Heliotourbillon Perpetual from Jaeger-LeCoultre

Over the course of almost two centuries, Jaeger-LeCoultre has distinguished itself through the development of increasingly sophisticated means of achieving the perfect regularity of the ‘heartbeat’ of its calibres – essential for accurate timekeeping. Among the key areas of research in this pursuit of precision, the Manufacture has developed great expertise in tourbillons and also invented the Duometre mechanism, which enables the addition of complications without any compromise to the accuracy of the timekeeping function.

In 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre unites these two lines of development, to create the Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual. Pushing the boundaries of inventiveness further than ever, the new Calibre 388 features an entirely new tourbillon construction: one that spins on three axes to create a ‘spinning top’ effect. Beating at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vph) to further enhance chronometry, Calibre 388 also incorporates a perpetual calendar with a grande date indication.

The Duometre Concept – a Breakthrough in Precision

Introduced in 2007, the patented Duometre mechanism features two barrels and two separate gear trains housed in a single calibre and linked to a single regulating organ. One gear train power the time indications and the other drives all additional functions. By separating the power supply in this way, the Duometre mechanism guarantees an exceptionally high degree of operating accuracy.

Thanks to this ingenious concept, the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre added a new chapter to watchmaking history, opening the door to horological complexity and laying the foundation of an entire Duometre collection.

The Heliotourbillon – a New Spin on Multiple Axes

Incorporating almost eight decades of accumulated expertise in the tourbillon regulating mechanism, the Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual, features a newly developed tourbillon configuration that rotates on three axes. In doing so, it creates a completely new kinematic effect for Jaeger-LeCoultre resembling a spinning top.

Initially devised for pocket-watches, the traditional tourbillon does not compensate for the effects of gravity in all positions. Having understood that an additional axis of rotation must be added in order to be more effective in all positions that a wrist-worn watch may adopt, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers developed the dual-axis Gyrotourbillon, and various other tourbillon configurations, each fitted with differently shaped hairsprings.

A New Duometre Case: Contemporary Elegance Inspired by Tradition

Marking the launch of three new Duometre models in 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre has designed an entirely new case for the collection. A contemporary interpretation of the savonette pocket watches created by the Maison in the 19th-century, its rounded contours are highly tactile as well as visually appealing. (The French word savonette literally means a small disc of soap with rounded contours that can be cradled in the palm of a hand.) With its convex crystal and gracefully rounded bezel, the new Duometre case expresses this literal definition very well. The crown, too, has been redesigned, with deep and rounded notches that make it a joy to handle. Indeed, the only sharp lines to be found are on the highly polished edges of the lugs.

With its extreme mechanical sophistication, innovative tourbillon and highly refined aesthetics, the Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual represents a new adventure in the Maison’s quest for precision, as well as its boundless creativity.