Swiss luxury matchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has recently unveiled an amazing series comprising twelve stunning timepieces –the Hybris Artistica Collection. Even though each and every one of these watches is a masterpiece in its own right, some pieces definitely stand out and deserve a closer look.
The Master Grand Tradition Tourbillon Céleste, for instance, does not indicate civil time, but rather sidereal time – each day is, consequently, four minutes shorter that what is normally measured. The watch more than makes up for its impracticality with stunning aesthetics: the dial is made from royal blue aventurine, while the area around it is guilloché and covered in translucent lacquer, giving a sense of the infinite depth of outer space.
Another exquisite piece is the Rendez-Vous Célestial. The upper part of the dial features the conic stretched numerals and is fully covered by baguette diamonds which were set using the Rock-Setting® technique. The technique is a fiercely guarded trade secret at jaeger-LeCoultre and is characterized by the absence of visible metal between the stones. Adding an extra decorative touch, there are the twelve signs of the Zodiac, which were painted by hand on the rotating lapis lazuli dial.
Finally, there’s Atmos, a piece so amazing it stands out even among the Hybris Artistica Collection. It actually draws it power from thin air – more accurately, from variations in temperature, with the slightest change providing Atmos with 48 hours-worth of energy. The piece also boasts beautifully adorned lateral wooden doors, with splendid handmade marquetry. And to top it all off, there are two enamel miniatures recreating works by Alphonse Mucha, Spring and Autumn.
[Perpetuelle]
