JLC Hybris Mechanica Reverso Quadriptyque Calibre 185

• Dial bottom right à  Position of the moon in relation to its orbit around the earth (which is elliptical).
• Dial bottom left à Position of the moon in relation to the earth-sun axis, also called the ecliptic plane.
• Dial at the top à Moon phase which is laser engraved.
• When the moon is full and aligned with the ecliptic plane there is a chance of an eclipse somewhere on earth - other factors are involved such as the moon-earth distance and the timing - for eclipses it requires a precision to the minute and our watch is indicating the lunar indications on 24 hours. 

You know I am always pesting against these big boxes which weigh a dead donkey and take too much space. But here, there is a function to the form, if I may say so. 

The box comes with a built-in mechanism which allows the owner to quickly set all the calendar AND astronomical displays of the watch after a period of being unworn.

How does it work?

You have a drawer on the bottom of the box - totally mechanical - that allows you to set the watch - you enter the number of days which have elapsed since the watch stopped using the big two-position crown on the side of the box and then you change the position activate the crown and it automatically set the watch to the right date – including moon phases of course in blink of an eye – you just have to wind the watch and wear it.

The crown on the side of the box:

 There is no risk of overcorrecting the watch or damaging the movement, since the entire process is controlled by the box corrector mechanism.

6/ The case

One could expect a totally unwearable watch with so many features and complications. We still have in mind the Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 and the Reverso à Triptyque, which both are true pieces of Art and Genius, but, once once the ( normally sized ) wrist, the frustration comes, as fast as the perpetual calendar display changes at midnight... They are too big, too thick, and cannot be totally enjoyed. 

The Reverso Quadriptyque is totally different, as this is a watch most of the wrist can enjoy. Indeed, the case is " only " 51, 2 mm big, 31 mm large, and 15, 15 mm high. In comparison, these dimensions are very close to the Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon, the Quadriptyque being 2, 7 mm thicker, though... Remarkable, given all the complications it houses.

The choice of white gold makes sense here. The sound of the minute repeater is always better with white gold rather than with a platinum case, and the weight is a tad less important. 

To be complete on that matter, the case is water resistant to 30 meters, which is enough for most life situations with such a watch on the wrist.

7/ The movement.

The wizards at Jaeger Lecoultre took their time to think and to develop this movement: 6 years! They also filed 12 patents for the Calibre 185. Another important information: Do you know how long it takes to assemble all the 800 parts of the movement? 8 to 12 months.

In comparison, the power reserve of 50 hours seems " normal '' here. 

The level of finishings of this marvel seems consistent with what we can expect.