Three years after the debut of the Rendez-Vous Shooting Star, Jaeger-LeCoultre elevates the poetic complication with its latest creation, Rendez-Vous Shooting Star (Ref. Q36423C3). At the heart of this reinterpretation is a dial adorned with delicate, hand-painted peonies set against a luminous night sky. There are two new 36mm iterations, each limited to 10 pieces.
Heavenly visions in miniature
The firmament has always inspired watchmaking – not only through its aesthetic appeal, but also because of the order of time, which is based on planetary orbits and constellations. The idea of translating the random flash of a shooting star – that fleeting spectacle that has symbolised wishes and dreams for centuries – into a mechanical system almost defies the logic of classical watchmaking. And yet that is precisely the appeal of this project. At the heart of this extraordinary watch is the Calibre 734 – an automatic calibre developed entirely in-house, consisting of 335 components and a power reserve of 70 hours. It allows the phenomenon of the shooting star to flit seemingly at random across the dial, triggered solely by the movement of the wrist. An impressive technical achievement, interwoven with over 190 years of watchmaking experience.
Between flowers and stars
Jaeger-LeCoultre's reinterpretation of the Rendez-Vous Shooting Star will be released in 2025 in two exclusive versions – each limited to ten pieces and dedicated entirely to the poetic interplay of mechanics, light, and colour. Both models are housed in 36 mm 18-carat red gold cases and feature a three-layer dial whose complexity is revealed in the details.
In the foreground are hand-painted peonies, applied to a disc of transparent sapphire crystal. The contours are first sketched freehand on the back and worked in reverse, before the sheet is turned over and the delicate colour gradients are applied layer by layer. Nine shades of pink in one version, twelve different shades of blue in the other – each colour must be applied precisely in a single pass because the varnish dries quickly. 110 hours of delicate brushwork went into the pink version, 80 hours into the blue version – a testament to the exceptional level of craftsmanship in the Maison's Métiers Rares workshop.
Cosmic spectacle with depth effect
Behind the painted sapphire crystal layer lies a second rotating disc made of mother-of-pearl, its textured airbrushed paint application reminiscent of a glittering night sky. A star-shaped opening is incorporated into this disc, which—when activated—uncovers a third, fixed metal disc with a luminous gradient. The result is a luminous trail that flashes briefly and disappears just as quickly, like a real shooting star. A diamond-studded three-quarter circle on the upper dial further reinforces this visual impression and alludes to the trajectory of the light phenomenon.
Two styles, one poetic core
The pink version – Reference Q36423C3 – is a truly sparkling work of art: 625 diamonds with a total weight of approximately 6.31 carats adorn the case, bezel, lugs, crown, and the fully diamond-set rose gold bracelet. The second version – Reference Q36424C2 – contrasts this opulence with a cool, elegant colour scheme. The blue peonies interact with a lustrous alligator leather strap, subtly complementing the watch's design language. 189 diamonds totalling approximately 1.47 carats blend discreetly into the overall look, yet still underscore the collection's luxurious appeal.
A tribute to transience
The Rendez-Vous Shooting Star 2025 is an emotional narrative in miniature, captured in precious metal, sapphire, lacquer, and light. The choice of the peony as the central motif—a symbol of grace, abundance, and feminine charisma—enhances the poetic dimension of these timepieces. Yet, above all, the true star stands out: the shooting star, whose sudden appearance is as surprising as it is enchanting.
Price upon request.
This article first appeared in WatchTime.net
Images: Courtesy brand
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