amanico presents an in-depth look at two exceptional versions of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre à Grande Sonnerie: the Hybris Mechanica and the Hybris Artistica. This post delves into the technical marvels and aesthetic considerations of these highly complicated timepieces, offering a rare glimpse into their development and design philosophy. Readers gain insight into JLC's pursuit of horological excellence and the challenges of miniaturizing such intricate mechanisms.
I wanted to share with you two exceptional versions of the Duometre ( yes, it is ) à Grande Sonnerie, called Hybris Mechanica and Artistica.
The Hybris Mechanica was unveiled in 2009, but it took some 4 more years before setting it ( most of all acoustically ) and making it reliable.
Do you remember? It was announced as the most complicated wristwatch, made of 1600 parts.
Now, some sophistications have been removed, to make it reliable, AND in a still reasonable dimension. Keep in mind that the ratio size / height / number of parts / complications is quite impressive, and one of the best in this category, if not THE best, with 44 x 14, 67 mm for the Artistica / 15, 00 mm for the Mechanica.
The Artistica:
From 1600 parts, JLC removed some to reach the yet impressive number of 1300, then on the definitive watch, 1406 parts, precisely.
Here you have, mainly, a Grande Sonnerie, a Petite Sonnerie, a Minute Repeater, a Flying Tourbillon ( on the back side ), and a retrograde Perpetual Calendar.
And, as it is a Duometre, you have a barrel dedicated to the time ( hours, minutes, perpetual calendar ) with a power reserve of 50 hours, and another barrel for the Sonnerie / Minute Repeater, with an autonomy of 10 hours.
So, now, the killing question: Which one do you prefer?
The " regular ", limited to 30 pieces, Mechanica?
Or the Piece Unique, with its crystal dial, Artistica?
A side by side picture may help:
Unless your banker gives you a big and friendly " NO " as an answer, as it is one of the most expensive not jeweled watch in the world....
Best,
Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-04-11 00:20:26 
