OVERVIEW
UNITING PRECISION AND ARTISTRY
An exquisitely feminine expression of time that celebrates both precision and artistry, Jaeger-LeCoultre enriches the Rendez-Vous Sonatina series with three new timepieces.
A limited edition of 10 pieces each, the Rendez-Vous Sonatina “Peaceful Nature” trilogy is a joyful ode to nature and its special place in the Asian artistic tradition. Each piece calls upon three of the decorative crafts that Jaeger-LeCoultre has so thoroughly mastered in its Métiers Rares® (Rare Handcrafts™) atelier: miniature-painting, lacquer work and gem-setting.
DESIGN
THREE DIALS, THREE SYMBOLS
Uniting the artistic traditions and craft skills of East and West, intricately decorated dials and highly sophisticated mechanisms celebrate femininity in refined and timeless style.
THE KOI
On the black dial, a vivid orange-coloured koi swims beneath the gently rippling surface of a pond, framed by the spreading branches of a willow tree – a symbol of spring and, thus, of romance and feminine charm. The delicate qualities of the willow are balanced by the strength of the koi – believed to confer strength of purpose, courage and perseverance in the face of adversity, bringing the rewards of success, abundance and good fortune.
THE KINGFISHER BIRD
A golden-brown dial is adorned with the delicately painted branches of a red quince tree – also a symbol of longevity, renewed and rejuvenated by the reappearance of its blossom every spring. Amid its red blooms perches a kingfisher bird. A harbinger of summer, the kingfisher is a positive symbol in almost every cultural tradition, representing beauty and virtue, fidelity and devotion, faithfulness and happy marriage.
THE CRANE
Against a background of deep blue-green lacquer, a crane hovers above a pine tree, the arc of its wings following the curving lines of the dial layout. Revered throughout Asia as an auspicious sign, the crane embodies happiness and a soaring spirit. Symbolising longevity because it was thought to live for 1,000 years, and being monogamous, it often appears in wedding décor, representing a long and peaceful life for the couple. The pine tree, as an evergreen, is also considered a symbol of longevity and virtue.
FUNCTIONS
THE COMPLICATION
Set on the edge of the dial, a delicate golden star marks the time of a special rendezvous or meeting, which can be moved into position by a second crown set in the side of the case. When the time comes, a single strike on a gong concealed within the watch mechanism releases a melodious chime to remind the owner of her appointment.
Further visible through an oval-shaped aperture, the Night & Day indicator completes one rotation every 24 hours in an endless dance of sun, moon and stars.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
40 HOURS TO MINIATURE HAND-PAINT ITS DIAL
Executed entirely by hand in the Jaeger-LeCoultre Métiers Rares® atelier, each of these dial exquisite compositions has been brought to life by the artisan in a remarkable ballet of skill and precision.
Building up the gradient colour of the lacquer, layer by layer, creates a richly gleaming background. Then, guided only by eye and hand, the artisan applies miniscule dots of gold lacquer paint to imitate the effect of maki-e lacquer. Next, in a manner similar to oil painting on canvas but on a microscopic scale, the detailed image is formed, one tiny brushstroke at a time – a process taking some 40 hours of incredibly highly focused work. As a final touch, elements of each image are highlighted with tiny gold paillons (flakes), precisely applied.
In its composition, the Rendez-Vous Sonatina dial is asymmetrical yet perfectly balanced, anchored by the collection’s signature Floral hands and numerals. The applied numerals, graduated in size, form a crescent that wraps around the delicate painting. A fine oval-shaped ring of diamonds runs beneath the applied numerals, drawing the eye to the painted image and complementing a glittering circle of grain-set diamonds on the bezel. In the midst of each image, visible through an oval-shaped aperture, the Night & Day indicator completes one rotation every 24 hours in an endless dance of sun, moon and stars.
