Art Meets Mechanics: Discovering the Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179

The Reverso is a timepiece designed according to the harmonious proportions of the Golden Ratio, serving as a canvas for artistic expression in the world of watchmaking. In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents the Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179, which represents the artistic expression of Calibre 179. The Calibre 179 combines the technical tour-de-force of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature multi-axis tourbillon with the finest of artistic craftsmanship from the Manufacture’s Métiers Rares® artisans, elevating the timepiece to new heights.

The Calibre 179 showcases the fourth evolution of the multi-axis tourbillon, specifically engineered by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers for the Reverso. The regulating mechanism is integrated into a movement that follows the contours of the rectangular Reverso case and is slim enough to be comfortable on the wrist. The Calibre 179 is also a Duoface movement, displaying a different time zone on each dial and a 24-hour indicator for the second time zone on the reverse dial.

The Gyrotourbillon structure of the Calibre 179 is visually captivating, with a total of 123 components that comprise one ultra-light titanium cage and a peripheral carriage mounted on ball-bearings. The inner tourbillon cage rotates 360 degrees every 16 seconds, and the peripheral carriage makes a full rotation once per minute, also providing a small seconds function. The balance spring and the distinctive double-anchor shape of the Gyrolab balance ‘wheel’ both showcase Jaeger-LeCoultre’s tireless quest for greater precision and mechanical efficiency.

The tourbillon mechanism is supported by a ring of ball bearings, creating the illusion that the flying gyrotourbillon is floating between the front and back dials of the Reverso, with no apparent means of support. The effect is enhanced by the light reflecting from a polished blue lacquer disc positioned on the supporting cradle of the watch directly beneath the tourbillon aperture.

The Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 features a pink gold case and a glowing dark blue lacquer that creates a rich contrast. On the front dial, a fine lattice of golden lines complements the blue lacquer background and the deep blue gradient lacquer of the time display, subtly alluding to the Art Deco geometric patterns that determined the original Reverso design. The Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 offers two distinct personalities with its double-sided, Duoface movement.

The ultra-fine ribs of the caliber plate metal are visible on the surface of the Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179, forming depressions that are filled with hand-applied lacquer. Achieving the desired richness of color and depth required exceptional precision and skill, with the surface polished to a glossy finish that blends seamlessly with the golden ribs. 

The reverse dial features blue lacquer applied to the skeletonized hours-minutes ring and supporting bridges, creating a striking contrast with the golden tones of various movement components and the silvery texture of the micro-blasting. The decoration on the reverse dial is a unique combination of laser skeletonization, hand chamfering, and hand-applied lacquer that highlights Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dedication to tradition and innovation. 

The Reverso case’s rectilinear geometry and harmonious proportions, designed according to the Golden Ratio, conceal the complexity of the signature slide-and-swivel mechanism. The cradle’s interior is adorned with a deeply engraved sunray pattern that radiates out from the blue lacquer disc, and the case’s Art Deco lines are emphasized by the signature gadroons above and below the dial. 

The Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 contains 382 components, including a Gyrotourbillon, and despite its complexity, is designed to be elegant and wearable with a thickness of 13.63mm and refined lugs. A true masterpiece crafted for connoisseurs of art and mechanics, it is the product of the collaboration between the watchmakers and artisans of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.