Inspired by an historical Grande Complication pocket watch from 1928, this new perpetual calendar timepiece showcases Jaeger-LeCoultre's mastery of the engraving and skeletonising arts...
Luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre is demonstrating its mastery of the engraving and skeletonising arts with a limited edition new timepiece. The Master Grande Tradition à Quantième Perpétuel 8 jours SQ, inspired by a historical Grande Complication pocket watch from 1928, will be produced in a limited edition of 200 timepieces.
The Master Grande Tradition à Quantième Perpétuel 8 jours SQ features a skeletonised version of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 876 (originally unveiled in 2004). The movement was stripped of any superfluous “flesh”, then all parts of the movement were bevelled, polished and elaborately engraved by hand, one by one. Next, the white gold rings adorning the dial and the caseback were decorated, finely chiseled by hand, then covered with blue transparent enamel using the grand feu “champlevé” method. Finally, the more than 200 components of the movement were assembled.
Housed in a 42mm 18K white gold case, the dial of this perpetual calendar timepiece is openworked (all the better to showcase that hand-finished movement). The dial features hours and minutes with blued feuille hands, as well as a day/night indicator at 1 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock, month at 6 o’clock, year between 7 and 8 o’clock, day at 9 o’clock and power reserve at 11 o’clock. The perpetual calendar functions are adjusted with the help of a single corrector situated at 8 o’clock. The sapphire crystal caseback also offers a view of the movement, which boasts an 8-day power-reserve. It is completed by a black alligator leather strap with an 18K white gold pin buckle.
Photos courtesy Jaeger-LeCoultre.
