Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar in Steel: A Collector's Pursuit

I’ve had my eye on this JLC Perpetual Ultra Thin for a long time. I very much wanted the Boutique Edition, which has a steel case and silver dial. The Boutique Edition has become pretty hard to find, particularly with the all-gold rotor. Finally, an opportunity came up— right condition, right price, reputable seller.

The things I find really appealing about this piece are:

* Rarity of a perpetual complication in steel
* The ultra thin case is one of the most beautiful with its curves and the way it plays with the light.
* Center seconds (rare on a perpetual) with a blued second hand.
* 39mm size is perfect (for me)
* Thin, elegant and supple strap
* Attractive movement especially with the gold skeletonized rotor.

I have also come to appreciate the controversial year aperture. A bit of asymmetry brings interest to the dial and makes the watch immediately recognizable. Plus, it is a perpetual after all so there is a sort of poetry in tracking the year.

I must say that this is one of the hardest watches to capture in a photo. The high-polished ”dart” indicies really play with the light and give the watch a dynamic look which photos can’t capture. The color scheme is really classic with the golden glow of the moon against a shimmering silver dial and with a pop of the blue seconds hand.

Looking forward to enjoying this and the little “secret” that it’s in steel.