amanico
[JLC Moderator]
343884
JLC Hybris Mechanica 11: Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon.
I can't tell you RIGHT NOW what is the entire 2014 collection, but I am authorized to share with you this new Opus from Jaeger-Lecoultre, The Hybris Mechanica Eleven, which is a totally new watch, gathering some nice qualities:
- A Master Ultra Thin case. 41 mm big, 7, 9mm high, these are remarkable volumes, for a Watch housing a complication such as a minute repeater.
Made in 18 Carat extra white gold, it is limited to 75 pieces.
- A combination of a superb complication, the minute repeater, with a delicious sophistication, the flying tourbillon.
- A sophisticated minute repeater, associating the gong welded to the sapphire, which is a well known solution used in the Master Minute Repeater since 2005, and in the Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater since 2009, with the Trebuchet first seen on the Hybris Mechanica, unveiled in 2009.
This is a watxh I couldn't see in the flesh when I was at the Manufacture, but it " sounds " promising, from the official pictures I've just received, and which I will share with all of you right now:
Of course, I will wait to see it in the real life, at the SIHH, and will come back to it later.
I would just say four things, which immediately came to my mind:
1/ A question: How does it sound, compared to the watches I mentionned above and that we well know, now?
I really cannot wait to test it, and to measure the improvements on this " Eleven ".
2/ An observation, a very personal comment: I would have preferred it WITHOUT Flying Tourbillon. But I have to say that I am not a big fan of Tourbillons, except when they are " gyrotourbilloning ", or skeleted.
3/ This " Eleven " has something I never saw before, a flying balance wheel. I will have to ask what is the purpose of such a " first " ( if this is a first, in the horological world ). Purely aesthetical, or does it have some horological virtues?
4/ A last detail I will have to check: The minute repeater pushbutton: What is the feeling when you use it? How does it look in the real? That is an important part of a minute repeater, whose virtues have to be compared with more conventional solutions, indeed.
Here is the press file I received, which unveils this Watch. I will review it once I see it and fully understand it!
Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon,
a new era in the world of Grand Complications
In 1907, Jaeger-LeCoultre laid the foundations of what was to prove a key element in the identity of its watches. That was the year when the association between Paris-based businessman Edmond Jaeger and Swiss watchmaker Jacques-David LeCoultre gave birth to the world’s thinnest pocket watch featuring a blend of aesthetic refinement and horological sophistication that only a Manufacture uniting the full range of skills under one roof could hope to achieve. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre confirms its ability to anticipate the future of Fine Watchmaking by unveiling the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon watch, the eleventh creation in the Hybris Mechanica collection and the first ultra-thin Grand Complication model.
Eleven, the number standing for inventions and exceeding expectations.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch. A new era – that of ultra-thin Grand Complications.
Extreme innovation
Think-tanks composed of insatiable visionaries and tireless developers: such is the very nature of the teams at Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. It enables them, just one year after the introduction of the Master Ultra Thin Jubilee, to present an authentic pioneer in the field of Grand Complications. The newcomer bears a name revealing a set of technical feats that are bound to stimulate the imagination of Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs. And rightly so.
The Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon stems from research on two iconic horological complications. It is indeed the slimmest minute repeater in its category at just 7.9 mm thin.
This watch capitalises on eight separate patents, six of which are entirely new. Its entire development process was governed by two watchwords – ingenuity and performance. Its quintessence lies in a successful bid to achieve extreme slenderness while making no compromises on reliability.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with an original tourbillon, a high-performance new balance-spring, a peripheral automatic winding system, a retractable single pushbutton, as well as a new minute repeater equipped with a silent-timelapse reduction system. As the latest addition to an illustrious and fertile saga of Jaeger-LeCoultre striking watches, this model consolidates the brand’s leadership in this field.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch resolutely confirms that excellence and surpassing existing limits are second nature to Jaeger-LeCoultre.
A tourbillon born from the demands of ultra-thin horology
These substantial developments required rethinking the regulating organ and developing a new balance-spring specifically hand-crafted in the Complications workshop. All the characteristics of this new tourbillon are geared towards achieving extreme precision, watchmaking’s ultimate goal.
A concentrated blend of culture and expertise, the tourbillon of the Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch vividly epitomises perfect technical mastery. Yet above and beyond the art and science involved in making this outstanding timepiece, the process represents a human adventure strewn with all manner of obstacles that the watchmakers of the Manufacture take pride in overcoming. In each of these prodigious tourbillons, collectors of Jaeger-LeCoultre calibres will discern a combination of unflagging commitment and sheer talent.
A highly demonstrative automatic winding system
A minute repeater that barely skips a beat
Striking watches hold a place of their own within the realm of horology. They embody a highly daunting challenge for watchmakers seeking to achieve the purest sound, the most regular melody, along with unfailing precision and reliability.
Due to their highly complex nature, minute repeater mechanisms represent prestigious watchmaking accomplishments. When in 1870 the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux decided to create repeater calibres, it revolutionised this age-old art by endowing it with unprecedented precision and reliability thanks to its perfect match between hand and machine. Since then, the Manufacture has created and produced over 200 different calibres equipped with repeater mechanisms, making this one of its favourite themes interpreted through timepieces that have constantly explored the facets of this sophisticated complication. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch stems from a new line of approach: a minute repeater movement entirely rethought and rebuilt to be ultra-thin.
A minute repeater strikes the hours, quarters and minutes on demand. When there are no quarters to be struck, a lengthy silent timelapse occurs between sounding the hours and the minutes. While there is always such an audible hiatus in the sequence, it is particularly audible when there are no quarters involved. To solve this problem, an innovative system reducing this silent timelapse was developed. It detects the absence of quarters to be struck and thus eliminates the marked pause between striking the hours and minutes. As a result, the appropriate high- and low-pitched notes seamlessly follow their appointed pattern without breaking the tempo.
Supreme expertise dedicated to pure sound
Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch benefits from the developments previously introduced in two exceptional models. To achieve a sound of perfect purity the transmission speed of the gong’s vibrations must be faster amongst elements diffusing the sound wave than in the gong itself. Sapphire is endowed with this very property. In 2005, the master-watchmakers of the Manufacture devised a system in which the crystal gong of the Master Minute Repeater was affixed directly to the sapphire crystal to which it transmitted the vibrations. Four years later, the development of Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie watch led to the replacement of traditional hammers by trebuchet hammers designed to ensure optimal energy transmission to the gongs. Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with two patented trebuchet hammers. They ensure stronger, cleaner striking on the two crystal gongs fixed to the sapphire crystal. This helps to amplify the sound diffusion. Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs will also take pleasure in the traditional architecture of this minute repeater, as evidenced in features such as the symmetrical position of the two hammers – a tribute to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s historical watches.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven is a testament to the unfailing commitment of the watchmakers at the Manufacture who developed specific instruments such as a sound box to match their exceptionally high standards. Each watchmaker serves as a guarantor of the sound and remains carefully attuned to ensuring the harmonious restitution of the music of time.
A technically accomplished pushbutton
Again as part of an effort to make the watch even slimmer while preserving an extremely pure aesthetic, this minute repeater is activated by a retractable single pushbutton for which the Manufacture has filed a patent. Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with a discreet locking system at 8 o’clock. Actuating it brings out the pushbutton that triggers the minute repeater. Once the minute repeater is activated, the pushbutton returns to its initial recessed position, thus ensuring that nothing disturbs the flowing, elegant appearance of the watch.
The discretion, the user-friendliness and the technical feat represented by this retractable pushbutton are not the only advantages of this ingenious innovation. As opposed to the traditional slides used to activate the minute repeater function and for which the length of travel may vary according to the hour to be struck, this construction ensures a constant 2 mm travel distance that is enough to both wind the barrel and trigger the minute repeater.
Powerful aesthetic appeal pervading every detail
Hybris Mechanica Eleven strikes the perfect balance between historical inspiration and avant-garde technology. It is nurtured by the distinctive elegance of early 20th century pocket-watches, which constituted the last incarnations of a cultural tradition before the wristwatch took over. Each detail of its refined design has its reason for being and serves two purposes in equal measure: establishing an aesthetic identity as well as ensuring the smooth functionality of the mechanism.
The masterful movement with its consistently ultra-thin proportions is accommodated in a new case inspired by a “knife-shaped” 1907 pocket watch. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch measures a stunning 7.9 mm thin (including the crystal) considering its 41 mm diameter. Of the various precious metals from which it could choose, the Manufacture has opted for white gold because of its excellent acoustic qualities. The bezel, the sides and the tapering lugs are all entirely hand-polished.
The hour-markers, the traditional black transferred minute circle and the silver-toned grained finish are distinctive style nods to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s historical pocket watches. Hybris Mechanica Eleven also features new longer Dauphine-type hands, meticulously crafted with a polished, grained finish accentuating the harmonious overall appeal of the watch. The 6 o’clock opening affords a dramatic view of the new ultra-thin tourbillon, while the small apertures on the outer part the dial provide an ideal ringside seat from which to observe to the rotations of the delicately snailed platinum oscillating weight.
Considerable care has been lavished on the finishing and the sophisticated details of the 4.8 mm thin mechanical automatic movement. The movement blank and the bridges are made of a copper-nickel-zinc Maillechort alloy, a reference to the noble tradition of Jaeger-LeCoultre pocket watches and a metal that acquires a delightful patina with the passing of time.
The haute horlogerie finishes, including Côtes de Genève on certain bridges, entirely hand-crafted and particularly meticulous bevelling featuring interior angles on certain parts, admirably reflect the vision pursued by the Manufacture and its sense of quality taken to extremes.
As a subtle reminder of the musical nature of this timepiece, the exact spot on the crystal where the gong heel is welded to the sapphire crystal is marked by a few musical notes.
Issued in a 75-piece limited edition, Hybris Mechanica Eleven is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362 and has a 45-hour power reserve. It is crafted in ultra-white 18-carat gold and teamed with a high-end alligator leather strap secured by a white gold pin buckle.
The impressive complexity of Hybris Mechanica Eleven foreshadows the future presentation of the Hybris Artistica collection – of which the mission is to combine the most technical and creative skills of the artisans within a Manufacture housing 180 different forms of know-how.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is more strongly inspired than ever by the intangible heritage of the Maison: the unquenchable thirst to push existing boundaries and to create timepieces in the vanguard of innovation. Driven by such strong convictions, Hybris Mechanica Eleven places Jaeger-LeCoultre firmly at the very pinnacle of ultra-thin horology and Grand Complications.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon
Movement:
- Mechanical automatic movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
- 45-hour power reserve
- 21,600 vibrations per hour
- 471 parts
- 4.8 mm thick
- 33.3 mm in diameter
Dial:
- Silver-toned, grained
- Traditional baton-type (transferred)
Hands:
- Dauphine type
Functions
- Hours, minutes
- Minute repeater equipped with silent-timelapse reduction function
- Flying tourbillon with flying balance-wheel
- Automatic winding via a peripheral oscillating weight
More posts:
JLC Hybris Mechanica 11: Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon.
I can't tell you RIGHT NOW what is the entire 2014 collection, but I am authorized to share with you this new Opus from Jaeger-Lecoultre, The Hybris Mechanica Eleven, which is a totally new watch, gathering some nice qualities: - A Master Ultra Thin case....
This is truly a high impact piece, an Opus as you said.
It is very interesting how JLC manages to squeeze everything into such a discreet form. Big applause to their watchmakers and engineers! Ruckdee
A new Hybris Mechanica is always a major event
Thanks for releasing this novelty, I know how painful for you it must have been to stop torturing us. Well, the least I can say is that, aesthetically, I love it (except one detail I'll mention later). Very classy. I noticed not long ago that I really lik...
As I wrote, I still have many questions to ask.
And many détails to check... We are not Purists for nothing! ;) I will come back to it, don't worry, but I need to see it in the real life first! Thanks for your first impressions, Mark. Best, Nicolas
I would like your opinion
When you get to see the piece, I would value input on the finishing of the movement, especially the tourbillion cage, and compare it to Vacheron's 14 day tourbillion, as well as Vacheron's new ultra thin minute repeater. Lastly, since all of Richemont wil...
Is that all, Joe? :))) I will try to do my best
To compare with what Lange? I am intrigued by the movement of this JLC, and will certainly focus my view on that, and on the sound of the Minute Repeater, as well. Then I would like to see the balance Wheel in its " Flying " conception, without bridge... ...
Movement pictures, please!
This is probably my favorite JLC since years, at least when I look at the press pictures. Really looking forward to see, handle and listen to it - hopefully some time soon. Oliver
Be sure that if I had movement pictures, I would have posted them! ;)
But we'll discover all that in the détails, at the SIHH... Best, Nicolas
Wow. Apparently, it IS POSSIBLE to build complicated wristwatches ...
... with dimensions smaller than an oxen wagon. This is what I call traditional watchmaking mastership, to stuff as much as possible into a case as small as possible - as long as it works flawlessly, that is. I would be thrilled to see it in reality, and ...
Yes, it is! Like you, I am curious to hear how it sounds, though.
As small and thin cases and Minute Repeaters are a real challenge, indeed. Best, Marcus, and thanks for your input! Nicolas
This is the amazing part..
ultra thin..and a great sounding piece? I think only JLC.. looking forward to more.. my first impression was..WOW..they did it again...
Sounding great, that I will soon check. I do hope that it will work, when I see it
In Geneva... Will keep you udapted! Best, Nicolas
Very interesting watch...
but pictures of the watch are, sadly, quite bad 3D+ Photoshop renderings. They don't allow any final technical analysis. Was it done on purpose (no movement, wrong tourbillon)? Anyhow, I am really looking forward seeing the real watch. For the time being ...
Yes, Goldenlutin, I still have to see the watch in the real.
I couldn't, when I was at the Manufactire, in December. But don't worry, you will have lics pictures of it, soon. No, for me, the Tourbillon is not exo, it wouldn't be possible in such a flat Watch. The movement is 4, 8 mm high. I've just shared sme first...
As for the movement, Goldenlutin...
That is maybe why they installed the rotor BEHIND the dial, to gain some precious and extra " dixièmes de millimetres "? Best, Nicolas
About the peripheral automatic winding system...
Hello Nicolas, Thanks for your answer. Basically the interesting/useful thing about a peripheral automatic winding system is that it can be set around the movement, adding virtually no hight to the movement (like the last ultra-thin Breguet tourbillon sho...
THe flying balance is something which intrigued me a lot, too.
I will ask JLC how it can be compatible with shock protection. I had a long conversation with JLC yesterday, but there were so many questions to ask about this watch that we agreed to have another discussion in Geneva, soon. I have the feeling we'll have ...
The open slots in the dial are primarily cosmetic...
To show the peripheral winding rotor in motion from the dial side. The final prototype is amazing, though understandably the sound still has quite a bit of development work ahead. It shows much promise...
Oh ... well, then ...
I hope its acoustic qualities will eventually meet its optical ones. For me, your little AP Sonnerie en passant is still a reference ... Marcus
Totally convinced by the acoustical virtues of the " 11 ".
That was my major question, what I heard enchanted me. I didn't hear the Patek MR in the real, but, except ( maybe ) Patek, the nicest I've heard. Loud, pure, rich, the compromise is impressive. Best, Nicolas
The ref and caliber still have quite a bit of development work ahead of it...
Hi, Marcus, MJLC was kind enough to allow me to spend some quality time with the (mid-development) prototype and hammer and gong demonstrator, knowing that repeaters and striking watches - repeaters, sonneries en passant - are my passion and collection sp...
Aaah, I see you had the privilege to listen to the two watches...
The proto and the demonstrator. ;) Yes, the proto needs some development in terms of finish and acoustics, but it sounds promising. The demonstrator is more spectacular, acoustically. The regulator was quite silencious, I was impressed by that. Even more ...
Thanks! this is what makes repeaters so special - and expensive ...
... since all this work cannot be executed on the CAD machine. You need knowledge, great experience and a passion for the creation of tones - and music, ultimatively. Your description shows that clearly. I hope - and wish - that JLC will take the high roa...
My problem is ...
... that won't be able to have the joy of listening to all these great chiming watches aside. AFAIK, in whole Salzburg there is not one dealer having a wristwatch repeater which I could inspect. Marcus
I am out and can't concentrate much....
I will have to read carefully and get back to you later. I am excited! A lot.... Wow! Mo
Just a quick note.... Probably I would ve preferred
Without tourbillon ..... To make it more pure, but it's a marvel, well done Jlc... Talk later Mo
I agree with you, Mo... Sometimes less is more.
But we are very picky, aren't we? ;) Best, Nicolas
A beauty to be sure
What an absolute stunner of a watch. I actually like seeing the tourbillon, and the size and especially thickness, or thin-ness, of this watch is just perfect. I am not sure I like the window's however, are they a necessity for better sound transduction I...
Well, Mark, I already unveiled three watches.
The Reverso Chocolate, the Duometre UTT in Rose Gold, and now this HM 11... There is much more to come, for sure. As for this one, I want to see it in the flesh, to hear it and to play with it, before being able to write an article on it. For the momentn ...
Make a repeater for everyone!
I agree about the tourbillon - although they're great for a manufacturer's reputation, they're tough on my wallet! What I want is a JLC Master Minute Repeater in stainless. Take out the flying tourbillon, don't worry so much about the thickness, and get m...
Well, they already have one in titanium, without tourbillon.
Master Minute Repeater in Titanium, polished, Grade 5. When you compare the RM from IWC and the RM from JLC, when you hear both of them, you understand why one is more expensive. Therefore you have a 15 Days power reserve and a Torquemeter in the Master ...
This is my type of MR.. Always love to see/ hear it.. BTW..
.. Already read your nice (and 'avant premiere') report twice, enjoyed it a lot, have to re-read with a bit more time, again.. To reflect.. Lots of things to come, it appears (!), Quickly, my Best, and a kind Thank you for this share hs
Thanks for looking, hs. Yes there are more watches to come.
And I am pterry sure two or three of them would be your cup of tea... ;) Best, my friend. Nicolas
I'm impressed !!
I'm impressed by its technical characteristics. Be able to house a minute repeater in a case with such dimensions is amazing (at least for me) ! But i'm not convinced by the openings on the dial. I don't know if seeing the peripheral oscillating weight mo...
We will see all that in the details, don't worry.
There is a lot to say, about the presence and the specificity of the tourbillon, even if, like you, I am not a big fan of Tourbillons on the dial side, with a few exceptions, though. Best and thanks for your answer, Fabio. Nicolas
Beautiful thing….indeed but..
it requires the in-metal test for sure but…. Still not convinced about the showing tourbillon a-la hole in the dial..mmmmm but I suppose its such a special tourbillon that it needs to be showed off! even though It could have been very interesting with a f...
Really like it BUT...
Need to see in metal, would have preferred without tourby or tourby on underside with clean pure dial ;) Awesome piece however... love the MR! ;)
Underside, it would have been thicker...
I am autopsying the Watch, and working on the article, but like you, I need to wait till I see it in the flesh, to be able to end my prose... ;) Much to say! Stay tuned, even if it will take time. I prefer to wanr you. ;) Best, Nicolas
Any pics of the underside?!
Despite my 'picky' comments and observations and I do LOVE this piece on paper and would love to see it in person to conclude... I trust you Amanico and look forward to further reports. The price! :(
A plain dial would have been more my cup of tea, indeed.
But all this is very theoretical, as the retail is a bit above our wallet... 360 000 Euros... ;) Best, Amico. Nicolas
Auch!!!! Wasn't expecting so much...
But thinking about it..... Yes probably... I think I could spend that money in a different direction, but, it's not a proble that I have now!!!!:) Even without tourbillon:) Mo
Great piece
Hi Great piece only wish they wouldn't put the treble cleft and wording on the dial, like VC with their platinum models. Not that its likely to effect me - way way way out of my budget - can still appreciate it though. Cheers JML
The " clé musicale " is excatly where the gong is welded to the sapphire. ;)
We'll come back to the Watch, it is just a question of time. ;) I agree on the wording, though. All the best, and thanks for your input. Nicolas
Can;t wait to see this !!
...And the dial - grainy finishing just adds to the allure!! WIll be anxious to hear the ding's and dong's. Nicolas, many thanks for posting this
Looks to like JLC is going to be...
... the star of the show. The HM11 is practically not possible - but of course Jaeger LeCoultre pulls it off. And with total skill. Sublime. Can't wait until you can tell us how it wears, feels, sounds, smells and tastes. Spectacular piece, me thinks. Tot...
There are truly some serious skills, at JLC.
Not sure this Watch is for me, but I can only admire... Best, my friend. Nicolas
Fantastic surprise,
Nicolas my friend, This is a fantastic surprise you bring us here. I can't wait to see it in eight days. What can I say? I love the watch. Like many wrote I'd love to see the calibre, although I suppose case and calibres in such a conception are created o...
I agree that, to belong to the Hybris Mechanica Family, a new watch has to
Be rather special, and sophisticated. On this matter, the Opus 11 doesn't disappoint. Reading you, I was re thinking about the Tourbillon. Yes, without you would have a big " empty space ". Good, bad? Still don't know... One thing they should correct, IMO...
Agreed
Hi, Indeedif they could avoid to write " repetition minutes" that would be better. See you soon. Dje
Hide the "hole"at 6 o'clock....
And this would be my favourite JLC MM! ;) It looks great, hope the backside is as appealing as the front.... Best Blomman
!i think that if they put the rotor under the dial, it was also to finish the movement.
Can't wait to see it! As for the hole on the dial, at least this is an horological one. ;) But we are not big Tourbllons fans, to tell the truth... Best, my dear friend. Nicolas.
LOL! Not big Tourbllons fans... ;)
But I do look forward to see the backside of this one! :) Best, dear friend Blomman
Me too. I am very curious to see the movement, and to have a look on the
Flying Balance Wheel, to see and understand how it works... Best, Nicolas
Flying balance wheel???
I assume it will be weeks before we get an explanation of how that works A
A nice watch
But a different model. Of all that fascinate me is the small size which means it is complicated and felt that new ideas inside but in my opinion, the former version, the dial is much more appealing cause it is skeleton but this model try to maintain the c...
Thanks for looking, WTA. The MMR and this one are two different watches.
It can seriously be said that this " 11 " is a kind of summit in its kind, when the MMR is already a cool and very interesting Watch which has, in my opinion, the great merit to re interpret, in a modern way, a classi complication. Best, my friend. Nicola...
Still Perplexed!!!
This watch is amazing but I like many need more explanation... I would also love to see how this piece is in the flesh and of course what's underneath? I will await with patience some further explanation and pics! I am sure it will be amazing and on paper...
