JLC Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication

amanico · 2016-03-05T00:14:36Z

Compare Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication 2009 vs. 2015. Explore design evolutions, minute repeater sound, and collector debate.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

17 replies2557 views2 photos

When you look at the differences which exist between the 2009 and the 2015 versions of the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication, you understand the way JLC is going. Since 2014, some models apart like the Geophysic True Second or Universal Time, innovations are less important than some in dep

When you look at the differences which exist between the 2009 and the 2015 versions of the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication, you understand the way JLC is going.

Since 2014, some models apart like the Geophysic True Second or Universal Time, innovations are less important than some in depth evolutions, dare I say, improvements...

Let's take the example of the MGT Grande Complication, unveiled in 2009:

And now, the 2015 model:

The evolutions are immediately perceptible: The case has been totally revisited, to gain some more harmonious and much more elegant proportions.

The bezel has been changed too, slimmer, more " class ", and now concave rather than round. Even the crown has a new and thinner design.

The outer dial has some elements of design borrowed to the 2013 Jubilé collection, clearly. And if you pay attention to the main dial of these 2 versions, the latter receives the months of the year, now.

Another very important detail I was lucky to witness is the sound of the minute repeater: While it was a bit harsh, too loud and not very pure on the first versions, now, since the 2015 millesime, Jaeger Lecoultre managed to associate the volume AND the purity, the richness of the sound.

Impressive. Something you should ask to hear, if you fall on one specimen at a AD or a Boutique.

For the rest, the MGT Grande Complication displays the same complications: Mainly a Celestial Card, a Minute Repeater and a rotative flying tourbillon, sidereal hour, zodiacal signs and months. Nothing new, for this watch.

BUT another very important difference, when you have a closer look on these two dials: The " Sonnerie " located between 12 ans 1 o clock has been removed on the latter version, which is another improvement, in my opinion.

A clear evolution we see since 2013. New Master Ultra Thin cases, smaller Master Control cases, new Reverso cases and so on...

I took the example of the MGT Grande Complication, but we could also mention some other families from JLC.

What is your feeling, here?

Best,

Nicolas

The Discussion

proestak

Mar 5, 2016

if the Manufacture which is synonymous in my mind with innovation feels that "the innovations are less important",then my humble opinion is, that JLC doesn't follow the right JLC I expect firstly more technical innovations,new movements and patents and then revisited slimmer cases,better looking dials, etc.I expect revolution rather than evolution. Best,Yiannis

elliot55

Mar 5, 2016

... Appeals only to a certain few. While I love the original, I feel like the latest version is missing some of the raw energy the first iteration still holds. I agree, the "Sonnerie" placard being removed was a good first start. Except for this detail, the original just seems so much more readable. But as a repeater, it is the sound that is most important. I look forward to seeing AND hearing the latest version. - Scott

amanico

Mar 5, 2016

Oooh yes, by the way, you should ask to hear it. It is really impressive. I dare say that it is the best Minute Repeater, acoustically speaking. Best, Nicolas

elliot55

Mar 6, 2016

... Seems to me whenever so-called "improvements" are made to a watch of this caliber, the original inspiration tends to get lost. And so, while the new case is nice, it feels like some of the charm of the original has been lost. Anyway, I look forward to seeing and hearing it in the metal. See you in a few weeks. - Scott

watchthatman

Mar 6, 2016

the celestial map and not having months on the dial in the original which has been lost in the 2015. I\'ve seen the 2009 and loved it, but I never heard the minute repeater. While An improved sound is absolutely a serious consideration, visually I have real love for 2009, and I don\'t believe I do for 2015.

elliot55

Mar 6, 2016

... busy. Not as clean. It's practically an entirely different watch as opposed to just a couple of updates to the original.

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