Amanico's hands-on review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication 2020 Edition offers a rare look at one of horology's most intricate creations. His detailed observations on the updated case, dial filigree, and minute repeater sound provide invaluable insights for collectors considering this exceptional timepiece. This article builds on his initial Watches & Wonders 2020 preview, offering real-world impressions that go beyond press releases.
I was impatient to see it in the real life, to judge the benefits of the new case and the sound of this watch.
Without surprise, the sound is as good as the former models, rich and powerful, which is a true challenge. I consider the 2015 Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication edition as one of the best sounding Minute Repeater I've ever heard, and this 2020 version is no exception to that.
Judge by yourself:
The parts which really change are the new case, inaugurated with the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon 5, past year, and the dial.
Jaeger Lecoultre revisited the case, first launched in 2010, for the better. First in 2015, then this year for this watch. Ans it is a very good thing. Indeed, the 2015 edition was a first step towards elegance, and the 2020 goes even farther.
The second point is the dial. The concept is the same, a combination of an orbital flying tourbillon, a celestial chart, and a minute repeater. But the decoration of the dial has been revisited with the addition of a delicate filigree. I wondered if the filigree wasn't too disturbing, in that sense that it could spoil the sky chart. I had my answer when seeing the watch in the real life.
It is absolutely not disturbing, at least in my opinion, It is just more exquisite.
There is still one point I absolutely regret on this watch: The fact that we don't have the choice of the metal. IF you don't want a jeweled version, you have to opt for the rose gold. Indeed, there is a white gold version, but with diamonds.
Here is the photo:
Can you imagine it without jewels? THAT would be my absolute favorite version!
The movement doesn't change, it is the Cal 945 which is manual winding, with a power reserve of 40 hours, pretty nicely decorated and finished, made of german silver.
There is another point which is a mystery to me: If I can understand the fact that the Manufacture limited to 8 pieces the jeweled version, I still wonder why they limited to the same number of pieces the rose gold edition...
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas
Key Points from the Discussion
The limitation to only eight pieces for both the rose gold and diamond-set white gold versions, along with the lack of a non-jeweled white gold option, is a significant point of contention for collectors who desire broader accessibility or specific metal choices.
There's a desire among some collectors for Jaeger-LeCoultre to produce more accessible, yet still exceptional, watches for a wider audience, rather than focusing predominantly on ultra-high-complication, limited-edition pieces.
The perceived shift towards highly exclusive and expensive models has led some long-time enthusiasts to explore other manufacturers, expressing frustration over JLC's current product strategy.
The minute repeater's sound quality is consistently excellent across the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication editions, maintaining its reputation as one of the best-sounding repeaters available.
The updated case, first seen on the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon 5, and the addition of delicate filigree to the celestial dial enhance the watch's elegance without detracting from its legibility or aesthetic appeal.
A minor critique was directed at the promotional video for featuring loud music over the minute repeater's chimes, obscuring the very sound it aims to showcase.
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The Discussion
MD
mdg
Oct 12, 2020
First...this is a stunner...
...and I don't know that I've ever seen a more perfectly-matched strap. But the video has loud music playing over the hammer strikes. Whose idea at JLC was that?
AM
amanico
Oct 12, 2020
Yes, I would have let the MR play, there is enough music with this watch. [nt]
JU
Juliusotto
Oct 12, 2020
This one need no words
The watch you can use while meditating for visual and audio inspiration
AM
amanico
Oct 12, 2020
In total agreement. But you first must have a serious meditation on how to fund it... [nt]
JU
Juliusotto
Oct 12, 2020
βAll the good things come to those who knows to wait β
I think De Niro said that,since then Iβm still waiting!!
HO
holdemchamp1225
Oct 12, 2020
Monster of a watch gros. Still waiting for JLC to come out with something meaningful to revive the brand...
Coming out with uber expensive and complicated watches is one thing but getting back to making amazing watches for the masses and connaisseurs is something completely different. We had a talk about this. My frustration has led me to others manufacturers and other possibilities. Sad but true π€·ββοΈπ€¦ββοΈ
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