It would take a small book to adequately describe Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Hybris Mechanica 11. But, as this is a day-of-the-show summary, we will have to hit a few of the high points. This watch has eight separate patents, six of which are developments created exclusively for this watch. The Hybris Mechanica 11 is equipped with an original tourbillon, a high-performance new balance spring, a peripheral automatic winding system, a retractable single pushbutton, as well as a new minute repeater equipped with a silent-time-lapse reduction system.
On top of that, at 7.9 mm thick, it sets a new record for the world’s thinnest minute repeater, and with automatic winding no less.
Since 1870 JLC has produced over 200 different calibers equipped with repeater mechanism. When there are no quarters to strike, other minute repeaters produce a lengthy pause between the hours and the minutes. To solve that problem, the Hybris Mechanica 11 detects the absence of quarters to be struck and thus eliminates the marked pause between striking the hours and minutes, making it easier to discern the time. The Hybris Mechanica 11 is also equipped with two patented trebuchet hammers that strike sapphire crystal gongs that are affixed to the sapphire crystal of the watch to improve the propagation of sound. A new silent strike regulator is four times quieter than JLC’s already quiet earlier repeaters.
This groundbreaking minute repeater is activated by a patent-pending , retractable pushbutton. Actuating a discreet locking system at 8 o’clock brings out the pushbutton that triggers the minute repeater. Once the minute repeater is activated, the pushbutton returns to its recessed position, restoring the case’s aesthetic purity.
Desiring to open up the tourbillon for better viewing, Jaeger-LeCoultre developed and patented an all new tourbillon, equipped with flying tourbillon fitted with a flying balance-wheel – a world first.
To maximize thinness, the winding is handled by a oscillating peripheral weight with a platinum segment visible through narrow openings on the dial.
Issued in a 75-piece limited edition, the 41 mm diameter Hybris Mechanica 11 is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362 and has a 45-hour power reserve. It is crafted in ultra-white 18-carat gold. The price will be approximately $400,000.
Switching gears, the Reverso has been around for a long time, and many complications have graced its rectangular frame. It may surprise some of you to learn that until this year, JLC has never produced a Reverso with an automatic winding movement. The new Grande Reverso Night & Day fills that gap in the Reverso’s resume.
Gorgeous.
Thanks a lot for the fine report along with the fantastic pictures of an awesome watch from JLC!
Mike, the Grande Automatique, back in 2004, was automatic with large date and dual time, and was in a classic case (vs the Squadra). Also, 2000’s Reverso Gran’ Sport was “Watch of the year,” in Armband Uhren’s American equivalent “Wristwatch Annual,” due to being THE first automatic Reverso and the first “waterproof” Reverso.
JLC Never disappoints… Wow what a watch. Cant wait to see more on it