Review-JLC:The Hybris Mechanica à Gyrotourbillon and à Triptyque

Before speaking about the " plat de resistance " with the Grande Sonnerie, let's see the 2 other watches of this fabulous set, the Gyrotourbillon I, and the Triptyque.

These are, now, well known watches, here, which received some aesthetical modifications.

One is not really noticeable, the use of White Gold instead of Platinum, for the case, to match with the metal used for the Grande Sonnerie.

The other is more perceptible, although we have to make a difference between the Triptyque and the Gyrotourbillon I.

Indeed, both receive new dials, but if we can say that it is only a cosmetic change on the Triptyque, things go much farer with the Gyrotourbillon 1.

1/ The Triptyque:

Here is the previous version you know:





Now, the Hybris version:





As you can see the difference is subtle, the only change is about the yellow gold inlay, all around the minutes, 24 hours counters, and the Tourbillon, as well as around the quantieme perpetuel data and the solar time.

Subtle, certainly, but it gives an interesting contrast and depth to the 3 dials of this very special watch, which displays a superb map of the sky :





Nothing revolutionnary, here, I agree, but it had to be said and seen.

2/ The Hybris à Gyrotourbillon I is another league!

And let me tell you: WHAT A BEAUTY!

The former Gyro I is a dangerously appealing watch, even if some critics were made about the dial ( not by me, as I'm a big fan of this watch, and would love a lot to be able to get one! ) :



The original curves, play of light and transparency, and the magic of the Gyro Tourbillon make it so special, so attractive:



The " Heart " of this watch, the Cal 177 is another source of wonder:



BUT here, HERE, with the Hybris à Gyrotourbillon, it is another thing!

JLC managed to enhance the magnificence of this watch.

The Hybris à Gyrotourbillon has been presented as a skeletonized version, I would rather say that we are half way between the skeleton and the open dial, but, in any case, it makes a big, huge difference with the former Gyro I.

Are you ready?

Let's go ( Please have in mind that this watch is a Prototype, and that hence, it is not a finished piece )





You still find the curve made by the Retrograde Date, which nicely separates the Gyro Tourbillon and the Time areas, and the indication of the Month and of the power reserve, geometrically displayed, but all is shown, now, like a Sculpture.

And a moving sculpture!

Look at the tourbillon.

Its 3 dimensional aspect looks like there is no sapphire glass above the dial.

The omnipresent perlage, delimited by the anglages, and all these nicely chiselled parts give a lot of class, distinction and elegance to this very special Gyrotourbillon I.





Not convinced, yet?

Well, let me share with you this Macro, on this stunning artistic composition...



The case back is not very different from the former Gyrotourbillon I, you will recognize it much more easily than the dial side.

It offers a nice view on the Gyro Tourbillon, and all its components and complications, as well as on the 2 transparent sapphire winding barrels allowing a power reserve of 8 days.





A last macro picture, to dive into the movement:



The bad point?

This Hybris à Gyrotourbillon is only available in a limited edition of 30 pieces, and can't be separately sold, so you have to also buy the Grande Sonnerie and the Triptyque...

So, it may remain a Dream Watch, an unaffordable one.

EXCEPT IF...JLC decides to release this kind of dial on another Gyrotourbillon series...

Let's dream...And pray!

Best to All.

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-11-04 00:51:07 This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-11-07 02:19:16