W&W 2020: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s minute repeater collection is enriched with a model in a new design. The new interpretation of the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication incorporates two of the most technically challenging complications in horology – a minute repeater and a celestial vault. The complex mechanism is further elevated by an orbital flying tourbillon. Jaeger-LeCoultre offers one version in rose gold and one in white gold, each limited to eight pieces.

One of the most important elements of a chiming watch is the way in which sound is transmitted from within the watch to be heard by the human ear. Capitalising on the superior acoustic qualities of synthetic sapphire crystal, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s patented ‘crystal gongs’ (introduced in 2005) are soldered directly to the sapphire crystal, which acts as an amplifier. The minute repeater is also equipped with square-profile gongs and trebuchet hammers that both contribute to a higher sound quality. A silent strike governor using centrifugal forces to regulate chiming, eliminates the background buzz.

In 2010, Jaeger-LeCoultre for the first time combined the astronomical complication with a minute repeater in the original Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication. That watch also introduced the Orbital Flying Tourbillon. As well as turning on its own axis in 60 seconds, the tourbillon makes a complete, anti-clockwise circuit of the dial in one sidereal day.

A golden sun-shaped pointer set at the edge of the disc of constellations indicated the date, the month, and the signs of the Zodiac, as well as the 24-hour scale that is marked on the inner flange of the dial. Civil time is read on the two concentric rings that complete the dial. Applied hour indexes are placed on the first ring and minutes on the silvery-white outer ring.

The new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication is offered in two versions: one with pink gold case (Ref. Q5262460) and black dial, and one with white gold case (Q5263480) and deep blue dial and baguette-cut diamonds set on the bezel.

On the deepest level of the dial, a midnight blue or black disc (depending on the model) is decorated with tiny stars. Above it, a delicate filigree forms a dome, its structure echoing the pattern of the constellations marked on the convex celestial disc. The star chart depicts the Northern Hemisphere night sky as seen from the 46^th parallel – the latitude of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s home in the Vallée de Joux.

The manual wound movement is run by Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 945 with a power reserve of 40 hours. Both versions are worn on a blue or brown alligator leather strap, depending on execution. The Ref. Q5262460 in pink gold costs 405,000 euros and the Ref. Q5263480 in white gold costs 500,000 euros.

jaeger-lecoultre.com

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