Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

1 1 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Tradition RépétitionMinutes Perpétuelle depart radically from convention by incorporating unprecedented height and space. Two gongs, welded together at their base, travel in the same direction around the periphery of the movement, making one near-complete tour before dramatically arching upwards, traversing the entire height of the movement. They then diverge and take a terminal semi-arc around the other side of the movement, stopping just before their ends meet. “By maximising the space occupied by the element that creates sound vibrations – the gongs – the calibre 950 boosts its capacity for sound transmission. Further increasing this capacity is the proximity of the gongs to a larger proportion of the watch case, according to the acoustic principles that instinctively guide us where to position a relatively weak audio source in relation to a resonator. Signature chime innovations of Jaeger- LeCoultre, such as the square gong cross-sections and the articulated “trebuchet” hammers, ensure that the gongs are struck with the greatest possible impact and the least interference from hammer recoil. These set the stage for the meticulously engineered acoustic profile of the Master Grande Tradition Répétition Minutes Perpétuelle chime. To house this remarkable calibre JLC has created a new case comprising more than 80 separate hand-finished parts. These parts are alternately polished, satin-finished or sandblasted, the latter being highly challenging to execute on the exterior segments of a watch. The extremely porous surface of a sandblasted component causes it to easily pick up oils from even the slightest contact with human skin, leaving a mark that can be seen as unsightly (though easily removed) blemish. In its finishing andMétiers Rares ateliers, Jaeger-LeCoultre has perfected the technique of applying a sandblasted finish that is resistant to such oil transfer. Particular attention has been paid to the ergonomics of the case, from the deeply convex bezel and broad bevels on the lugs to the smoothly tapered minute repeater slide. According to JLC, the watch, “recalibrates the balance of technical prowess against aesthetic refinement to arrive at a new equilibrium of power and beauty.” 186 years of fine watchmaking expertise, 149 years of experience in sonnerie timepieces, and a spirit of innovation that elevates Jaeger-LeCoultre to the very highest levels of haute horlogerie is all in evidence in this wonderful watch. Despite the multiple complications and the automatic winding system, all of which are known to add bulk to a timepiece, the Master Grande Tradition Répétition Minutes Perpétuelle is highly compact, with a diameter of 43mm and a height of 13.72mm. This is a marriage of mechanical innovation and the most exalted levels of miniature decorative arts.