One of the ladies’ most coveted models gets a complete makeover.
For years, ladies’ luxury timepieces on the market were mostly modified versions of their masculine counterparts. Rarely does the market come across a watch collection specially dedicated to women, from its design right down to the technical details. However, it is no secret that women have developed much more sophisticated tastes in timepieces in the recent years. Superficial beauty is no longer the only draw, as today’s women become more curious about the inner workings of a watch; and many have become much more knowledgeable about complicated movements.
In 2012, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the Rendez-Vous collection for ladies, much to the delight of female watch aficionados. Before this, its most popular model among female clients was the iconic Reverso, according to the Swiss watchmaker. To date, the Rendez-Vous collection has been a huge success, also garnering male fans who bought larger-sized models to add to their own prized collections.
Combining Jaeger-LeCoultre’s extensive expertise in both fine watchmaking and Métiers Rares™ (Rare Handcrafts), the Rendez-Vous collection offers ladies precise and beautiful timepieces equipped with in-house movements, ranging from the dainty Rendez-Vous Date Small Quartz to the highly complicated Rendez-Vous Perpetual Calendar. Each watch within the family are exquisite both inside and out, as every detail has been designed specifically with women in mind. After all, Jaeger-LeCoultre prides itself as a Grande Maison with 180 different expert skills and more than 1,200 watch calibres under its belt.
Timepieces equipped with the moon phase display function have always been a favourite among ladies; and naturally, one of the signatures of the Rendez-Vous collection. At the upcoming Salon Internationale de Haute Horlorgerie (SIHH) in Geneva, Jaeger-LeCoultre will present a new Rendez-Vous Moon model for the ladies. While certain key elements like the dial, hands and numerals remain status quo, its moon phase display at 6 o’clock has been completely reworked and given a more feminine touch, compared to its more minimalistic predecessor launched in 2017.
The 2019 Rendez-Vous Moon boasts a delicately polished and scaled-down moon (compared to that on earlier Rendez-Vous Moon models) set against a starry, lacquered blue sky, rotating throughout its various phases while being cradled by fluffy clouds. The silvered dial is decorated by master craftsmen from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s very own Métiers Rares™ department using traditional guillochage techniques, enhancing the beauty of the watch further with a textured effect. The circular shape continues to be a fundamental design element in the new Rendez-Vous Moon, as with the rest of the Rendez-Vous collection.
Case diameter: 34 mm, Thickness: 9.56 mm, Caliber: 925A/1–Automatic, Case: Pink gold/Stainless steel, Water-resistance: 5 bar, Functions: Hours/Minutes/Seconds Moon phase, Power reserve: 40 hr, Dial: Silvered guilloché, Diamonds: 107 diamonds–0.7 ct, Case-back: Open, Reference: Q3572430/Q3578430
Presented in pink gold and steel versions, the new generation of Rendez-Vous Moon watches are fitted with the Caliber 925A, an in-house automatic movement that is clearly visible from its transparent caseback; and has a power reserve of 40 hours. The straps are interchangeable to maximise the versatility of the timepiece. Like the rest of its siblings in the Rendez-Vous family, the Rendez-Vous Moon is set with diamonds. The bezel and inner dial are set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds and 47 smaller diamonds respectively, adding a touch of subtle glamour to the poetic moon phase design.
Like many other Jaeger-LeCoultre creations, this new interpretation of the Rendez-Vous Moon is an exemplary display of timeless elegance, marrying the savoir-faire of master watchmakers and jewellers working under the same roof at the Grande Maison’s manufacture in the Vallée de Joux. While I am personally more a fan of the Rendez-Vous Moon Medium from 2017, I’m sure that this new baby of the collection will surely capture the hearts of many discerning ladies.
Related links:
Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2019
Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Manufacture of Makers
