An alarm wristwatch with a day-night indicator, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Sonatina is a complicated ladies watch done right, with a tasteful design that camouflages the complexity of the watch.

Now the Rendez-Vous Sonatina gets an attractive update with the new “Peaceful Nature” trio, which stands out with its fine miniature painting ornamented with sparkling gold flakes, all painstakingly done in the brand’s very own Metiers Rares atelier.

The Low-Down

A collection of ladies’ watches introduced in 2012, the Rendez-Vous is marking its 10th anniversary this year. While originally a time-only with fine jewellery, the Rendez-Vous received an important upgrade in 2016 with the Sonatina model, which incorporates a day-and-night indicator and a useful alarm.

But it’s no ordinary alarm watch, as the presentation of the complications is done extremely well, in that they aren’t visible at first glance. The indicator for the alarm, for example, is a golden star that neighbours the dial flange, making it a decorative element of sorts instead of a functional pointer. At the same time, the day-and-night indicator forms a part of the painting and is again disguised.

The latest Sonatina preserves the good design and is made better with the new metiers d’art dials, which consist of miniature paintings of flora and fauna traditionally revered in several Asian cultures. The new dials in dark colours are arguably more striking than earlier examples with lighter paintings.

The making of the dial starts from a blank applied with multiple layers of lacquer, and when it’s dried an artisan would paint on it stroke by stroke. Finally a touch of gold flakes are sprinkled on the dial to liven up the birds and fishes. The sparkly flakes are a nice touch as they create contrast against the dark backgrounds, while also echoing the shiny diamonds on the dial and bezel. The process is entirely done in the brand’s Metiers Rares atelier, which consists of around 30 artisans such as enamellers, engraves, and gemsetters.

Inside the watch is naturally the brand’s cal. 735, an automatic movement with 40 hours of power reserve. Notably, the movement incorporates a basic alarm function that makes a single chime – via a strike and gong – at the time it’s set to go off.

IMHO

I like the Rendez-Vous collection in general because it pays attention to details, which results in the right amount of romance and feminine charm. An interesting example is the shooting-star watch launched earlier this year, and of course the present Sonatina is another novel interpretation. Notably, the Sonatina has an asymmetrical dial that’s still balanced. The excellent miniature painting sits at the lower half, while the top is adorned with elongated Arabic numerals that give the watch a livelier look.

Considering the blend of technical and artisanal details, “Peaceful Nature” is a strong proposition for female watch connoisseurs, especially when it’s limited to 10 pieces. It’s almost a shame that it’s a limited edition, but it makes sense because each dial takes about 40 hours to complete according to the brand, which naturally restricts the production.

Tech Specs

Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Sonatina Peaceful Nature

Movement: Cal. 735; automatic; 40 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day-and-night indicator, and alarm
Case: 38.2 x 10.59 mm; 18k pink gold; water resistant to 30 m
Strap: Alligator leather strap with pink gold folding clasp
Availability: 10 pieces for each version; only at boutiques