Four years after stunning the industry with its spherical tourbillon, a second generation timepiece guarantees even greater accuracy Demonstrating its commitment to continuous innovation, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 to mark its 175th anniversary this year. When the Gyrotourbillon 1 debuted in 2004, it created a sensation in the industry for its first-ever spherical tourbillon. The exclusive device has two carriages mounted on axes set at a 90 degree angle. This design allows the watch to function free from the effects of gravity to maintain time accuracy. The second version of the Gyrotourbillon houses a cylinder-shaped balance-spring for the first time, which enables the three-dimensional motion of the spherical tourbillon to spin its two carriages. The inner carriage can complete a full turn in 18.75 seconds, much faster than the 24 seconds required by the Reverso Gyrotourbillon. The new system guarantees even greater accuracy. The first generation of the Reverso Gyrotourbillon is equipped with a Breguet device for rotating the carriages. The outer carriage, however, still needs a conventional 60 seconds to complete a rotation. Patented in 1782, the cylinder-shaped balance-spring, with end curves, was the masterpiece of English watchmaker John Arnold. Due to its large size and complication, the mechanism was mainly used for marine chronometers and big pocket-watches. The watch industry was disappointed that the device failed to be generously applied in other time measurements as it was widely recognised as performing much better than a flat balance spring. Jaeger-LeCoultre's adaption to a wristwatch is definitely a breakthrough. The original Gyrotourbillon features a round swivelling case, but the second generation imparts a fresh look to housing in a Squadra swivelling case. The new watch front shows the hour, minute and seconds displayed on the carriage of the spherical tourbillon. The transparent glare-proof sapphire crystals, covering the front and the back, highlight the mechanical movements and power reserve respectively. The timepiece has a security bolt to prevent the case from opening accidentally. It has a limited platinum edition of 75. The Reverso Squadra World Chronograph Polo Fields caters for polo players and globetrotters. The sporty swivel watch provides two time zones - local on the front and global on the back. Clad in a black ceramic case with pink gold or titanium carrier, the front chronograph dial provides the functions of the hour, minute, small seconds, and large date and day and night indication. The square subdial at 9o'clock is for minute reading and the hour reading subdial is at 3o'clock. The two push-pieces are for the chronograph functions. Each of the ceramic and titanium, and the ceramic and pink gold versions have a crown to wind the watch and adjust the hour, minute, large date and world-time indication. The back dial is equipped with a 24 time-zone cities transferred in the centre. It also has a steel ring with a frosted part to distinguish the day (in white) from night (in red). The model's gear transmission system in the mechanical movement is versatile enough to accommodate the different functions that the two reversible faces require. To pay tribute to famous Argentinian polo player Eduardo Novillo Astrada, the ceramic and pink gold model is available in a limited edition of 500. Part of the same line is The Reverso Squadra Lady collection. Apart from having two faces, the watch line offers a variety of colourful materials for customers to choose from, and different types of quick interchangeable straps. Some are equipped with automatic movements and the rest feature quartz movements. The front face of the Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto model features a date display and a day and night disc adorned with sun and star symbols. The back has the hour and minute functions. Equipped with automatic movements, the timepiece is available in steel and pink gold set with diamonds. Shining with a silvery dial, the Reverso Squadra Lady Automatic has its date delicately included at 6o'clock. Its transparent case-back unveils interesting movements. It comes with a steel, rubber or leather strap, to suit all occasions. This year is significant for Jaeger-LeCoultre. As well as celebrating its own anniversary, it has also presented a limited edition of two different models of the clock - Atmos Astronomique and Atmos Marqueterie - to mark the 80th birthday of the invention of the Atmos clock. Since it was invented in 1928, the Atmos clock has been known for its 'magic' perpetual movement that can measure time, months and years for long periods without having to use batteries, electricity or rewinding. The Atmos Astronomique has a complicated movement that shows time, month and a sky map. The Atmos Marqueterie is more of an art piece. The wooden clock case can open automatically and features a painting in tribute to Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Apart from the hours, minutes and months, it also shows the moon phases. Adding a new member to the collection, renowned designer Marc Newson designed the Atmos 561, which is kept inside a crystal bubble case. Four outstanding Jaeger-LeCoultre watches - Master Ultra Thin, Master Grand Tourbillon, Master Eight Days Perpetual SQ and Master Minute Repeater - were selected in honour of the anniversary celebration highlights. These watches represent the brand's remarkable innovations over the years.
