Technology meets art with the new Jaeger‑LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon 3. A watch that perfectly balances the signature multi-axis tourbillon and artistic craftsmanship. Six years after Jaeger‑LeCoultre first introduced the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon 3, when it celebrated the Maison’s 180th anniversary, we now get to see a timepiece that incorporates digital instant monopusher, column-wheel actuated, chronograph.
The new Gyrotourbillon 3 takes advantage of the Manufacture’s Rare Handcrafts (Métiers Rares) artisans and bring about a watch that is high in its artistic value. A look at the dial and you will know what I mean. The handsome dial showcases the traditional of hand-guillochage, engraving and grand feu enamel along with meteorite inlay.
Delicate Designing is an Art
Jaeger‑LeCoultre has managed to make this new timepiece look very exclusive and has positioned the three dials in a very interesting manner. They seem to overlap and flow into each other’s space. The main dial for time-telling hosts deep blue aventurine chapter ring encompassing the dial, with specs of glitter in it. The pink gold dauphine-shaped hands tell the time.
Gibeon meteorite that was found in Namibia, has been used to design the essential components of the dial. The reason why it was picked, was for its interesting abstract geometric patterns that are exclusive to each dial. The meteorite is inlaid on the German silver bridges and the centre of the time display dial.
To keep things balanced, I think its clever of the team to dedicate an aventurine disc encircled with a ring of white grand feu enamel as the chronograph display. The day and night display comes with a 24-hour plate on which two gold semi-circles are applied. One is for the day and the other is for night. Hand-guilloché, hand-engraved sunrays and an applied polished pink gold sun adorn the day dial.
Night time is depicted with the help of applied polished pink gold crescent moon and stars, set on a rich blue background. The spinning tourbillon captivates you and seems to be floating in space, without any visible support.
Under The Hood and More
There is no doubt that a lot of effort and technique has gone into the making of this watch. Apart from the art, the technical aspect, the Gyrotourbillon mechanism is remarkable precise. The multi-axis tourbillon is made of two cages, set at two different angles and they turn in opposite directions, at different speeds.
The cantilevered all-aluminum cages of Gyrotourbillon 3 seem to be suspended in space. Inder the hood is a hand-wound movement, calibre 176 and it incorporates a fully integrated chronograph.
The new Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon 3 ‘Meteorite’ is the highest expression of Jaeger‑LeCoultre’s codes. It comes with 45-hour power reserve, 18K pink gold case that measures 43.5 mm and is water-resistant to 50 meters. It is limited to 50 watches and each will retail for about $550,000.