There are few synthetic ways to evaluate divinity. The answer to the universality of time and the proportionality of earthly beings hovers just in the periphery of human understanding, evading real definition. And how bold humanity has been! To come up with tangible ways through which we might measure the intangible jurisdiction of the heavens– to measure time, to apply the “Golden Ratio” and give it a name (Phi (φ)). These instruments through which we have standardized the temporal experience, quantified the scope of beauty, serve as the interfaces through which humanity confronts a great and terrible godly power. If we are going to venture into the world of the unknown, why not make these instruments magnificent?

These are the sorts of postulations watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre has confronted with their stunning new exhibition, The Golden Ratio Musical Show. Seemingly inspired by the interplay between time’s governance and that which cannot be quantified, the brand commissioned British composer, percussionist and pianist TØKIO M¥ERS to compose a soundtrack for a spectacular sound-and-light show, held at Westfield Century City on Santa Monica Boulevard, open to the public from June 22-25.

Based in La Vallée De Joux, Switzerland, Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the only manufacturers which creates, develops, decorates and produces all timepieces within its own workshops. Supervising every piece as it synthesizes into an interpretive instrument, the manufacturer houses a full range of skills under a single roof. Jaeger-LeCoultre has patented over 430 designs and inventions, most of which have become benchmarks in the watchmaking industry. A master brand dedicated to fostering the most intricate interpretations of time, Jaeger-LeCoultre has mastered the minute repeater, multi-axis tourbillon and celestial complications. In the name of the brand, dedicated research teams of watchmakers, engineers and designers, united by a shared passion for watchmaking, combine their expertise to honor the centuries-long tradition of time-telling.

London-born TØKIO M¥ERS attended the Royal School of Music and worked as a session musician for several artists, including Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, and Sting. He won the 2017 season of Britain's Got Talent and the 'Breakthrough Artist of the Year' award at the Classical BRIT Awards in 2018. He also produced the official anthem for the Commonwealth Games. He has toured internationally, opening concerts for Drake, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z, and headlining his own shows, including a concert during the FIFA World Cup in 2022. His second album, Our Generation II, is set to be released in early 2024.

‍The Golden Ratio Musical Show is projected onto a screen of falling water, which aims to tell an audiovisual story of human geometry, treading on the mysterious dominion of the divine. The installation showcases Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso watch. Exploring the aesthetic place of the Golden Ratio within the temporal constraints of musicianship, TØKIO M¥ERS describes his work as “a short symphony in four chapters, or movements, that takes the listener on a powerful journey.” Amplifying the Golden Ratio theme, M¥ERS translated the number 1.618 into a tempo of 161.8 beats per minute. “I incorporated the Golden Ratio as the driving tempo throughout the piece. I’ve never written in this tempo before and it’s a wonderful tempo to write in,” he reported. 

La Grande Maison held a private gala on the opening evening of the exhibition on June 22nd, during whichTØKIO M¥ERS gave a live performance of his symphony, “Timeless,” accompanied by L.E. Orchband. He followed with a concert of other selected works, complete with numerous stunning visual effects. Among the guests in attendance were Actress Riley Keough, Model Levi Dylan, Actor Miles Fisher, Actress Ximena Lamadrid, and APL Founders Ryan and Adam Goldston.

Following its debut in Shanghai and  stint in Los Angeles, the Golden Ratio Musical Show will move to London and Dubai in late 2023.