Complications
In a compelling post, cholack kicks off the New Year by sharing his acquisition of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater Ref. 187.T.67.S (Q501T450). He delves into the meticulous considerations behind such a significant purchase, offering a candid look at the watch's design, exclusivity, and the nuanced balance of its machine-finished components. This article explores cholack's detailed review and the community's insights on value in the high-complication market.
Alright. I’m starting the New Year strong. Here’s my JLC Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater ref. 187.T.67.S or Q501T450.
Obviously something of this caliber (pun intended) and price wasn’t purchased on a whim, and so here were my considerations in making this purchase.
Dial and case
Here are the bare dimensions: 44 mm diameter and 16mm thickness, but the watch wears easier than the dimensions suggest given its short lug-to-lug distance of 53mm.
The overall case feels similar in wearability to an AMVOX2, for those who have had the pleasure of wearing one.
This case is a Titanium alloy, which so far appears to be quite durable and scratch resistant. It also makes this watch comfortable to wear given the larger size.
For me, I have caught the skeleton or squelette bug, and so the dial design fit the bill.
Regarding the previous generation Master Minute Repeater, I find this version to be an improvement in refinement. The case shape is less boxy and flat compared to the predecessor. This is seen best on the bezel and lugs.
As for the dial, I much prefer the gold accents which help with legibility, and the use of dauphine hands over the baton hands. Again, for me, a more refined take in this generation.
Comparing to other skeleton minute repeaters, there isn’t a lot of competition to begin with. However, I find the design of the JLC to be more “youthful” compared to say the PP 5303 or VC 30030.
Servicing
I purchased this watch with the intent of keeping it longer term. Of course, watch grails can change depending on how the wind blows, but I felt it important to hunt this piece down and keep it my permanent collection.
So far, I have had good experiences with JLC servicing. While the repair times can be months (I am nearly 9 months from waiting for my JLC Extreme Lab 2), I have been satisfied with the work completed and the cost of servicing is reasonable. I am fortunate to have access to a JLC boutique within a 20 min drive from home.
This is a weak point of this watch. I would say that the watch is finished well but it is done by machine. I would have liked to see a higher level of finishing given the original price point and the movement complexity deserves something better. It’s a good thing that the dial is complex and interesting in itself to offset this.
This was made in a limited edition of just 100 pieces for this metal. In comparison the previous JLC master minute repeater was an edition of 200.
The truly limited production does make finding one hard (and fun) and gives the owner a feeling that they own something precious.
I believe when this watch was released the retail price was between 160-180K USD. It is possible to get this watch, if you can find one, on the secondary market for close to half the retail, which is in my opinion a bargain of a find in a good way.
I am not sure if I am the minority of folks, but the insane pricing of current offerings is really pricing me out of the market. I remember the days when I sold my FPJ bleu for 17K USD and could have bought a FPJ centigraphe for 45k! And so, I am waiting and hopeful of a bubble, and until then I will continue to hunt watches which I see as having a high value to price ratio.
Thanks for reaching the end and reading.
Best
Cholack
The Amvox2 represents Jaeger LeCoultre's approach to contemporary sports timing, offered here in the Steel Black series configuration. This 44mm reference positions itself as a substantial automatic chronograph within the Amvox2 collection, distinguished by its monochromatic steel and black dial treatment.
The 44mm steel case houses an automatic movement and features a black dial beneath sapphire crystal protection. Water resistance extends to 100 meters, while a fixed bezel completes the case architecture. The steel construction and automatic movement provide the mechanical foundation for this chronograph reference.
This Steel Black series Amvox2 appeals to collectors seeking a modern Jaeger LeCoultre sports chronograph with substantial wrist presence. The 44mm case diameter and black dial configuration offer a contemporary alternative within the Amvox2 range, providing automatic chronograph functionality in a steel sports watch format. The combination of size, materials, and dial treatment positions this reference for collectors focused on modern Jaeger LeCoultre sports complications.
One hell of a pickup! Mosaic CTS from Delugs?
And let's not forget that David Candaux was the mastermind behind the caliber!
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