This watch is an indication of the increasing attention dedicated to mechanical movements with complications for women. In fact, the Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater is the first minute repeater in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collection for women, and it was was presented at a “sound lab” at SalonQP in London, 6-8 November, in which customers were introduced to the minute repeater concept, and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s efforts to improve sound quality and reduce the pause that may occur during striking if there are no quarters to strike.

The maison’s work on increasing sound volume has led to the use of two crystal gongs that are connected to the sapphire crystal for a loudspeaker effect. Another new feature of this piece is the pusher for activating the repeater. Usually, minute repeater watches have a slider to operate the striking function: this piece is operated with just a pusher on the left of the case, though it looks like it has a relatively long pressing distance and so presumably adds some energy to the striking mechanism. The designers have added a safety system so that even if the button is pressed while the watch is already striking, no damage will be done. The watch is powered by the new Calibre 942A automatic movement, 437 components, with a 43-hour power reserve, created specially for this piece.

The white gold dial is enamelled in blue, and it has a sunburst guilloché finish. The ivy leaf pattern is created using snow-set diamonds; the Arabic numerals cleverly spring from the ivy fronds. In total, there are 548 diamonds on the dial, bezel, case and crown, for a total of about 2.3 carats. The watch has a 39 mm case mounted on a satin strap. It’s a limited edition of 88 pieces, price about €207,000.