CARACTÉRISTIQUES TECHNIQUES
Stunning Jaeger LeCoultre Mystery watch with 18Kt white gold case, JLC 430 manual winding movement, from the 1990s.
18Kt white gold case measuring 36.5mm
Thickness 6.8mm
Lug width 20mm
Cristal original
Couronne originale
JLC 430 manual winding movement inside
ANALYSE
Jaeger LeCoultre’s history is marked by the success of its mystery watches. Having collaborated with Cartier since the 1910s, JLC saw the development of the first mystery watch in history: the “Modèle A.” Cartier – inspired by the enigmatic performances of the famous illusionist Robert Houdin – completed it in collaboration with Maurice Couet as early as 1913. From then on, the path was clear, and mystery watches developed a thriving market, thanks in part to continuous innovations and technical solutions that brought even more mystery to timepieces.
We’ve arrived at the 1990s, and this incredible white gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watch still tells that story.
Its circular dial appears suspended in mid-air. It is carved from the center of a sapphire crystal disc, which holds it suspended as if floating in zero gravity. This optical effect is striking from every angle. This play of “absences” embodies a sense of mystery. This effect is amplified by the design and structure of the peripheral frame. It is composed of pseudo-circular elements of varying sizes that almost stack on top of each other. The design and overall composition are reminiscent of something highly material, such as encrusted organic agglomerates or inorganic mineral concretions. The stunning optical effect is further intensified by the surface treatment of this composite bezel; each of the circular elements has a different surface treatment. Among the cavities emerge hammered planes, polished surfaces, others lacquered in black/dark blue, others brushed, still others with a dense series of diagonal, horizontal, or vertical grooves. This entire sense of materiality – which is echoed in the central dial with great compositional intelligence – intensifies the sensation of mysterious precariousness.
Within the 18K white gold central case is the JLC manufacture caliber No. 430, which has the characteristic feature of having the winding crown hidden in the back. The manually wound JLC 430 movement has 15 jewels and runs at 18,000 A/h.
