Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2: Masterful Watchmaking On Many Levels

After 2006’s amazingly complex Reverso a Triptyque watch, which presented its perpetual calendar functions across an unprecedented three faces, Jaeger-LeCoultre has again accomplished the extraodinary.  The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 watch is a comprehensive work of micro-mechanical art, which demonstrates an exceptional level of fine finishing, and some extremely advanced watchmaking technology. 

Although the spherical tourbillon is clearly inspired by the brand’s landmark Gyrotourbillon 1, this complicated new Reverso timepiece is by no means a technical clone.  For one thing, the twin cages in the Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 have a different shape and rate of rotation than those of the Gyrotourbillon 1.   Also unique to the Gyrotourbillon 2 is a highly unusual cylindrical hairspring with end curves; a elaborate way of achieving ideal isochronism (a condition where the balance wheel’s vibrations are perfect, regardless of amplitude), such hairsprings have been used very seldom over the last century, largely because of their great difficulty to produce and easily miniaturize.

In fact, when you examine technical drawings and descriptions of this movement, you realize that nearly every facet of the Reverso Gyrotoubillon 2’s technical construction is designed to optimize precision and timekeeping performance– a priority not shared by many modern tourbillons, which often emphasize appearance above performance.  I can’t help but think that somewhere, Abraham-Louis Breguet–who originally invented the tourbillon escapement to improve timekeeping performance–would be pleased.)  And at the end of the day, this watch out-dazzles virtually any competitor too, thanks to its extremely intricate tourbillon, which by itself is composed of around 100 individual pieces!

Beyond the functionality and visual brilliance of the Gyrotourbillon complication, this is a watch which is pure pleasure to behold, with an exceptional level of finishing.  Both sides of the movement showcase an amazing range of techniques; the nickel silver bridges on the backside show off traditional Cotes de Geneve, while the dial-side bridges reveal a striking hobnail pattern.  Lovers of anglage–the elegant technique of beveling the edges of parts to a lustrous shine–will absolutely fall in love with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon 2, which demonstrates this art with uncanny skill.