THE MOST COMPLEX CHIMING CALIBRE
DUOMETRE GRANDE COMPLICATION A GRANDE SONNERIE
OVERVIEW
DUOMETRE GRANDE COMPLICATION A GRANDE SONNERIE
FUNCTIONS
15 COMPLICATIONS
Comprising more than 1,300 components, Calibre 182 requires approximately one year of assembly and regulation by a dedicated master watchmaker. Over 16,000 individual operations culminate in a movement that unites fifteen complications, representing one of the most sophisticated mechanical achievements ever created by the Manufacture.
GRANDE SONNERIE
Among the rarest and most demanding complications in High Watchmaking, the Grande Sonnerie automatically marks every passing hour and quarter hour. In the case of Calibre 182, the melody of the full hour or the unique quarter melody is heard before the striking of the corresponding hours. Unlike a minute repeater, which sounds only upon request, the Grande Sonnerie brings the rhythm of time to life continuously, requiring an extraordinary level of mechanical ingenuity and energy management.
PETITE SONNERIE
In Petite Sonnerie mode, the calibre automatically chimes each full hour while preserving a more discreet acoustic rhythm throughout the day. Driven by four trébuchet hammers striking four carefully tuned gongs, every sequence is performed with remarkable clarity and musical balance. The watch automatically strikes first the Westminster melody, before chiming the hours.
MINUTE REPEATER
Activated by an elegantly concealed pusher integrated into the crown, the minute repeater reproduces the exact time on demand. Every note is delivered with exceptional precision, offering an intimate encounter with one of watchmaking’s most celebrated acoustic complications. Unlike in Grande Sonnerie and the Petite sonnerie mode, where the quarter melody chimes prior to the hours, in the Minute Repeater mode, the watch strikes the quarter melody after the hours.
PERPETUAL CALENDAR
The perpetual calendar faithfully displays the date, day, month and leap-year cycle while automatically accounting for the varying lengths of each month. Provided the movement remains wound, no manual correction will be required until the year 2100.
FLYING TOURBILLON
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the flying tourbillon appears to float effortlessly within the movement. Surrounded by finely executed sunray Côtes de Genève, it offers both a technical solution to positional errors and a captivating demonstration of mechanical artistry.
CALIBRE
DUOMETRE ARCHITECTURE
To power the 15 complications of this incredible machine, two main barrels provide the necessary energy: one for the time keeping and celestial complications, and the other for the for chiming complications. An additional third barrel is used for the automatic trigger of the chime and the start of the minute repeater. Two power reserve indicators, positioned below and above the dial indicate the energy left of the two main barrels.
CALIBRE
FUNCTION SELECTOR
Positioned discreetly at six o’clock, the function selector allows seamless transitions between Grande Sonnerie, Petite Sonnerie, Silence (used for to trigger the Minute Repeater) and Time-setting modes. Its sophisticated safety mechanism protects the movement by preventing incompatible operations, preserving the integrity of this exceptionally complex calibre.
ENHANCED PURITY OF THE CHIME
Achieving exceptional sound required rethinking every element of the striking mechanism. Each gong has been individually redesigned and tuned to microscopic tolerances, while an innovative metallic glass alloy enhances vibration transmission. At the heart of the case, a lightweight titanium core, selected for its exceptional resonant properties, acts as a natural sound chamber, amplifying the richness, depth and clarity of the Westminster melody. Together, these innovations elevate the acoustic performance of one of watchmaking’s most sophisticated chiming mechanisms.
TOUR D’ENTRAINEMENT DE SONNERIE
Patented and developed exclusively for Calibre 182, the Tour d’Entraînement de Sonnerie orchestrates the striking sequence, determining whether the melody of the quarters is chimed before or after the hours according to the selected mode. Comprising 22 components within just 6.04 mm, this ingenious mechanism is revealed through the open-worked display at 9 o’clock.
DESIGN
The challenge was to give visual expression to one of the most complex chiming calibres ever created. Every element was designed to reveal the ingenuity of its architecture while preserving the harmony and elegance that define Jaeger-LeCoultre.
HERITAGE
THE WATCHMAKER OF WATCHMAKERS
Always striving to surpass itself, La Grande Maison has created more than 1400 calibres and registered over 430 patents. From the very beginning, our master craftsmen and women have created exceptional calibres which were sold to the great Swiss watchmakers, earning Jaeger-LeCoultre the nickname of "Watchmaker of Watchmakers".
LA GRANDE MAISON
THE WATCHMAKER OF WATCHMAKERS™
190+ YEARS
Since 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s quest for excellence combines creativity and technical mastery.
430+ PATENTS
The Manufacture’s engineers and designers unite their passion and expertise to develop cutting-edge complications.
1400+ CALIBRES
Over the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has never ceased to innovate, creating unique and original calibres of great complexity.
