Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184

Jaeger-LeCoultre makes some of the most complicated watches on the market, and today’s Master Hubris Artistica Calibre 184 is a stunning example of this. The movement may not be new, but it is highly impressive and comes housed in an equally captivating pink gold case. This is a watch to be savoured for its detail and craftsmanship.

One of the first watches I loved was a manual-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Heraion. It was a graduation gift from my parents, and it’s still a lovely watch. I’ve followed the brand ever since (more years than I’d like to admit). My favorite models are from their Master or Master Control line, which are all about precision. The Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 184 is about precision, but this is no ordinary watch. It’s a limited edition, hand-crafted masterpiece with an amazing movement and case design.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184

Today’s Master Hybris Artistica isn’t an entirely new watch, but the new dial and case design bring a fresh approach to the highly complicated timepiece. The movement was introduced in 2019 and has been offered in a similar format; however, this latest option is its most modern looking to date. The 43mm x 14.1mm case is crafted in 18K pink gold (JLC will also release a white gold version later) and has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM. The brand has equipped both sides of the case with sapphire crystals, allowing the stunning Caliber 184 to be fully admired.

Caliber 184

While the movement is usually the highlight of a watch like the Master Hubris Artistica, I think it’s the best part. The movement brings together three complications that would be exotic on their own: a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, and a constant-force gyrotourbillon, all in one package. Caliber 184 is made up of 1,052 finely finished parts and took one watchmaker five months to create. It’s a manual-winding movement with a 52-hour power reserve and an astonishing 137 jewels.

Additionally, the Gyrotourbillon drives a deadbeat minute hand that clicks precisely into each position after 60 seconds. The large date display is evenly spaced throughout the 31 days, except between the 16th and 17th days, an area that is further apart due to the position of the Gyrotourbillon. JLC designed this movement so that the date display jumps perfectly from the 16th to the 17th day. The minute repeater has telescopic pushers that lie flush with the case when not in use. When chimed, it sounds the Westminster Carillon, a sound often heard at Big Ben in London. On either side of the Gyrotourbillon are twin sets of hammers and gongs.

Dial and case craftsmanship

Jaeger-LeCoultre has given the Master Hublis Artistica an elegant yet modern touch. The center of the dial is a transparent black sapphire, revealing the perpetual calendar underneath. The edges of the dial and the sides of the case are finished with a geometric pattern in black Grand Feu enamel. A watch like this would look particularly ornate, but JLC ​​has managed to add a subtle touch of style.

Very limited

Jaeger-LeCoultre will only produce five pink gold and five white gold versions of the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 184. Pricing has not been disclosed, but for reference, the 2019 model went for €800,000. This means that this is a museum watch that you will likely not wear often. Still, it will look great on your wrist when you do.

For more information on the Master Hubris Artistica Calibre 184, please visit the Jaeger-LeCoultre website.

Watch Specifications