Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater
By Mimi Henderson Jaeger LeCoultre knows how to treat a lady. It’s Rendez-Vous women’s collection — released a couple of years ago and building strongly — puts the brand’s best foot forward for the female watch market. This year is no different with the release of the Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater.
The 18-karat white gold Rendez-Vous Ivy is the brand’s first female minute repeater and represents a fusion of high horology and intricate gem working. To chime the time, the Ivy uses dual trebuchet hammers to strike dual crystal gongs that have been attached to the sapphire exhibition back of the watch. The hammers have a large square surface area which provides a larger point of contact than the round hammers found on other minute repeaters. Additionally, attaching the crystal gongs to the case back helps carry the sound of the minute repeater more effectively by creating a loudspeaker effect.
The minute repeater chimes the time on demand.
(Interesting note, the JLC Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication uses a similar system for its minute repeater. That watch is created in an 8-piece limited edition and retails for north of $350k. Another reminder that JLC has brought their “A” game for the woman’s release. )
The movement for the watch is made entirely in house.
The dial of the stunning Ivy features a hand-painted blue enamel back drop with diamond covered Ivy leaves. The diamond covered Ivy is meant to exude snow covered leaves after a fresh dusting and two rows of diamonds along the bezel continue the theme. The dial and diamonds are all set by hand and again speak to the manufacture’s commitment to the release.
The dial is hand-painted blue enamel and the ivy leaves are set with diamonds.
The watch is powered by the in-house calibre 942A, which was designed to fit into a 39mm case. It features an automatic movement, sports a 43-hour power reserve, and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Did I mention Jaeger brought its A game? The watch will be created in a limited edition of 88 pieces and will retail for upwards of $250,000.
