Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184

Quick specs Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184
Price: on request but count on over a million
Size: 43 mm
Reference:
Q5252470 (pink gold)
Q5253470 (white gold) – both limited to 5 pieces

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 is a masterpiece that probably costs more than a million, combining technical ingenuity with artistic craftsmanship. It features a bi-axial gyro-tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, and a Westminster chime minute repeater. Limited to 10 pieces globally, with five copies in pink gold and five in white gold. It exemplifies the pinnacle of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watchmaking expertise.

The Hybris Artistica series is part of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s esteemed Hybris collection, which merges mechanical mastery with artistic decoration. This line builds on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s heritage, rooted in the Vallée de Joux since 1833. Known as the “Watchmaker of Watchmakers” the brand has innovated over 1,400 calibers and secured more than 430 patents. The Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 continues this legacy by showcasing three historic complications: astronomical precision, intricate sound mechanics, and technical artistry. So, let’s go.

Dial Design of the Master Hybris Artistica

The case of the Master Hybris Artistica measures 43 millimeters in diameter and 14.1 millimeters thick. Made from 18-karat pink or white gold, it features polished, brushed, and micro-blasted finishes. These details highlight the case’s sculptural aesthetics.

Its dial is partly open-worked and has a black grand feu enamel layer decorated with geometric patterns in gold. The smoky black sapphire sub dial adds transparency and depth, showing the time and revealing parts of the perpetual calendar. On the left are the days, on top are the years, and on the right are the months. The day is indicated by the thin hand with red T-tip.

Westminster Minute Repeater

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dedication to sound quality is evident in the Westminster chime minute repeater. Using patented trébuchet hammers and crystal gongs, it delivers clear and resonant chimes. A constant force mechanism ensures the minute repeater strikes precisely, even between minutes.

It is called “Westminster” as it plays the popular clock chime melody derived from the bells of the Westminster carillon, heard from Big Ben. Which is in London, in the United Kingdom. The melody comes from four hammers, stacked in pairs.

The Complex Motion of the Gyro-Tourbillon

On the lower half of the dial, the gyro-tourbillon draws the eye with its complex motion. Flanked by minute repeater hammers, it showcases the watch’s engineering precision. A retractable pusher replaces traditional controls for the minute repeater, preserving the sleek design.

The gyro-tourbillon is a multi-axis tourbillon that improves upon the traditional design by compensating for gravitational errors in all positions. So, not just the vertical one. This makes it more effective at maintaining precision regardless of how the watch is oriented.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 184

The manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 184 powers the Master Hybris Artistica. It boasts a 50-hour power reserve and integrates the three major complications. The gyro-tourbillon, a fifth-generation design, has been miniaturized to fit within the movement’s slim profile. This reengineering allows space for the minute repeater and enhances overall precision.

The perpetual calendar adjusts forwards or backwards, and the movement is finished with meticulous hand decoration. Bridges feature sunray Côtes de Genève, micro-blasting, and beveled edges. Heat-blued screws add functional beauty. Visible through the sapphire case back, the open-worked plates showcase the gyro-tourbillon and minute repeater governor.

Both watches come with a black alligator strap lined with small scales and a matching gold folding clasp.

Price of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184

It’s obvious this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 comes with a serious price. The model was earlier launched in 2019 as the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel. Which is why that year is shown on the main photo, as JLC could not supply a front shot of the new one. The differences are small. And at the time it was priced at around 800,000 to 960,000 euros, depending on the case.

Officially the price is on request but don’t be surprised if it surpasses one million. Which makes it compete with timepieces from Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. Each with their specific designs and technically advanced solutions for the most complicated complications around.