Jaeger-LeCoultre Odysseus Quantième Perpetual 170.6.80

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Hailing from Jaeger-LeCoultre's neo-vintage era, the Odysseus 170.6.80 is a remarkably thin platinum perpetual calendar produced in a limited edition of 99 pieces.

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This is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Odysseus Quantième Perpetual 170.6.80. A manufacturer synonymous with its flagship model, the Reverso, JLC is a storied brand with a long and rich history in watchmaking. Colloquially known as “the watchmaker’s watchmaker” for its watchmaking prowess, the brand has almost two centuries of watchmaking history with its most important and recognizable creation being the first reversible wristwatch.

Beyond the recognizable Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre has a history of producing underrated timepieces in its lineup such as the aforementioned Odysseus. Introduced in the 1980s, the Odysseus was key to the brand's transition out of the quartz crisis which decimated many well-known Swiss brand. With a strong watchmaking heritage, JLC leveraged on its strengths to create the Odysseus as its first modern perpetual calendar.

Based on the perpetual calendar module introduced by the legendary Kurt Klaus, the Odysseus set itself apart from its peers by incorporating all the quick-set functions into the crown without the need for pushers, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the watch without the need for any external tools. A highly convenient and functional perpetual calendar, the idea lends from Kurt Klaus's groundbreaking work at IWC with the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar.

Among the many references in the Odysseus line, the 170.6.80 could arguably be the most interesting. Housed in a platinum case, the reference was part of a limited edition of only 99 pieces. Powered by the JLC Cal.889/1/440 automatic movement with the perpetual calendar module, the dial features a swath of information while maintaining perfect legibility and symmetry. At the centre of the dial is the 24-hour indicator surrounded by the day, date, month and moonphase indicators with a small aperture at the one displaying the year. With a stepped bezel and fluted lugs, the case is classically designed with a thickness of only 8.0mm - a feat in itself given the complication.

A hidden gem from Jaeger-LeCoultre's neo-vintage catalogue, the 170.6.80 represents tremendous value with the rising popularity of complicated watches from that period. A reference that represents an important part of the brand's modern history, it is a reminder of the brand's ability to marry technical innovation with understated elegance.