For Mother’s Day, we have prepared a review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon medium steel. It was one of the novelties presented at SIHH 2019. A beautiful steel watch with a delicate diamond-set and a romantic complication – moon phase. A long presentation video and a large gallery accompany this hands-on. The ladies’ Rendez-Vous Collection was launched in 2012. The collection grew and evolved having now in the offer from simple small quartz date pieces, up to high complications like the tourbillon or perpetual calendar. Available in steel and precious metals, this lady piece can have a touch, or more, of diamond setting. For today, we (Diana and I) present you the Reference Q3578430, the steel moon phase with diamond set on the case and on the dial. For the start, enjoy the 4 minutes presentation video below. The Rendez-Vous Moon medium steel was lent to us by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Richemont Northern Europe GmbH. Together with a Tribute Reverso (review following next week), we took them for a ride in Stuttgart and at Solitude Castle. Due to lockdown, we were restrained from doing all that we have planned. The weather didn’t help either…
The 34mm case takes inspiration from the men’s Master Control collection. The series also inherited the Jaeger-LeCoultre 1000 hours extensive testing program. The case is adorned with a mirror finish. As you might notice, the case will reflect its surroundings, fitting even better a lady’s wrist. The delicate crown does not bear the JLC logo but a domed bump. The high-jewellery pieces of the Rendez-Vous collection bear precious stones. The presented piece is much appropriate for daily wear. The elegant lugs are well proportioned, creating a sense of balance for the entire look. The case features a bezel set with diamonds. While many lady collectors disconsider this option due to the conviction that it is dressing the watch too much for a daily wearer, the Rendez-Vous surprised many of them. The setting is subtle, bringing just a spark, a touch of shine and femininity. On the lower left side of the case can be found the moon-phase recessed button. The function is easy to set. For the video, I have used a toothpick but it is much nicer with a Jaeger-LeCoultre pin tool. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon comes with a leather strap with fast interchangeable strap and folding buckle. The strap selection is rich and can include a metal bracelet. I have met many ladies collectors, Diana inclusive, that love their pieces on a full metal bracelet. The possibility to change the strap without tools or external help makes is even more desirable for someone that like to change straps often, to match with their mood or outfit.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon comes with a radiating pattern, starting from the centre of the dial. The pattern is interrupted by the inner diamond setting. The dial’s centre is governed by the applied JLC logo and the brand’s printed name. The watch face is enriched with two sets of indices: large, black transfer printed Arabic numerals and applied semi-spheres. Detailed picture of each element can be found in the gallery. The moon-phase display is placed at 6 o’clock. The complication features it’s own recessed and individual decorated sub-dial. The moon-phase stands out in the right light.
Rendez-Vous Moon is powered by the brand’s 925A/1 calibre. This gorgeous little beast is visible via the exhibition case back. Jaeger-LeCoultre never disappoints when it comes to its movements. Calibre 925A/1 makes no exception and present itself with delightful details. How the light plays between the movement’s components can be seen in the clip from the start of the article. The fully decorated movement displays perlage on the main plate, Geneva waves on bridges and rotor, anglage and polishing, gilded engravings. The movement is decorated and assembled by hand. This 242 components calibre, with variations used also for the men’s Master Ultra-Thin Moon, offers 38-hour power reserve from a single barrel. More than enough for a self-winding intended for daily wear, but offering the chance to intercalate it with another piece from time to time.
I usually don’t keen to diamond timepieces. But this one was a love at first sight. The delicate setting accompanies nicely the steel case. The well proportionate bezel was not too flashy and tiresome but just perfect to highlight the dial. The guilloché dial is also an exceptional feature of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon. The transfer-printed Arabic numerals follow the pattern of the dial, inviting the detail hungry eyes for a closer look. Rendez-Vous Moon is a watch technically relevant but with a touch of feminity. Since moon-phase is my favourite complication, I appreciate the timepiece’s discretions. I felt the watch was made for my eye, without shouting for exterior attention. I am very happy the Jaeger-LeCoultre take into consideration its ladies collector, offering them the choice of beautiful movements and exquisite mechanical complications.
While I do enjoy a diamond watch from time to time, I feel that the ladies collector have a much-narrowed selection available. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon is a gorgeous piece. I enjoyed too how the case’s diamond setting was done. While Diana was not very impressed by the setting on the dial, I liked how it highlights the large black numerals, creating weight points on the dial for ease in legibility. I particularly loved the guilloché dial. It has an organic feel. Another gorgeous detail was the “small sub-dial” of the moon-phase that has a dedicated flower pattern. This kind of details is met mostly in ladies’ pieces and it is what draws my attention to them.