JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar 39 Steel

amanico · 2018-11-03T03:07:55Z

Amanico reviews the JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar 39 in steel with black dial. Discuss the year window, movement, and value.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

17 replies4427 views4 photos

Amanico provides a detailed look at the 2016 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar 39 in steel with a black dial. He explores its design nuances, particularly the controversial year window, inviting community discussion on its aesthetic impact and functional necessity.

In 2016, Jaeger released two very nice looking watches, a new one, the Reverso Tribute Duo, and a new version of an existing model, the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar 39, in steel, with a black dial. Of course, you can also mention the Reverso Tribute to Gyrotourbillon, but it is playing in another league.

The Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar 39 was first unveiled in 2013, in steel, white gold and rose gold, and has received, at that time, a warm welcome.

The recipe is simple: A refined case, and an elegant dial, which in black, adds a cool factor. While the other versions are understated, the steel black dial version is immediately catching the eyes.

Here it is:

Now, let's have a closer look at the dial... The moon phase is superb, the dial is well balanced, made with care, with its applied indices, legible, too, especially in this black version, and complete, as you have a danger zone indicator featured by a small window above the axis of the hands, and the window for the years, too.

Now, let's imagine you are in charge of the Design for this watch.

Would you do it with the window for the years, or without?

I photoshopped the image above, and let's see the outcome:

What do you think? Better with, or without the years?

Is it that important to have the years?

A side by side picture will probably help:

Ok, one thing is sure, Jaeger Lecoultre opted for a black background for the years, which is a very good decision, in order to not ruin such a beautiful dial.

But would you go farther?

Anyway, this version is gorgeous, in my opinion. It is not a new watch, but a very good iteration. And for those who are thinking about getting a perpetual calendar, certainly a good one!

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The steel version of the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar 39 offers exceptional value, with minimal competition in its segment, and features thoughtful details like the small slot in the hands for moon phase visibility.
Many contributors, including 'mahesh' and 'kev09', strongly prefer the dial without the year window, arguing it enhances symmetry and beauty, with 'mahesh' even suggesting a limited edition without it.
The 'danger zone' indicator, a small window above the hands' axis, is a practical feature that informs the wearer about periods when setting the calendar could damage the movement.
One collector noted that while the movement finishing is pleasant, it could be improved, but acknowledged that the current level contributes to the watch's attractive price point for a true manufacture perpetual calendar.
Some collectors, like 'Velociphile', expressed reservations about the watch's dial depth, hand shape, lack of French language options, and movement finishing compared to other JLC models.
The year window, while debated, is considered by some, like 'traineract', to be discreet and useful when needed, akin to a 4-digit display in IWC perpetual calendars.

The Discussion

kev09

Nov 3, 2018

...but this is a particularly attractive one. The black dial is lovely and balanced and really shows off the moon phase. All the functions are very legible but I much prefer it without the year indicator. I’m not that old yet that I can’t remember what year it is. Super looking watch. If I remember correctly there is a version of the MUT in black with moon phase but without the calendar. Also a very attractive watch. Regards Kev.

mahesh

Nov 3, 2018

& especially great value with the steel version - there is not big competition to this watch... i'm equally impressed by the level of detail, 'the small slot' in the hour & minute hands so the reserve is always visible...excellent thought. 200% no year window is my choice (we anyways 'hate' date-window) - adds to the symmetry & beauty of the dial ! if JLC gives a LE without year window - the queue starts from me BTW the ONLY reason you'll have a logic for having this 'year window' is there i

Marcus Hanke

Nov 3, 2018

... by leaving away the year window. Those stubby leap year hands squeezed into the subidals of perpetual calendars belong to the weirdest design elements available in the horological repertoire. For me, the best way is to integrate them into a movement bridge and permit legibility on the watch's back. However, it would make necessary a completely new movement design. Consequently, I think the year window is the lesser problem. Marcus

amanico

Nov 3, 2018

Credit picture: Antiquorum. There wasn't much lume...

traineract

Nov 3, 2018

I actually like it on the dial. I don't feel it's v obvious n it's there when I need it. Kinda like 4 digit display, ala iwc. It's q cool imo

Velociphile - No longer in the building

Nov 3, 2018

don't seem to adore it. I have been close to buying it twice. 1. I think it needs more dial depth (think of the effect the PP3940 has) 2. I wish the hour and minute hands had their tail tips arriving at the centre at a true tangent to make what I would call pure dauphine shape. 3. Provide French language (like the old model) 4. I wish they bothered to better finish the movement (say to sparkly Duometre spec decoration) Velociphile

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Jaeger-LeCoultre forum with 17 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar 39 Steel

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum