In 2004, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled one of its most technologically advanced masterpieces to great acclaim – the Gyrotourbillon 1 (platinum, and limited to 75 pieces). Few years later, the Grande Maison further unveiled an even more exclusive edition of this watch, platinum and black PVD with red hands and limited to 5 pieces only (retail price of $362'500). The present example, is the second of these five pieces and is therefore incredibly prized as an extremely rare example of horology at the pinnacle of innovation.

Produced by master watchmaker Eric Coudray and renowned designer Magali Metrailler, the Gyrotourbillon 1 is equipped with Jaeger-LeCoultre's Calibre 177 and is composed of 679 parts which features the world's first spherical multi-axis tourbillon. The gyrotourbillon consists of two aluminium carriages (through which the blueish-coloured spherical balance spring is visible), respectively rotating 2.5 times a minute. This exceptional complication permanently compensates for the rate of gravity-related errors in all positions. Furthermore, the tourbillon carriages equipped with 90 individual components are extremely lightweight at only 0.336 grams. With the addition of an 8-Day power reserve, equation of time, and retrograde perpetual calendar, this highly complicated watch is truly a feat of mechanical engineering.

Aesthetically speaking, the present example is made from platinum and black PVD, coupled with a black dial and red hands. Offered for the first time at international auction, the present watch is in excellent overall condition and accompanied with its presentation box and accessories. The present timiepes is an essential addition for anyone looking to own a piece of the Manufacture’s long history.