Haute Complication: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Gyrotourbillon 1

While the initial version of the Master Gyrotourbillon 1 was introduced in 2004, this complication is still part of Jaeger-LeCoultre current collection. Why this is, became clear at the SIHH, where the brand introduced us to a new edition of this iconic watch.

What makes the Master Gyrotourbillon 1 an icon is that in 2004 it was among the very first multi-axis tourbillons. While many other brands have introduced this complication since people tend to remember especially those who were first. Contributing to its success was also that the movement of the Master Gyrotourbillon 1 was crafted in typical Jaeger-LeCoultre fashion. There is a reason the brand has, since the very beginning, be the movement manufacture of choice for many Haute Horlogerie brands. Like no other Jaeger-LeCoultre knows how to create technically sound movements, which are very dependable as well.

What also sets the Master Gyrotourbillon 1 apart from the rest is that it offers much more than just a multi-axis tourbillon. In an ingenious way, Jaeger-LeCoultre has also been able to incorporate a perpetual calendar, complete with Equation of time on the dial side, while the back shows the power reserve. While adding these complications alone is a magnificent feat, Jaeger-LeCoultre has also been able to place them strategically on the dial so that it looks balanced and organized, emphasizing the multi-axis tourbillon, but at the same time not overly so.

While this not only ensured that even more than a decade after its conception the Master Gyrotourbillon 1 still is a captivating watch to look at. It also gave Jaeger-LeCoultre the opportunity to play with the dial design of this watch. For this year they created a beautiful dial featuring marquetry of semi-precious gemstone. Jaeger-LeCoultre chooses for this Aventurine. This type of Quartz has a deep blue color with mineral inclusions that give it a shimmering effect. Combined with the marquetry design on the dial, this gives the impression of looking through the unstained windows of a church or luxurious estate at the midnight sky.

Jaeger-LeCoultre framed the dial by setting the platinum case with Baguette cut diamonds. They used 114 of them, with a total weight of 6.7 carats. The beauty of using the Baguette cut is that it is very understated. The scintillation is much less than with a brilliant cut diamond, and it instead shows the more understated side of the diamond. All combined its yet another great addition to the Master Gyrotourbillon 1, and surely contributing to its enduring success!

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