Complications
Nicolas's post, "Magali's Triumph, The Gyrotourbillon 1," celebrates the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon 1, particularly highlighting Magali Métrailler's pivotal role in its design. Initially overshadowed by other releases, Nicolas revisits this masterpiece with fresh eyes, offering a detailed appreciation of its aesthetic and technical brilliance. This article provides an in-depth look at what makes this watch a horological triumph.
The Gyrotourbillon 1, Magali's Triumph.
Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that Magali created alone the Gyrotourbillon 1, as it's the work of a team composed by 5 people: Eric Coudray, Thierry Grenier- Boley, André Reymond, Jacques Coulet, and...Magali Métrailler, who was in charge of the design of this unbelievable watch.
I have to admit that I misunderstood and underated this watch, while JLC presented it, as at the same time JLC launched the Minute Repeater who litteraly ate my mind.
I thought, "Ok, that's a nice version and conception of the Tourbillon, but, obsessed by the MMR, I just didn't care about it...That's the truth, a stupid truth, but the truth.
My purpose and my ambition here is not to make another review of this Masterpiece, it has been already done, and I won't do better.
I just want to give my view on this watch I saw another time, quite by surprise, yesterday, at the Paris Boutique.
It was a big shock, as it rarely happened to me, with suddenly this thought...How was I at this point stupid to have not appreciated this piece of art before?
All in this watch is beautiful, all.
The volume of the case, 43mm of platinum, gives weight, and a great allure.Yes, it is a bit heigh, but hey, there is a Gyrotourbillon inside the case, and I don't see how it can turn under a 10mm case.
I really don't know what is the more spectacular, the front or the case back.
The front has something subtle, with this game of transparency, this grey on the inferior part of the dial, and this transparent light grey around the hour and the "equation du temps" counter.
Some again subtle parts of blue with the retrograde hands of the Perpetual Calendar, and all is designed as if JLC wanted to concentrate people's attention on the Gyro, in a balanced way.
Do you want a closer look at this special dial?
Here you are!
The case back is wowowowowow, my english is not that good to find the good words to traduce the feeling I had while contemplating this spectacle.
Note the perfectly decorated parts of the movement, the " Anglages, perlages, polissages", all is very well and artisticly hand finished.
Some more pics in macro style? Ok:
Do you want more life than with these pics? Here is the link:
Yes, Magali made a perfect job on this piece, and all her talent is here evident.
Congrats to her, and to the whole JLC team, for this masterpiece of dream ( yes, the biggest problem is the price) who locates JLC in the Heights of Horology.
Hope that you had a lot of pleasure to see these pics, as I had while taking them.
Best.
Nicolas
PS, this watch is worth a little teasing, no?
added to Editor's Pick
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-01-23 07:51:29Have to add this to my " Grail " list .
WOW that watch is spectacular. consider traind the MMR for this watch?? hahaah
When I first saw the MC Memovox in person ,I knew right away that I just had to have one ! Her design influence puts a bold ,modern look to a Manufacturer more known for their classical and elegant looks. The next piece I'm looking forward to seeing in person is the Extreme Lab .
Hi Nicolas, It was love at first sight for me with this one and I forgot the MMR, teh exact contrary as yours once again! To look at it working is the greatest horological pleasure I've had. It also helps in the fact that after looking at this one a "normal" tourbillon has a hard time catching your eye, so you're saved. The Gyrotourbillon 1 is one of my unreachable "complicated" dreams with the Vacheron Constantin perpetual calendar minute repeater with tear drop lugs, the Patek Philippe 3939, 5
And soon, please! Totally agree, this piece is at the higher place in my Dream List... I was voiceless in front of it, and Philippe, of the Boutique was amused to see me like that! I partially agree about the fact tha the Gyro kils the others...Yes, it's evident that this is the most particular and nicest tourbi I ever saw , and I saw many... But, another one is still alive, after seeing the Gyro I... The Reverso Platinum skeleton.... Yes, Jerome...Less spectacular, of course, less complicated t
When looking at the back, there's a wolf-tooth wheel at 4 o'clock....what's it do? More importantly, when are you going to get one? -a
This thread is active on the Jaeger-LeCoultre forum with 43 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
