While minute repeater construction is a subjective art form at some companies, at Jaeger-LeCoultre it is absolutely a science. The Vallée de Joux manufacture can produce sheaves of research results on what constitutes optimum sound, and how to reproduce it on a consistent basis. Also typical of their approach has been to use new mechanical constructions—like the first silent regulators of the late 19th century—to get the best acoustic results. Their latest Master Grande Tradition à Répétition Minutes ($287,700) includes several of these. Like the brand’s recent-generation repeaters, the gongs are anchored to the crystal for amplification. This model also contains the flat-faced gongs Jaeger-LeCoultre explored in its Grande Sonnerie a few years ago. (800.552.8463, www.jaegerlecoultre.com)
