209 : July 1st, 2012-23:08
Thanks for looking and hope you get a chance to see one. Regards, ED-209

I hope you have a chance to see one in person

 
 By: ED209 : July 2nd, 2012-18:26
Its definitely mesmerizing. Thanks for checking out the video. Regards, ED-209

Finishing

 
 By: Archy : October 7th, 2012-03:41
Why is the top bracket of the tourbillon made of rather dull grey metal and held by grey screws? The tourbillon is the display point of the watch. I would have expected a bright polished finish and bright or blued screws.