Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing its most complicated Reverso model ever; the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185. Costing well over a million euros, it took over six years to develop. Furthermore, for the first time in history, this watch integrates no less than four functioning faces. It also marks the first watch of the brand to display detailed astronomical readings, with an ability to predict the next global incidence of events such as supermoons and eclipses.
The case of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica is made of white gold and measures 51 mm x 31 mm x 15.15 mm. The model-typical construction of the case allows the dial to be folded over to reveal the second one. Furthermore, with a water resistance of up to 30 metres, the watch can withstand only accidental splashes.
The four faces each have their own individual character and functions. The first outer face displays hours, minutes, seconds (in the form of a flying tourbillon), as well as an perpetual calendar with date, day, month, leap years, plus night/day indications. Meanwhile, the second face shows the digital hours, minutes, as well as a minute repeater. The third face has a very different purpose; it displays the northern hemisphere moon phases, the Draconic Lunar Cycle, the Anomalistic Lunar Cycle (apogee and perigee), plus the month and year. Last but not least, the final face features solely the southern hemisphere moon phases.
Naturally, the minute repeater is the talking point of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185. With the slide of a lever above the crown, the Quadriptyque produces its melody. This consists of a series of low notes (playing out the number of hours), immediately followed by an alternating couplet of high and low notes (quarter-hours). Finally, a succession of high notes indicates the minutes, which are added to the elapsed quarter hours. The sound is particularly clear and resonant, with the latter quality being owed to the use of crystal gongs, whereby the repeater gongs directly attach to the sapphire crystal.
The calibre behind all 11 complications is the manual-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 185. It has a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and provides a 50-hour power reserve. Furthermore, the inclusion of the perpetual calendar means the watch takes leap years into account, displaying a 29th day in the month of February every four years. Also, as an instantaneous perpetual calendar, its indications change promptly at the strike of midnight. Finally, the complex movement is visible to the wearer on the first and second face, both of which showcase clous de Paris decoration.
Last but not least, the most complicated Reverso in the brand’s history is a limited edition of only ten pieces. Each model comes on a blue leather strap with a folding clasp. The price of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is 1,610,000 euros.
