Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 “Dragon” straddles the cosmic and the mythical

Jaeger-LeCoultre has elevated its mastery of fine watchmaking with the latest iteration of its iconic Calibre 945 —the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 “Dragon”. Encased in 45mm of pink gold, this extraordinary creation brings together technical innovation and artistic craftsmanship, capturing the mythical allure and power of the dragon.

Originally introduced in 2010, the Calibre 945 showcases Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expertise in celestial complications. It features a sky chart, a zodiacal calendar, and the signature Cosmotourbillon — a flying tourbillon that orbits the dial.

The Cosmotourbillon measures sidereal time, completing a full rotation in precisely 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.1 seconds, a measure used by astronomers to track the movement of stars. The timepiece’s manual mechanical movement operates at 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), showcasing both watchmaking mastery and visual splendour.

Crafted to echo the infinite depth of the night sky, the dial is layered with multiple finishes and textures, including sandblasted, opaline, and circular-brushed details. At the centre of this celestial display, a pair of intricately hand-sculpted dragons in pink gold majestically spiral around the raised and domed sky chart.

The scales are engraved with such precision that they appear almost alive, coiling around the tourbillon as it completes its cosmic journey. Beneath the dragons lies a matte black disc adorned with tiny stars that mirror the celestial vault above. Around its edge, the months and seconds of the tourbillon are marked in white, while a golden sun-shaped pointer indicates the zodiacal calendar.

This dial tells the story of the cosmos, featuring three concentric rings, each representing a different aspect of time. The inner ring marks 24 hours, the outermost displays minutes, and the 12-hour ring is accented with applied gold indices. The innermost layer of the dial features a matte black sandblasted disc, adorned with delicate stars that reflect the celestial map above. This layering creates depth, transforming the watch into a three-dimensional space where the cosmos and mythical creatures coexist.

The scales are engraved with such precision that they appear almost alive, coiling around the tourbillon as it completes its cosmic journey. Beneath the dragons lies a matte black disc adorned with tiny stars that mirror the celestial vault above. Around its edge, the months and seconds of the tourbillon are marked in white, while a golden sun-shaped pointer indicates the zodiacal calendar.

Encircling this stunning celestial display is a bezel that enhances the artistry of the watch. Painstakingly engraved by artisans over 50 hours, the bezel’s design mirrors the dragons’ scales, adding tactile and visual harmony. The pink gold bezel integrates with the sculpted dial, while the sapphire caseback reveals the exquisite mechanics of the Calibre 945.

At the heart of the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 lies one of horology’s most prestigious complications: the minute repeater. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s innovative expertise in chiming watches is on full display here, where crystal gongs, trebuchet hammers, and a silent interval governor ensure that the chimes resonate with a pure and harmonious tone. The minute repeater strikes the hours, quarters, and minutes with precision, while its sound is a marvel to behold, transforming the passing of time into a musical experience.

The timepiece is complemented by a luxurious small-scale alligator leather strap that ensures both comfort and an extension of the dragon’s textured theme. Boasting a 40-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 5 bar, this timepiece is as functional as it is breathtaking. With only five pieces available, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 “Dragon” is clearly a timeless treasure.

This story was originally published on The Peak Malaysia.