So, I’ve been on this kick lately, trying to get my hands on a knock-off of that fancy Jaeger-LeCoultre JLC Duomètre Sphérotourbillon. You know, the one that looks like a million bucks but doesn’t cost it? Yeah, that’s the one. I figured, why not try to imitate it? It’s a classic style, and I’ve always been a fan of how intricate and detailed it looks.
First off, I started digging around for any info I could find on replicas. I mean, where do you even begin with something like this? I hit up some forums and found a few people talking about replicas, but nothing specific to the JLC I was after. One guy said something like, “Looks fine to me based on your pictures, but the only way you’re ever going to feel comfortable is by looking at the movement.” Movement, right? That’s the guts of the watch. I made a note to look into that.
Then, I stumbled upon some advice about getting guarantees and taking any purchase to a watchmaker. Sounded like solid advice. “Try to get guarantees as to genuinity, take any purchase to a proper watchmaker to have it looked over also on the inside,” someone posted. “JLC is a fabulous brand indeed.” No kidding! That’s why I’m going down this rabbit hole. I also searched for replicas of other JLC models, like the Reverso. I thought that if I could find something about the process of replicating other JLC, maybe I could learn something useful, this is what I read “I have been looking for a nice replica of the JLC Reverso (the simpler design with the metal back plate, not the Duoface) but haven t been able to find one.” It seems like it is not an easy task.
Delving into Details
I learned that the real JLC uses something called the Caliber 822 for some of their watches. “Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Caliber 822 is the manual-wind movement of choice for non-duoface Reversos,” I read. Apparently, it’s a pretty slim movement. That got me thinking about the technical side of things. How in the world do you imitate that? I also found out that JLC is based in Switzerland and has been around since 1833. “Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre SA, or simply Jaeger-LeCoultre, is a Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer founded by Antoine LeCoultre in 1833 and is based in Le Sentier, Switzerland,” one article stated. Fancy stuff, and now I am more sure about doing this.
Then it was time to look for watchmakers or shops. In this searching I found that JLC released a new collection called “Duometre collection” and there is an event where people can see it. “Saving you a trip to Le Sentier, JLC is bringing a selection of its haute-est horology to the good ole US of A. The exhibition is centered around the 2024 Duometre collection.”
Trying to Put it Together
My next step was to try to piece together what a replica of the Duomètre Sphérotourbillon would entail. I imagined it would have to be a similar size, so I looked up the dimensions of another JLC watch, the Polaris Chronograph. “Measuring 42mm wide with a steel case, the Polaris Chronograph is 13.5mm thick and 48.5mm lug to lug,” I found. This gave me a reference point at least. I started sketching out some ideas, trying to visualize how all the parts would come together to mimic the real deal.
It’s been a wild ride, trying to figure all this out. I’m still not sure if I’ll ever get my hands on a decent imitation, but I had fun learning about the process and the brand. It’s a lot more complicated than I thought, but hey, that’s half the fun, right? I will continue with this, and maybe someday I’ll have my own knock-off JLC Duomètre Sphérotourbillon. Until then, I’ll keep dreaming and scheming.
- Started researching replicas and movements.
- Sought advice on guarantees and consulting watchmakers.
- Learned about JLC’s Caliber 822 and company history.
- Researched dimensions and began sketching designs.
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