Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre now wishes to share the fruits of its expertise with a broader public. This is why it is introducing an original collection with a pure, uncluttered design, driven by a new Haute Horlogerie calibre encapsulating the inventive spirit of the Manufacture. In 1958, the International Geophysical Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. Capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing nothing of its formidable precision, its overriding characteristic was extreme resistance. The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time with its 41.6 mm is available in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold. This new watch is fitted with a stunning dial that features a planisphere where the sea is depicted with subtly graded lacquered shades of blue, while the engraved continents are graced with a magnificent sunburst finish.
Posts filed under Jaeger-LeCoultre
News: Introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second. A Dead Beat Seconds Timepiece at its Finest.
Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre now wishes to share the fruits of its expertise with a broader public. This is why it is introducing an original collection with a pure, uncluttered design, driven by a new Haute Horlogerie calibre encapsulating the inventive spirit of the Manufacture. In 1958, the International Geophysical Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. Capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing nothing of its formidable precision, its overriding characteristic was extreme resistance. The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second with its 39.6 mm x 11.7 mm case is available in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold. This new watch is fitted with a stunning silver grain dial with applied markers matching the metal of the case. Its finely grained dial lends added texture and further accentuates the readability of the information provided. The hands and hour-markers stand out clearly against their backdrop.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2. Haute Horlogerie on Steroids.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is not only one of the most respected watch manufactures in the world, but also a brand —when it comes to value equation— where you get a lot of watch for the money you pay without compromising on quality, design or craftsmanship. When thinking of Jaeger-LeCoultre, most watchlifestylers think of the iconic Reverso, the Memovox, the Geophysic or their perpetual calendars. However, not often enough they think about the Master Extreme sporty line of JLC watches. A line that brings the best of the manufacture to the extreme, to the rugged sporty haute horlogerie timepieces that can withstand the abuse of the most extreme environments. Therefore, this time we wanted to bring the hands-on review of one of our favorite sporty watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 ref. 203T541 in titanium. This rugged looking watch is equipped with a completely new mechanical chronograph movement specially designed for the most extreme environments. This new timepiece combines maximum ergonomics with unmatched precision and reliability. Several innovations make this watch the ideal instrument for explorers of the extreme.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Chronograph. One of the Most Classical and Elegant Chronographs in the Market.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Chronograph ref. 1538420 is another one of those classical timeless pieces from this manufacture. The Master Chronograph is perhaps the most well balanced and most classical looking chronograph in the market. This chronograph fitted with a highly polished stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter, comes with perfectly balanced proportions and a timeless design. The Master Chronograph ref. 1537420 is fitted with a convex silver sunray brushed dial with applied hour-markers, recessed chronograph registers and alpha hands —all chronograph hands are anodized blue. The configuration of the dial includes an hour-chrono register at 9, a minute-chrono register at 3, running seconds at 6, a date aperture between 4 and 5 o'clock and a pulsometer scale around the edge of the dial.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Eight Days Perpetual 40 in Stainless Steel. The Only Perpetual Calendar with 8-Day Power Reserve.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Eight Days Perpetual 40 ref. 1618420 in stainless steel brings you the best perpetual calendar that money can buy at a fraction of the price with other brands. This fascinating complication is fitted with a case measuring 40mm in diameter that houses a manual wound caliber that provides a power reserve of 8 days —when fully wound— thanks to its two winding barrels. As you can appreciate in the pictures, the dial is very clean and perfectly balanced with the same indicators as the previous model but all of them placed in a more appealing way. This is the only perpetual calendar with an 8-day power reserve fitted with a manual winding movement and mechanically programmed until the year 2100. To make this watch even more interesting, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to fit this complication with one single corrector to set all the functions of the perpetual calendar.
News: Presenting the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 London Flagship Special Edition. British Racing Green Dial and 'Big Ben' on its Back.
To celebrate the opening of its new London flagship boutique, Jaeger-LeCoultre has released a new Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Special Edition watch with a strikingly beautiful British Racing Green dial and a very special engraving on its case back side. The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Special London Flagship edition features a stainless steel case in the same dimensions as the other Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 timepieces from the manufacture and is available in a very small number of pieces. This new timepiece is the most limited in the tribute series of the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 collection. With only 26 pieces to be made, following on from the acclaimed “Rouge” model and the delicious “Chocolat” model in this tribute collection, the special London Flagship edition dial is a beautiful deep green lacquered dial, reminiscent of the rolling British countryside and of course with a nod to the legendary sporting color.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale. One of the Most Classic and Iconic Watches of All Time Keeps Getting Better and Better.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale ref. 381357J is the latest iteration of the legendary Reverso Tribute to 1931 collection. As we all know, the Reverso is one of the most iconic watches in the world and one of the most legendary timepieces of all time. The Reverso was created in the 1930s as a convenient watch for polo players who wanted to be able to protect the crystals and dials of their watches while playing. The Reverso is a perfect example of the Art Deco movement with its unmistakeable geometric silhouettes and timeless design. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale unlike all other Reversos, now features a central seconds hand to make things even better. This iconic tribute watch, features a matte black dial —that appears more semi-glossy in person— with creamy powdered markers and creamy bâton hands. To reflect the vintage aspect of the first Reverso watches, the luminescent material used on the Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale features the same color of the 1931 model guaranteeing an unbeatable vintage feel to it.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon. Thin, Automatic and Quintessential.
The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon ref. 1323420 is the epitome of elegance with its 40 mm white gold case with a thickness of merely 11.3 mm. This ultra thin automatic tourbillon is not only a true horological feat but also one of the best tourbillons money can buy. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon is the quintessential tourbillon for those seeking a supremely elegant watch from this manufacture. Fitted with a gorgeous silvered grain dial with applied white gold markers and dauphine hands, the tourbillon carriage at 6 o'clock rises in all its glory, all rounded out by the beautifully hand finished black alligator strap with double folding clasp.
Experience: Grand Opening of the Jaeger-LeCoultre New York City Flagship. A Celestial Night Full of Stars and The Good Life.
This past Tuesday March 3, 2015, we were part of the exclusive celebration that took place in New York City for the official grand opening of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre New York City Flagship Boutique on 701 Madison Avenue. The new boutique is nested right next to Panerai and just a few steps from the Hermès flagship between 62nd and 63rd street. This new Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique clearly conveys what the brand stands for with a very intimate and welcoming layout that is accentuated by its circular showcase underneath a majestic chandelier right next to its main entrance. The grand opening was attended by VIP collectors, friends of the brand, a few select press representatives and also executives of Jaeger-LeCoultre from throughout the world. Friends of the brand Canadian actress Sarah Gadon and British actor Clive Owen also joined the event to celebrate this new home for Jaeger-LeCoultre, officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Jaeger-LeCoultre's CEO Daniel Riedo and North America President Philippe Bonay.
SIHH 2015: Experience Jaeger-LeCoultre at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. A Photo Essay.
Today, we bring you these images we took at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 of the beautiful Jaeger-LeCoultre pavilion. Following an astronomical theme for both their novelties and the decor and layout of their pavilion, the Jaeger-LeCoultre set up appeared more welcoming and harmonious. With a large circular pendant lamp at the center of the pavilion and with all their novelties set up around the comfortable sitting area, the design of the Jaeger-LeCoultre pavilion capitalized on Mies Van der Rohe's ''less is more" approach. Tastefully done with a telescope at the end of the room and a celestial screen, this is for sure one of our favorite spots at the SIHH 2015.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique Set. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Among the 28 novelties that were presented by Jaeger-LeCoultre, the new Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique Set ref. 5083401 takes one of the center stages. This new watch features an elegant blend of jewellery and fine watchmaking with its diamond-set dial revealing a fascinating tourbillon. Its dial is in fact set with both diamonds and sapphires. Its movement is embellished with finely crafted decoration and a solid gold monobloc oscillating weight. The Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique Set is perhaps in the finest diamond set watches we have seen in the last decade. Tastefully done the watch features an 18K white gold case measuring 42 mm in diameter by 13.2 mm in thickness. Featuring a cylindrical tourbillon, the gem set dial on this watch is mesmerizing and captivating at the same time.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 Boutique Special Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Pure lines and an aesthetically refined dial. A graceful ballet brings the dial to life with the moon-phase display. Sapphire crystal case back reveals the movement. Only 4.9 mm thick, this ultra-thin movement is proof that technique and sophistication, however extreme, can happily coexist inside a narrow space. Fitted with a beautiful slate chocolate sunburst dial that is a true chameleon depending on the lighting conditions around the watch, this new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 Boutique Special Edition ref. 136255J just presented at the SIHH 2015 in Geneva, is a watch that delivers on the rich history of the brand and a perfect example of its classic DNA.
Simplicity, elegance and functionality are the attributes that characterize the new Master Ultra Thin Moon 29 Boutique Special Edition ref. 136255J.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar with Meteorite Dial. Live Pics and Pricing.
Our favorite Master Calendar to date was just released by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar ref. 1558421 automatic watch presents the different information of its calendar in a harmonious and extremely clear manner: day, month, date and moon phases. Its design is inspired by the historical watch with calendar by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1945. Fitted this time with a striking beautiful meteorite dial, every piece comes with a very unique look due to the material used in its creation. Fitted with a stainless steel or rose gold case measuring 39 mm in diameter, this elegant timepiece is one that will for sure conquer your pocket. Faithful to the aesthetic codes of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control line of watches, this model combines a pure, refined design with exceptional technical performances, all in gently reduced proportions, allowing it to suit all wrists.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX5 World Chronograph Racing. Only 100 Pieces of this Stunning Limited Edition.
Inspired by the Aston Martin, the design of the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX5 World Chronograph Racing ref. 193J420 is the ultimate in refinement and a timepiece that is quite exclusive as only 100 pieces were ever made.
The partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre is not the result of chance but the meeting of the minds. The AMVOX series was born from a rich shared history whose beginnings lie in Jaeger car dials and a reciprocal passion for high watchmaking and beautiful mechanics. The partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin has thus developed around a respect for shared values and a constant quest for technical and aesthetic perfection. The AMVOX5 World Chronograph Racing ref. 193J420 is a perfect example of what bright minds can achieve when joining forces and working together.
News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1948. An Iconic Timepiece in White and Blue.
A cult watch that has appealed to both men and women, the Reverso has shown up in all manner of fascinating guises since 1931. Featuring an attractive blend of elegance and sportiness, the Reverso became a great classic of the Art Deco cultural movement, of which it embodies the essential values: refinement, artistic craftsmanship and aesthetic clarity. Ever since its birth, and above and beyond its timekeeping function, the Reverso has played the role of a guardian of memories. The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1948 with its stainless steel case revives the spirit of a bygone era.
News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Geophysic 1958 Limited Edition. A Tribute to Science and Watchmaking.
Today April 10, 2014 at the Explorer's Club in New York City, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled the new Geophysic 1958, a watch that pays tribute to science and precision in watchmaking in three limited editions including a stainless steel model, an 18K pink gold and a platinum version. Back in 1958 when the scientific community composed of researchers from many different countries was preparing to undertake a program of major scientific explorations as part of the International Geophysical Year, this manufacture decided to associate with this unique initiative by creating an exceptional precision instrument named the Geophysic.
The reissue of this legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece comes back to life with a larger case with a diameter of 38.5 mm and a thickness of 11.40 mm —taking into account current watch size preferences while remaining entirely true to the design of the original model— and with a pure, highly legible dial. Inspired by the original model, the design of these watches further enhances the excellent legibility and aesthetic distinction of the historic instrument. In the spirit of the calibre 478BWSbr —originally fitted inside the first Geophysic from 1958—, the Geophysic 1958 is equipped with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 898/1 composed of 202 parts, 29 jewels and considered one of the most precise and reliable in-house automatic movements on the market today. This automatic calibre provides a power reserve of 43 hours when fully wound.
Three central hands indicating the hours, minutes and seconds glide steadily over the grained white dial bearing the inscription “Geophysic” along with the brand signature at 12 o’clock. The circle of applied hour-markers is interrupted by 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock numerals, thereby reproducing the layout and design codes of this legendary model. These Haute Horlogerie timepieces offering a unique combination of usefulness and aesthetic appeal bear the unmistakable imprint of the Grande Maison, as reflected in the luminescent coating in the historical color on the dots facing the hour-markers around the inner bezel ring. Meanwhile, the dagger-shaped hands are rhodium-plated on the steel version and radiate a warm golden glow on the 18-carat pink gold variation. Entirely in tune with the perfectly restrained dial of which the purely functional nature accentuates the timeless elegance, the refined case embodies a range of truly exceptional qualities. Water-resistant to 100 meters, its back displays the signature emblem playing with the J and L initials of Jaeger-LeCoultre superimposed on a globe crisscrossed by latitude and longitude lines.
Each version of the Geophysic watch is fitted with an alligator leather strap secured by an unusual pin buckle in colors matching the metal of the case: black for the steel model and chocolate brown for the pink gold variation. This new legendary instrument will be reserved for a circle of passionate enthusiasts who will enjoy the privilege of wearing a timepiece paying homage to a fascinating chapter in the history of science. The Geophysic 1958 watch will be available in an 800-piece limited edition for the steel version with a black alligator strap—, a 300-piece for the 18K pink gold with brown alligator strap and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique exclusive platinum model produced in a limited series of 58 pieces with blue alligator strap and a slightly different dial that only includes the 12 and 6 numerals.
Sticker Price $9,800 Stainless Steel ref. Q8008520, $20,800 18K Pink Gold ref. Q8002520 and $32,000 Platinum ref. Q800652j. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
Experience: Vega Sicilia Tinto 'Valbuena' 5° Vintage 2007. A Superb Wine Just as Good as a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual.
When it comes to wines from Spain, 'Ribera del Duero' is one of our favorite wine regions and when you think of 'Ribera del Duero', Vega Sicilia is the first name that comes to mind as this is one of the most amazing wineries in that region. Just like when one thinks about one of the best perpetual calendars in the market and the first name name that comes to mind is Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Vega Sicilia Tinto 'Valbuena' 5° vintage 2007 is an spectacular wine mainly made from 'Tempranillo', Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and it is one of the best examples of what great wines are supposed to taste, smell and look like. Vega Sicilia is without a doubt the best and most refined wine made in Spain. In 1864, Eloy Lecanda founded the winery that symbolizes the golden legend of Spanish red wine. Throughout its long history, it has belonged to different owners, although it has always maintained an unquestionable personality, making concentrated, mature, generous and extremely elegant.
Vega Sicilia only makes three different wines under the Vega Sicilia winery brand name: 'Valbuena' 5°, 'Reserva Especial' —with no vintage as this is a blend of different vintages— and 'Único'. Vega Sicilia is also the owner of Pintia, Alion —often called the poor man's Vega Sicilia— and Tokaj Oremus which are not sold under the Vega Sicilia name; however, they still happen to also be some of the best wines in the world.
Bodegas Vega Sicilia is located in the town of Valbuena de Duero between Peñafiel and Valladolid in the wine region of Ribera del Duero in Spain. Since 1982, the company is owned by the Alvaréz family. What makes this wine so unique and well balanced, is the aging process. For the 'Valbuena' 5°, the duration of the aging process in wood is three and a half years and during this time, the wine is rotated form new casks to heavily used American oak casks with the only goal in mind of obtaining the perfect balance between the wine and the wood. Once this has been achieved, the wines finally rest in large wooden vats, which prepares them for later bottling to then end their journey with a calm rest in the bottle in specially acclimatised installations. The time they remain there, depends on the format of the bottle: Vega Sicilia 'Único' —750ml bottle— takes three years or more to age in the bottle, while for the 'Valbuena 5°, the period for aging in the bottle is around a year and a half.
Considering the time that it takes for a certain vintage to make it to the stores you are guaranteed a wine with certain level of maturity and perfection that will be ready to be drank. Now, when it comes to Vega Sicilia wines in the U.S., be prepared to look for it as hard as you can as this winery has a very limited production and only 100 stores carry it in the country.
This wine is characterized for its strong notes of black cherry and oak on the palate and a superb delicate finish with almost no acidity or alcoholic taste on the throat. Best paired with some 'Ibérico' ham, lamb or venison.
Sticker Price $180-230 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here and for Vega Sicilia here.
SIHH 2014: Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Chocolate Dial. Live Pictures.
Over the years, the Reverso has appeared in a number of different guises and been enriched with various unusual sizes and new horological complications – all the while remaining loyal to the spirit of the watch with two faces. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of this timepiece that has become a cult object, Jaeger-LeCoultre chose to return to the very origins of a legend by presenting the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931, directly inspired by the aesthetic codes of the historical model. This creation, distinguished by an ultra-thin case, contemporary dimensions and remarkably faithfulness to the original, was enthusiastically received by devotees of the Reverso and by watch connoisseurs who expressed the wish that this vintage edition should not remain a one-off model. In response to their desires, the Manufacture already introduced the Grande Reverso Rouge with a deep red dial in 2012, followed the next year by the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface Blue. For 2014, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils the third member of this splendid trilogy: the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 with a chocolate-toned dial.
For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre SIHH 2014 Novelties click here.
SIHH 2014: Jaeger-LeCoultre Unveils Their New Timepieces. All of Them are Just Amazing.
In addition to some of the timepieces that had been unveiled right before the SIHH 2014, Jaeger-LeCoultre surprised everyone with a very large number of new watches including the Hybris Mechanica 11, Master Ultra Thin 1907 and Master Ultra Thin Grand Feu, Master Ultra Thin and Master Ultra Thin Date, the chocolate Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931, the Duomètre Unique Travel Time and Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire and the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel amongst others.
More pictures and full reviews to follow. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre SIHH 2014 Novelties click here.
News: Pre-SIHH 2014 Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Hybris Mechanica Eleven Watch. A 75-Piece Limited Edition Ultra Thin Minute Repeater with Flying Tourbillon.
A Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon, a new era in the world of Grand Complications
In 1907, Jaeger-LeCoultre laid the foundations of what was to prove a key element in the identity of its watches. That was the year when the association between Paris-based businessman Edmond Jaeger and Swiss watchmaker Jacques-David LeCoultre gave birth to the world’s thinnest pocket watch featuring a blend of aesthetic refinement and horological sophistication that only a Manufacture uniting the full range of skills under one roof could hope to achieve. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre confirms its ability to anticipate the future of Fine Watchmaking by unveiling the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon watch, the eleventh creation in the Hybris Mechanica collection and the first ultra-thin Grand Complication model.
Eleven, the number standing for inventions and exceeding expectations. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch, a new era – that of ultra-thin Grand Complications.
Think-tanks composed of insatiable visionaries and tireless developers: such is the very nature of the teams at Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. It enables them, just one year after the introduction of the Master Ultra Thin Jubilee, to present an authentic pioneer in the field of Grand Complications. The newcomer bears a name revealing a set of technical feats that are bound to stimulate the imagination of Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs. And rightly so. The Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon stems from research on two iconic horological complications. It is indeed the slimmest minute repeater in its category at just 7.9 mm thin. This watch capitalises on eight separate patents, six of which are entirely new. Its entire development process was governed by two watchwords – ingenuity and performance. Its quintessence lies in a successful bid to achieve extreme slenderness while making no compromises on reliability.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with an original tourbillon, a high-performance new balance-spring, a peripheral automatic winding system, a retractable single push button, as well as a new minute repeater equipped with a silent-timelapse reduction system. As the latest addition to an illustrious and fertile saga of Jaeger-LeCoultre striking watches, this model consolidates the brand’s leadership in this field. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch resolutely confirms that excellence and surpassing existing limits are second nature to Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Contrary to the classic tourbillon with a construction that tends to obstruct the view of certain components, the Manufacture wished to allow complete visibility of the heart of the watch. Avoiding ordinary solutions, Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers have developed and patented an all-new tourbillon. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch is equipped with a world première in the shape of a flying tourbillon fitted with a flying balance-wheel. This technical feat ensures a full view of both balance-wheel and spring that may both be observed in motion from a radically different perspective. The gaze is captivated by the regular swinging of the balance-wheel, with the balance-spring fixed above it in a highly unusual stage-setting. This expressive and appealing construction also contributes to reducing the overall thickness thanks to the prodigious inventiveness of the master-watchmakers in the Manufacture. These substantial developments required rethinking the regulating organ and developing a new balance-spring specifically hand-crafted in the Complications workshop. All the characteristics of this new tourbillon are geared towards achieving extreme precision, watchmaking’s ultimate goal.
In its absolute quest to optimize components, the Manufacture has conceived and developed an automatic winding system that captivates by its remarkable conception and execution. To provide more space and achieve record-breaking ultra-thin dimensions, the winding is handled by a oscillating peripheral weight with a platinum segment visible through narrow openings on the dial. This platinum segment takes advantage of the wearer’s wrist movements to revolve around the dial and wind the mainspring. It is fitted on a ceramic ball bearing mechanism specially developed for this device. It is also extremely effective and able to move freely in either direction. However only clockwise rotation actually winds the calibre. The sculptural purity of the perfectly integrated high-performance oscillating weight becomes an aesthetic element in its own right, thereby further enhancing the graphic power of the watch.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch stems from a new line of approach: a minute repeater movement entirely rethought and rebuilt to be ultra-thin. A minute repeater strikes the hours, quarters and minutes on demand. When there are no quarters to be struck, a lengthy silent timelapse occurs between sounding the hours and the minutes. While there is always such an audible hiatus in the sequence, it is particularly audible when there are no quarters involved. To solve this problem, an innovative system reducing this silent timelapse was developed. It detects the absence of quarters to be struck and thus eliminates the marked pause between striking the hours and minutes. As a result, the appropriate high- and low-pitched notes seamlessly follow their appointed pattern without breaking the tempo. Again as part of an effort to make the watch even slimmer while preserving an extremely pure aesthetic, this minute repeater is activated by a retractable single pushbutton for which the Manufacture has filed a patent. Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with a discreet locking system at 8 o’clock. Actuating it brings out the pushbutton that triggers the minute repeater. Once the minute repeater is activated, the pushbutton returns to its initial recessed position, thus ensuring that nothing disturbs the flowing, elegant appearance of the watch. The discretion, the user-friendliness and the technical feat represented by this retractable push button are not the only advantages of this ingenious innovation. As opposed to the traditional slides used to activate the minute repeater function and for which the length of travel may vary according to the hour to be struck, this construction ensures a constant 2 mm travel distance that is enough to both wind the barrel and trigger the minute repeater.
Issued in a 75-piece limited edition, Hybris Mechanica Eleven is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362 and has a 45-hour power reserve. It is crafted in ultra-white 18-carat gold and teamed with a high-end alligator leather strap secured by a white gold pin buckle. The impressive complexity of Hybris Mechanica Eleven foreshadows the future presentation of the Hybris Artistica collection – of which the mission is to combine the most technical and creative skills of the artisans within a Manufacture housing 180 different forms of know-how. Jaeger-LeCoultre is more strongly inspired than ever by the intangible heritage of the Maison: the unquenchable thirst to push existing boundaries and to create timepieces in the vanguard of innovation. Driven by such strong convictions, Hybris Mechanica Eleven places Jaeger-LeCoultre firmly at the very pinnacle of ultra-thin horology and Grand Complications.
For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon
Movement: Mechanical automatic movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand. 45-hour power reserve, 21,600 vibrations per hour, 471 parts, 4.8 mm thick, 33.3 mm in diameter.
Dial: Silver-toned, grained, Traditional baton-type —transferred.
Hands: Dauphine.
Functions:
Hours, minutes
Minute repeater equipped with silent-timelapse reduction function
Flying tourbillon with flying balance-wheel
Automatic winding via a peripheral oscillating weight
Case: 18-carat extra-white gold, 7.9 mm thick and 41 mm in diameter.
Polished lugs, entirely polished caseband and bezel
Water resistance: 3 bar
Strap: Black high-end Jaeger-LeCoultre alligator leather, white gold high-end pin buckle
Reference: 1313520, 75-piece limited series.
