A Stunner: The New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184
Jaeger-LeCoultre creates some of the most complicated watches on the market. Today’s Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 is a stunning example of this. The movement may not be new, but it’s wildly impressive and sits in an equally mesmerizing pink gold case. This is one to savor for its details and artisanship.
One of my first nice watches was a manual-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre Heraion. It was a gift from my parents for graduation and still is a lovely piece. Since then (more years ago than I care to admit), I’ve kept up with the brand. My favorite models normally come from the Master or Master Control lines because of the focus on precision. The Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 offers that, but this is no normal watch. It’s a limited handmade masterpiece with a jaw-dropping movement and case design.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184
While today’s Master Hybris Artistica isn’t a completely new watch, a new design for the dial and case delivers a fresh take on a highly complicated timepiece. This movement was introduced in 2019 and has been offered in a similar format. However, this newest option is the most modern looking to date. The 43mm by 14.1mm case is 18K pink gold (JLC will also release a white gold variant later) and has a 5-bar water resistance rating. The brand outfits the watch with sapphire crystals on both sides of the case to provide a full viewing experience of the fabulous Calibre 184.
Calibre 184
A movement is normally a highlight of a watch like the Master Hybris Artistica, but I believe it’s the main attraction. This movement brings together three complications that would qualify as exotic in solitude. A perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and constant-force gyrotourbillon are all part of the package. Calibre 184 comprises 1,052 finely finished components and is created by a single watchmaker over five months. It’s a manual-winding movement with a 52-hour power reserve and an astonishing 137 jewels.
Furthermore, the gyrotourbillon drives a deadbeat minute hand that clicks accurately to each position after 60 seconds. The large date display contains equal spacing between the 31 days except for the gap between the 16th and 17th day of the month. This area is further apart due to the location of the gyrotourbillon. JLC has designed this movement so that the date indicator jumps perfectly from day 16 to day 17. The minute repeater has a telescoping pusher that remains flush with the case when not in use. When the chime sounds, it plays the Westminster Carillon famously heard in London’s Big Ben. The twin set of hammers and gongs are on either side of the gyrotourbillon.
Artisanship on the dial and case
Jaeger-LeCoultre has adorned the Master Hybris Artistica with elegant yet modern touches. The dial’s center is transparent black sapphire and shows off the underlying parts of the perpetual calendar. A geometric pattern of black Grand Feu enamel is present on the dial’s edges and the case flanks. Watches like this can look particularly fussy, but JLC has done a nice job of adding subtle style.
Highly limited
Jaeger-LeCoultre will produce just five Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184 watches in pink gold and five more in white gold. The price is not given, but the 2019 model was priced at €800,000 for reference. That makes this a museum-like piece that will likely be worn on rare occasions. Still, what a lovely wrist accompaniment during those activities.
For more information on the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184, visit the official Jaeger-LeCoultre site.
