The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 is a fusion of talents of skilled designers and craftsmen of the various departments of the iconic Swiss watch manufacture.
Firstly, this Reverso watch with a subtly redesigned case in 18K pink gold with Duoface display boasts the artistic craftsmanship of the Manufacture’s Métiers Rares® (Rare Handcrafts) atelier. Secondly, the extremely complex Calibre 179 movement beating inside it demonstrates the highest levels of horological know-how and technical skill of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 is a limited edition of just 10 pieces in pink gold.
JLC Calibre 179: Duoface with Gyrotourbillon and Second Time Zone
Inside this dual face watch beats the JLC Calibre 179, which features the fourth evolution of the multi-axis tourbillon, developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers specifically for the Reverso.
Showcasing the utmost mechanical sophistication, the movement’s shape follows the contours of the rectangular Reverso case, which is slim enough to be comfortable on the wrist.
This manual-winding mechanical Duoface calibre displays a different time zone on each dial as well as a 24-hour indicator for the second time zone on the reverse dial.
Revolving around its twin axes, the highly complex structure of the Gyrotourbillon incorporates a total of 123 components. It comprises one ultra-light titanium cage and a peripheral carriage mounted on ball-bearings; these two elements turn perpendicularly to each other at different speeds.
The inner tourbillon cage rotates 360 degrees every 16 seconds and the peripheral carriage makes a full rotation once per minute. This peripheral carriage also provides a small seconds function, indicating the seconds on a ring that encircles the tourbillon aperture.
A closer look reveals a blued semi-spherical balance spring beating at the heart of the mechanism, as well as the distinctive double-anchor shape of a Gyrolab balance wheel.
The hemispherical shape of Gyrolab balance wheel is perfectly adapted to the hollow sphere at the heart of the Gyrotourbillon, enhances aesthetic refinement and efficiency. Its double-anchor shape reduces air friction and thus further enhance timekeeping accuracy.
Instead of a conventional bridge, the tourbillon mechanism is supported by a ring of ball bearings. As a result, this flying gyrotourbillon appears to be floating in the space between the front and back dials.
The effect is amplified by the light reflected from the mirror-like surface of a polished blue lacquer disc positioned on the supporting cradle of the watch directly beneath the tourbillon aperture.
Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 with Duoface Display
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 watch features two dials. Creating a rich contrast with the pink gold case, the glowing dark blue lacquer appears on the front and reverse dials.
On the front dial, a fine lattice of golden lines contrasts with the blue lacquer background and complements the deep blue gradient lacquer of the time display.
These lines are in fact ultra-fine ribs of the calibre plate metal, which remained when the surface was hollowed out to create depressions to contain the lacquer. The lacquer was deftly hand-applied between the metal ribs to achieve the desired richness of colour and exactly the right depth. The surface is then polished to a glossy finish so that its surface is flush with the golden ribs.
On the reverse dial, blue lacquer has been applied to the fine tracery of the skeletonised hours-minutes ring and its supporting bridges. This highlights the airy aesthetic and also contrasts with the golden tones of various movement components, and the soft silvery texture of the micro-blasting.
The decoration on the reverse dial is a fusion of technology and tradition as it employs laser skeletonisation complemented by hand chamfering and hand-applied lacquer.
The Redesigned Reverso Case
Designed according to the Golden Ratio, the Reverso case of this watch is instantly recognisable. Its rectilinear geometry and harmonious proportions contradict the complexity of a design that incorporates the signature slide-and-swivel mechanism.
The inside of the cradle has a deeply engraved sunray pattern that radiates out from the blue lacquer disc. The case boasts strong Art Deco lines, emphasised by the signature gadroons above and below the dial.
Comprising 382 components, including a Gyrotourbillon, Calibre 179 naturally requires a large case. However, with an overall thickness of 13.63mm and newly reconfigured and refined lugs, the JLC Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 is both elegant and wearable.
Technical details
Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179
Reference Q39424E
Case
Pink Gold 750/1000 (18 carats)
Dimensions: 51.2 x 31 mm x 13.63 mm thick
Water resistance: 30m
Movement
Manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 179
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Functions
Hours and Minutes on both dials; second time zone with 24-hour indicator on reverse dial, Gyrotourbillon (visible on both front and reverse dials)
Dials
Front dial: Blue lacquer
Back dial: Skeletonised, coated with blue lacquer
Strap
Dark Blue alligator leather strap
Edition
Limited edition of 10 pieces
