SIHH 2009: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Watch

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar watch is one of two new debuts that head up a collection dedicated to the highest echelon of haute horlogerie.

Presented in a 42mm case manufactured from 18-karat gold or platinum, the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar features an intricate dial that showcases its complexity across two distinct textures. The placid elegance of the opaline section in the upper two-thirds presents the well-organized perpetual calendar complication, with its displays for date, day of the week, moon phases, months, and the year and century in a digital format; an AM/PM indicator is located just above the dauphine hands, whose strategic cutouts enable this indicator to be read without obstruction. A "Clous de Paris" hobnail pattern decorates the lower hemisphere of the dial, where the one-minute tourbillon turns upon its bridge of polished steel; a three-armed hand moves with the tourbillon, marking off the elapsed seconds over the graduated 20-second scale.

Animating the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar watch is a self-winding movement entirely designed and manufactured by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The artistry of traditional watchmaking specialties are supplemented by cutting edge horological techniques, namely the use of a diamond-coated silicium escapement to reduce friction to the greatest possible degree. Despite being made up of 78 individual components, the tourbillon weighs just a scant 0.28 grams. In total, the Jaeger-LeCoultre 987 caliber comprises 401 hand finished components.

Frequency of the balance is 28,800 alternations per hour. A unidirectional rotor powers the barrel to its full power reserve of 48 hours. The yellow gold variation of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar watch is limited to an edition of 300 pieces. All versions are completed by an alligator leather strap and a folding buckle in gold or platinum. The Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar features sapphire crystals on front and back, and is water resistant to 50 meters.