Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces a new artistic interpretation of Calibre 184. Created in 2019, this exceptional movement unites the smallest version of the bi-axial Gyrotourbillon with a highly intuitive perpetual calendar, a minute repeater that sounds the Westminster chime, a one-minute constant force mechanism, a dead-beat minute hand, and a leaping date display. The Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 will be unveiled in 18-Karat pink gold (750/1000) during the Precision Pioneer exhibition in Beijing in September, to be followed by a variant in white gold (750/1000) (18 Karats). The timepiece will be a limited edition of five pieces of each variant.
Jaeger-LeCoultre created its Hybris collection to bring together some of the highest watchmaking skills in a single piece. The timepieces that are designated Hybris Artistica complement the exceptional mechanics with sophisticated and complex artistic decoration. Calibre 184 unites three of the greatest complications in the history of watchmaking – each of which represents a pillar of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watchmaking mastery: sound, precision and astronomical complications. In addition, the Hybris Artistica interpretation showcases the Grand Feu enamelling skills of the Manufacture’s Métiers Rares™ atelier as well as the craft of lacquering.
Underlining the extraordinary sophistication of Calibre 184, it takes approximately five months to assemble its 1052 components. Very few watchmakers have mastered such a high level of skill and a single watchmaker works on the entire process from start to finish.
An artistic reinterpretation of the finest watchmaking skills
Complex and visually intriguing, the dial of the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 is an essay in harmony and contrast. Soft curves contrast with the rectilinear geometry of the decoration; textured surfaces contrast with high shine; visual complexity is anchored by a restrained bi-colour palette. The dials feature decorative plates of black Grand Feu enamel with a geometric pattern of fine lines, set on both sides of the sub-dial that displays the time and perpetual calendar. The centre of this sub-dial is a smoky black, semi-transparent sapphire that allows an intriguing glimpse of the calendar discs. The open-worked lower half of the dial is dominated by the visually mesmerising Gyrotourbillon, on each side of which the repeater hammers are set like wings. Set beneath them, the distinctively curved gongs are treated with black, to harmonise perfectly with the overall colour palette.
In keeping with the complexity of this timepiece, the Grande Tradition case comprises more than 80 components, with polished, brushed and micro-blasted finishes highlighting its sculptural form. For the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers have used the case-sides as a canvas to link to the new dial decoration, adding a plate on each side of the case featuring the same geometric pattern as the dial, executed in black lacquer.
On the case, the attention to detail extends to the manner of operating the minute repeater. Rather than the traditional slider or a simple push-button, the designers developed a retractable pusher that is mounted flush with the case to preserve its elegant lines.
An exceptional calibre uniting three great complications
Calibre 184 features the fifth iteration of the Gyrotourbillon, which returns to the original form of the 2004 Gyrotourbillon design. However, the mechanism has been completely re-engineered and its size significantly reduced. The reduced size made it possible to incorporate a minute repeater without adding much thickness to the calibre. Remarkably, the 94 components making up the Gyrotourbillon weigh just 0.4 grams.
In watchmaking, precision depends on the delivery of a consistent power supply to the regulating organ and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers have incorporated a one-minute constant force mechanism to ensure a consistent flow of energy to the Gyrotourbillon. Because it causes the minute hand to beat every 60 seconds (in similar way to a dead-beat seconds hand) the constant force mechanism also has a significant benefit for the minute repeater. Normally, if the minute repeater is activated at any point between minutes, it will chime the time a minute fast or slow. Thanks to the beating minute hand, it will always chime the precise minute shown by the hand.
Jaeger-LeCoultre has focused on ways to improve the sound
The minute repeater of Calibre 184 plays the Westminster carillon – the melody made famous by the clocktower housing Big Ben at London’s Westminster Palace. This chime is rarely found in watchmaking due to the complexity of the mechanism needed to achieve it. Four hammers are required, rather than the usual two, and in Calibre 184, they are stacked in pairs so that they strike the gongs from the same angle.
In mastering chiming mechanisms, Jaeger-LeCoultre has focused on ways to improve the sound, and Calibre 184 features several patented inventions: the trébuchet hammers, which strike the gong more solidly, and the crystal gongs, so named because they are connected directly to the front crystal, enabling a cleaner transfer of the sound and increased volume. The mechanism also incorporates Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature time-lapse reduction mechanism, which ensures a smooth cadence no matter what time it is chiming. Moreover, the minute repeater calibre features two distinctive characteristics: The gongs are curved outwards to meet the hammer at its natural strike point, and they have a square variable profile, providing a larger strike area that enables a cleaner strike.
The Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 is eloquent testimony
The perpetual calendar is a fine example of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of astronomical complications, as it takes into account the differences between the cycles of the heavenly bodies and the units of standard civil timekeeping. Consequently, the calendar needs manual adjustment only in centennial years that are not also leap years. The first time that this will be required is the year 2100. The operation of the perpetual calendar of Calibre 184 is both innovative and highly intuitive, allowing the date to be re-set either backwards or forwards.
Uniting three great watchmaking complications with an exceptional degree of craftsmanship and artistry, the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 is eloquent testimony to the 180 skills housed within the Manufacture and reconfirms the place that Jaeger-LeCoultre holds in the world of haute horlogerie as the ‘Watchmaker of Watchmakers’.
Limited edition of 5 pieces.