Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica 11 Review

amanico · 2022-02-07T10:28:08Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica 11, the world's thinnest automatic minute repeater with a flying tourbillon. Discover its design evolution and groundbreaking horological achievements.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

38 replies8310 views8 photos

Amanico revisits the Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica 11, a watch he first encountered in 2014, offering an updated perspective on its definitive production model. His detailed analysis highlights the aesthetic refinements and groundbreaking technical achievements that solidify its place in haute horlogerie. This article delves into why the Hybris Mechanica 11 remains a benchmark for ultra-thin complications.

I already reviewed the Jaeger Lecoultre Hybris Mechanica in 2014, when it was unveiled, but I could handle the definitive watch, which will be very soon sent to its owner.

I furtively saw it at the SIHH, this year, but I could take more time to appreciate it, during my last visit at the Manufacture, in April 2019, and take pictures of it.

Aesthetically, it is not far from the prototype. Here is the picture I took in 2014.

You will immediately see that the G Clef at 8 o' clock and the words " Repetition Minutes " have gone, which is a good thing, I think.

I remember my feelings very well, when I discovered it, and they didn't change.

The Hybris Mechanica 11 joins the form and the function, and is very well made.

Before the " 11 " we didn't have an ultra thin complication in the Hybris Mechanica family.

With the " 11 " the challenge has been fulfilled in a brilliant way.

There is nothing easy to make an ultra thin minute repeater and a flying tourbillon in the same watch, and Jaeger Lecoultre did it. At the point that this is the thinner minute repeater of the market, with a height of only 7, 9 mm.

Indeed, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Ultra Thin Minute Repeater is 8, 09 mm thick, with a manual winding movement ( Cal 1731 ) :

Add the fact that the movement is automatic, and you will understand how the challenge was tough.

Jaeger Lecoultre proved another thing to the skeptic of automatic movements in a high end watch. Indeed, there are very few automatic movements in high end watches which are to my taste... I can mention here Girard-Perregaux with some of their Tourbillons with gold bridges, and till the unveiling of the Hybris Mechanica 11, I didn't see other watches.

Here, the Calibre 362 has its rotor " hidden " on the dial side, which let you admire the back side without any " round mobile intruder ".

The photo showing the discreet rotor, surrounding the dial, which you can see through the openings:

The Cal 362 is superbly decorated and very well finished. And one important point I wanted to check in the definitive watch: its rotor is silent. It was not the case with the prototype.

The second point I wanted to verify was the quality of the minute repeater sound. On the prototype, I guessed it was promising, and the Manufacture told me that they still had to work on it.

On the definitive watch, the sound is not as high as a Master Minute Repeater ( circa 70 Db ) with " only " 65 Db, but it is rich, and very pleasant to hear. I would even say it is " mature ". An excellent good point.

So, if I am convinced by the fact that a high end watch can house an automatic movement, I am much less convinced by the presence of a Tourbillon, even if it is a flying one.

Indeed, I dislike Tourbillons which make a " hole " in the dial, like it is the case here. I much prefer when they are on the back side or when they are part of the dial like a Gyrotourbillon or a Reverso Platinum Tourbillon Skeleton ( 2004 ).

I do understand its presence, for the reason I mentioned, linked to the exceptional character of watches belonging to the Hybris Mechanica line, but still...

Though, I can't deny it is a very good watch, well made, with a superb movement and an impressive ultra thin case.

And it sounds so good!

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The removal of the G-clef and 'Repetition Minutes' text significantly enhances the dial's aesthetic, making it cleaner and more attractive, a sentiment largely shared by collectors.
While some prefer a tourbillon visible only from the caseback for a purer dial, others find its presence on the dial, especially when harmoniously integrated, to be a desirable feature that aligns with the Hybris Mechanica line's historical concept.
The Hybris Mechanica 11's achievement of being the thinnest automatic minute repeater with a flying tourbillon (7.9mm) is often understated, especially when compared to similar feats from other high-end brands like Vacheron Constantin's Patrimony Ultra Thin Minute Repeater (8.09mm).
The innovative slide mechanism at 8 o'clock, which releases an almost invisible button at 10 o'clock for the minute repeater, is a testament to JLC's engineering prowess and discreet design.
The peripheral rotor in the automatic movement is a sophisticated touch that contributes to the watch's ultra-thin profile and gives it the visual elegance of a manual-wind caliber.
The tourbillon's placement and size are considered proportional to the dial, avoiding intrusion into the markers and contributing to a harmonious visual balance.

The Discussion

Jp75

Feb 7, 2022

Beautiful picture of a dream watch. I agree that removing the extra text and G-note symbol makes the dial much more attractive. Also think there are few „high end“ watch which are automatic, would just add some VC watch the ultra-thin caliber 1120. Regarding tourbillon I would also have preferred in the other side (like PP does). Me wonders if that was impossible due to the striking mechanism? I could believe the logic was: (1) striking and hammer/gong mechanism goes in the back, (2) then the ro

ZSHSZ

Feb 7, 2022

harmonious calming effect when one glances down the wrist... It’s also plausible at lest for my taste the fact that the tourbillon doesn’t cut in the markets, and it’s size is proportional to the dial. The only downside( for meat lest), is that I will never own one;-))) Nice write up, thank you.

keks

Feb 7, 2022

lovely dial texture... i do not mind the tourbillon hole at all... but would think if the tourbillon was only visible from the back it would be an ultimate stealth piece! wow what a cool piece that would be! especially had it been made in a polished titanium case as well!

Jp75

Feb 7, 2022

Your quote“ The only downside … is that I will never own one: I was thinking exactly the same when looking at the beautiful dial details 🧐. Well, that makes it easier to look at the beauty without thinking on whether to buy or not. A bit like walking thru and admiring master pieces at „Le Louvre“? Best, Jérôme

takman

Feb 7, 2022

I love thin watches and this is truly amazing with the complications JLC managed to fit in here. The peripheral rotor is also a nice touch and almost makes it look like manual wind. I agree the tourbillon is a bit intrusive but at least there is no date window right? Have a great week Nicolas, thanks for sharing this wonder! Regards, Chris

watchme

Feb 7, 2022

"Hmmm, VC has the 'thinnest' manual-wind minute repeater in the world at SIHH 2014, with sweep seconds, and JLC quietly comes along with a 'nuclear bomb' and presents a 'thinner', automatic minute repeater WITH a flying tourbillon and flying seconds! If this were a PP, the price would be $1.3M for such a feat and the 75 would be sold before the close of day the first day of the salon!!!" JLC doesn't get enough credit. I particularly love how the the slide at 8 o'clock releases the button at 10 o

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