188 years ago, Jaeger-LeCoultre began a journey that would birth some of the world’s most exclusive, cutting-edge timepieces. From the smallest-ever watch movements to the most complicated watches, the Swiss watchmaker’s history is littered with historical moments in the world of horology. The most recent comes in the form of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 (Quadriptyque); a watch even more complicated than its name.
With four faces and 11 complications, all contained in a 51mm by 31mm by 15mm case, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is yet another world-first. It goes without saying that any watch company producing the world’s most complicated mechanisms has honed its expertise over time, and with two centuries of expertise to its name, Jaeger-LeCoultre is not only respected but stands as a technical and stylistic leader in horology. The release of the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 cements this position, embodying the watchmaker’s history and constant pursuit of precision.
In comparison to the pace that change happens in contemporary fashion, the world of watches takes its time. Technological advancements happen, though rarely, and classic styles see few changes thanks to higher importance placed on tradition and heritage. These timeless designs grow in sentimental and price value over time, and that’s what makes a luxury watch such a solid investment. That is, of course, only if you can actually get your hands on one. Limited to just 10 pieces, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is as exclusive as it is complicated.
Developed over the space of six years, the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is the world’s first watch with four faces and comes as the most complicated Reverso timepiece ever. Originally designed as a way to protect the watch face during games of polo, the Reverso allowed players to flip the face over to reveal a protective metal shield instead.
Now, though, that metal face becomes another canvas for precision. A perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and indications of the synodic, draconic, and anomalistic planetary cycles fill the Quadriptyque in mind-bogglingly clean style; the most complicated Reverso is, amazingly, also one of the easiest to read and wear.
If you, like us, aren’t up to scratch on your synodic, draconic, and anomalistic cycles, here’s what you need to know. The display of the synodic, draconic, and anomalistic cycles together in a watch has never been done before, with the draconic and anomalistic cycle counters even protected by patent. With the three counters combined, the wearer can predict solar and lunar eclipses as well as phenomena like supermoons. From micro-painted enamel globes to a micro-sculpted pink-gold sun, these technical dials become a striking visual asset, too.
As if four faces and three unprecedented celestial counters didn’t set the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 apart yet, perhaps the masterful chiming will. Sonnerie wristwatches grow rarer by the year, but the Quadriptyque’s clean, effective use of chimes proves that the art is still alive and well. Slide the small lever above the crown and the watch kicks springs, cams, hammers, and crystal gongs into action to play a series of notes that report the time in audio form.
From unrivalled technicalities to its sheer beauty, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is a physical representation of 188 years of innovation and expertise. Limited to just 10 pieces, it’s a tour de force in mechanical logistics, functional design, and luxury, representing horology at its razor-sharp best. How could it be anything but exclusive?
