Something difficult to describe but awe-inspiring to see is how the depth the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon’s dial and movement provide an almost vertigo-inducing sight. When viewed from a steep angle, it looks almost as if the tourbillon somehow protruded through the sapphire crystal on the front – in terms of visual appeal, a normal tourbillon is Star Wars episode IV from 1977, and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon is episode 7 in full IMAX 3D. The way the golden hue of the balance wheel, the iridescent blue of the curled-up spring, the cold grey of the aviation-grade titanium cage, and the occasional purple splash of the jewels all work together… Watching the tourbillon do its thing is a sight that, in my opinion, could never get old – and would probably have no trouble making the nerdiest console gamer, Generation Z 16-year-old fall in love with fine mechanics irreversibly.
The platinum case may be smaller, but it is not without its finer details. Probably the most surprising and indeed beautiful of them all is the engraved pattern on the inside of the cradle (the fixed part of the case that carries the lugs and holds the swiveling case). This rising Sun element is not only cool, but its large, polished circle located in its lower third fits perfectly under the cut-out for the Gyrotourbillon. Its glossy, shiny finish reflects light back onto the mechanism, making it more visible – and a million times preferable to other skeletonized or cut-out watches where you can only see your suffocated arm-hair pressed down by the watch.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon is sold on a black alligator strap, held in place by the brand’s adjustable – and rather impressive-looking – deployment buckle. The case back is perfectly flat, with only the short lugs coming off of it at a shallow angle, to help improve wearability. While I never got to wear the Gyrotourbillon 2, I have no doubt about it being way too large and heavy for most wrists – while, by contrast, this latest iteration wore almost identical to any everyday Grande Reverso (reviewed here).
Technical sophistication, I feel, should more often result in a “less-is-more” approach – smaller, faster, more efficient, as opposed to larger and less convenient or useful. Sure, the Gyrotourbillon itself remains a delicate thing, but the fact that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon comes in a limited edition of 75 numbered pieces – each with a price tag of 270,000 Euros – should imply that they can make the concept work; and repeat that feat 75 times over.
In closing, to answer the original question: is the Gyrotourbillon a grail watch worth seeing, a hero worth meeting? Oh yes, yes it is – and if you have a more major JLC boutique near you, I hope you get to check it out! jaeger-lecoultre.com
