While it revives the 19th century codes of elegance and virtuosity, the Master Grande Tradition line by Jaeger-LeCoultre first and foremost reflects the spirit of this brilliant age. The latter was characterised by a distinctive fervour nurtured by the fact that anything that was mechanically measurable could now be displayed. Complications were associated in ways embodying the victory of the watchmaker’s intelligence and dexterity.
Its functions include an Orbital flying tourbillon and sky chart,a minute repeater with crystal cathedral gongs and trebuchet hammers, Zodiac, month and 24-hour indicator Dial in a Satin-brushed blue with opaline silver-toned ring.
The dial of the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication reproduces the sky chart of the Northern hemisphere, displaying its pattern of constellations with evocative names we have heard since childhood: Big Dipper, Polestar, Cassiopeia, as well as the belt of 12 constellations composing the Zodiac. The latter correspond to the oldest constellations identified by humankind and represent the four fundamental elements: air, earth, fire and water.
The Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication is entirely dedicated to astronomical time measurement. As the most striking characteristic of this watch, the flying tourbillon is viewed here as the key element used to show the time. Its counter-clockwise revolution in 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds is a fascinating sight. The tourbillon whirls around the dial, to which it is fixed, very much like a capsule suspended in the stratosphere. The sense of weightlessness is accentuated by the minimalist carriage made of ultra-light titanium.
Not only is the watch equipped with a astronomical complication, a siderale optical tourbillon, and a functional calendar, it also contains a minute repeater. So as to provide an audible indication of the time, the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication is equipped with an additional characteristic in the form of a mechanism sounding the hours, the quarters and the minutes on demand. The acoustic quality of a chiming watch is largely based on the gongs that are essential elements in sound production. To create the purest and most melodious possible chime, Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a crystal cathedral gong that resounds with an exceptionally rich tone. The section of these gongs is square rather than the usual round shape, thus providing a larger contact surface for the hammer, which can in turn strike with greater force.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Movement • Mechanical manually-wound movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 945, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand, ébauche in non-treated german silver • 28,800 vibrations per hour • 40-hour power reserve • 527 parts • 49 jewels • Thickness: 12.62 mm • Diameter: 34.70 mm • Silicon escapement
Functions • Hour, minute • Orbital flying tourbillon and sky chart • Minute repeater with crystal cathedral gongs and trebuchet hammers • Zodiac, month and 24-hour indicator Dial • Satin-brushed blue with opaline silver-toned ring
Hands • Dauphine
Case • ø 45 mm, thickness: 15.8 mm • 18-carat pink gold • Water-resistance: 5 bar
Strap • Alligator leather with high-end pin buckle
Reference • Q502 25 80
