901Σ︎
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Ref. Q5023580, 187.3.46.S
Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication
A large and rare limited edition white gold minute repeating wristwatch with orbital flying tourbillon sidereal time indication, sky chart, zodiac calendar, 24-hour indication, blue guilloché dial and warranty, numbered 5 of a limited edition of 75 pieces
Full-Cataloguing
- No. 5 of a limited edition of 75 pieces launched in 2010
- Minute repeater with oribital flying tourbillon and celestial zodiac calendar
- Earliest serial of the 3 examples appeared in auction
- Recently serviced by the manufacturer in 2025
Launced in 2010, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication stands as a breathtaking pinnacle of haute horlogerie. This extraordinary timepiece masterfully weaves together a minute repeater, an orbital flying tourbillon, and a celestial zodiac calendar against a stunning blue guilloché dial. At the center, beneath the handset is a prominent large star representing Polaris—the steadfast North Star—anchoring the northern hemisphere's sky chart as the tourbillon orbits the dial in perfect sync with sidereal time. A small golden sun on the periphery traces mean solar time along the outer zodiac ring.
Sidereal time measures Earth's rotation relative to the distant fixed stars, using the vernal equinox as the reference point and yielding a sidereal day of exactly 23 hours, 56 minutes, and about 4.1 seconds.
At its heart pulses the groundbreaking Calibre 945, a 527-component marvel hand-assembled by a single watchmaker and elevated by cutting-edge features like a silicium escapement in an ultra-light titanium cage. The minute repeater, the fruit of five years of devoted research, delivers an unprecedentedly clear and resonant chime via Jaeger-LeCoultre’s revolutionary crystal gong system. The gongs are attached directly to the sapphire crystal for superior sound transmission and coupled with the ingenious trébuchet hammers which operate on a dual-axis mechanism. The hammers accelerate initially until they engage a second movable arm, then release to propel forward with amplified force until just before impact. This results in each strike being strong, powerful, and precise, producing a tone that rings out loud, clear, and harmonious. These innovations by JLC elevate chiming to an auditory triumph, a resounding testament to the Maison’s unyielding pursuit of sonic perfection.
This is the third example of the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication to grace the auction market, and notably the one bearing the earliest serial number. With a recent service at the manufacture, the timepiece is accompanied with its warranty card rendering it a singular treasure for discerning collectors.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Swiss | 1833Not all companies in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger LeCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker." Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named LeCoutre, the firm provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished mechanical movements with which they completed their watches.
In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.