Complications
Dje's captivating report on Jaeger-LeCoultre's High Jewellery Gyrotourbillon Skeleton from SIHH 2009 offers a rare glimpse into the pinnacle of haute horlogerie and gem-setting. This article showcases how JLC masterfully integrates extreme complications with exquisite high jewelry, challenging traditional perceptions of watch aesthetics. Dje's detailed photographs and commentary provide a crucial record of this extraordinary timepiece, highlighting its unique position in the world of luxury watches.
A few weeks ago
I promised to share an ultimate piece of jewellery timepiece. Here it is!
In 2004
Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the most complicated wristwatch they ever produced,
the Gyrotourbillon 1.
This year the
Gyrotourbillon 1 comes in a skeleton version, in the high jewellery range.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon 1 skeleton
If the original
version was limited to 75 pieces, I saw at least a pair of jewelled pieces made
for a famous Parisian AD !
This time the
new version is apparently not limited, but we can guess that product definition
will be a limitation in itself.
Jewelled even above the date ring
The watch is
proposed in four versions. It can be ordered (except if you find it available
in the window of your AD) with a leather strap or a fully jewelled bracelet
(431 baguette-cut stones on the bracelet alone). The stones can be 158
baguette-cut diamonds or rubies.
The watch I
show here is the simplest diamond version (on strap). It really exists. I understand
that the other versions will be special ordered only!
The real jewel is revolving
The new calibre
177 is identical in its functions to the original cal 175 of the
Gyrotourbillon. It is skeletonized on the dial side, as much as it is possible
with so many parts (679 on the 175).
The back side
The back side
seems to be identical to the original, with its fascinating blued hand that
indicates the leap year. This hand may be the longest blued hand ever mounted
in a wristwatch.
Far from a three quarter plate
Is this watch
the most complicated jewelled watch ever made ? I don't know but
even if I'd prefer it without any stone, I've been quite impressed
by this watch!
Curvy baguettes
I suppose that
if someone wants to order it without diamonds………
The sun is not shining on this picture
Fortunately
there are some "cheaper" options if you're looking for a
jewelled complicated piece! 
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Minute Repeater Venus
The enamel dial
Master Minute Repeater watches offered this year in four dial versions are also
offered in two other versions (for each of the four dials), in platinum with
baguette-cut diamonds and in pink gold with round-cut diamonds.
Amazing dial
A last version
is offered in pink gold with baguette-cut diamonds, with a ruthenium dial based
on the original platinum Master Minute Repeater. I won't show it as I've
not seen it unfortunately.
The pink gold round cut version
This series of
complicated jewelled timepieces closes the offering for this year!
If anybody is
tempted to order please feel free to contact me for reference numbers as you
won't find them easily!
Cheers
Dje
I think we can consider a "Grande et petite sonnerie" to be even higher in the complications hierarchy than the Gyrotourbillon, and in that case the Franck Muller Cal 97 can probably considered as the highest complication jewelled wristwatch ever made (despite the absence of tourbillon). That being said, this Gyrotourbillon is quite pleasing aesthetically, although I assume most of us would prefer it with this skelletonized caliber but in plain metal, not iced... Well, not that it would be a 're
hi gent, I do realy underdstand the art of complication and jewels, but could you precise for wich market, or for wich customer? Is there somebody who's able to purchase this incredible watch? best. O
Funny thing is that I prefer the Gyrotourbillon Skeleton to the "classic" version which has never convinced me. Thanks a lot for your post. Fr.Xavier
it for me but if I must choose one diamond studded piece this would be it without shadow of doubt not because it is Gyro but because this is only tolerable bling piece ever I saw thank you for sharing hot news Best Damian
Works of art no doubt. Thanks for sharing.
Whe n you know the size of a MMR ( 44 mm ), or a Gyro I ( 43 mm, if I'm correct ), are these watches made for ladies??? And if not, I have a lot of difficulties to imagine the Dressing Code, and the occasions for such watches... I agree that this is a real and hard Art to insert all these precious gems on a watch, and I respect and admire that skill. That's just the association between High Horology and Jewellery that I don't see very well. Holw to explain it? They are Two sacred monsters which
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