Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced a new limited edition watch which features an unprecedented blend of design, technical construction, watch-making art and exquisite craftsmanship, demonstrating the manufacture’s mastery and style. The Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication watch will be released in a limited run of 8 examples and the innovative timepiece features three complications which combine tradition and leading edge technology with assured elegance: a minute repeater, a flying tourbillion and a zodiac calendar with sidereal time. While each of the three is considered a complication in its own right, the combination of the three takes the watch to an all new level.
The first Grande Complication watch in JLC’s Master Grande Tradition line has the Zodiac calendar as its central feature. The essence of the watch lies in its interpretation of astronomical timekeeping for the wrist. With a flying tourbillion orbiting it, the dial depicts a sky-chart of the northern hemisphere. A sun performs a full revolution in 24 hours around the rim thereby displaying a 24- hour indication, zodiac signs, and the days and months appear on a circular scale surrounding the dial. Its precision is based on advanced technology, governed by the flying tourbillon setting the pace within its ultra-light titanium cage. The watch also houses a minute repeater in which the sound is generated by two crystal gongs directly fixed to the sapphire crystal. Equipped with ‘trébuchet’ hammers, the Grande Complication watch offers superior clarity and fullness with a simple push of the dedicated slide.
The flying tourbillion is equipped with a high-tech escapement featuring silicon that creates a contrast with the mirror polish of the grade 5 titanium tourbillon carriage. The sapphire crystal caseback allows a view of the refined finishes, while the dial is topped by a sapphire crystal framed by a domed bezel, underlining the classical look of the watch. The case is set in 18kt white gold and measures 46.7mm x 15.9mm. It also features 294 diamonds (19.8 carats). The dial is done in Aventurine and is set with brilliant-cut diamonds, two rows of baguette-cut sapphires, and a lacquered guilloché dial rim. The watch comes with a blue alligator leather strap with an 18kt white gold gem-set folding clasp. The watch will retail for EUR 365,000 ($491,000 approximately).