Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin RDM Calibre 938

amanico · 2012-02-13T13:13:30Z

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin RDM (Ref. 938) review. Discover the modernized design, 39mm case, and Calibre 938 movement. Is it a worthy successor?

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico introduces the modernized Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin RDM, a re-imagined version of the discontinued Master Reserve De Marche. This article details the updates to the case, dial, and hands, while preserving the original's distinctive asymmetric character. The author provides a comprehensive look at both stainless steel and rose gold versions, inviting discussion from enthusiasts.

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The Master Reserve De Marche had a long life, and some feared that it would disappear, soon.

The bad news is that it is now discontinued.

The good news is that JLC decided to bring it back to life, modernized.

Don't be too afraid, its character is preserved. You will not be disappointed with the dial, which looks the same, with its delicious assymetry.

Here, the case changes, with the base of the minute and hour hands, which are still Dauphine, the applied 12 on the dial, which is replaced by an applied marker, the slimmer bezel, and a flatter crown.

The only small reserve I would have is about the blue hands, which are painted, not heated.

The main change is about the case, which is borrowed from the Master Grande Ultra Thin case, in 39 mm.

So, compared to the previous version, it gains 2 mm, but most important, a very nice profile, which is the main asset of the MGUT case.

The case is 9, 85 mm thick, which is still very reasonnable.

Let's see some more pictures, now:

It is available in stainless steel and in rose gold, for the moment.

I'm waiting to see some developments, such as a platinum iteration with a blue dial or a stainless steel with a black dial.

That would really be awesome.

But, as it is, it looks very appealing.

Another dign heir of a vintage watch, the JLC Powermatic:

The newer Reserve De Marche:

Some pictures of the rose gold version, which has an egg shell dial ( silver dial for the stainless steel RDM )

The 2 versions, side by side:

I am a big fan of this case, so I may be a bit biased in my appreciation on this watch.

A word on the movement, which is the Cal 938, a 41 jewels automatic movement, beating at 28 800 vibrations per hour, 4, 90 mm high, and offering a power reserve of 43 hours.

What about you, especially the RDM lovers?

Best,

Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-13 13:19:11 This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-15 14:09:43

Key Points from the Discussion

The distinction between heated blue hands (deep, dark, entirely blue) and painted blue hands (lighter, less uniform) is a key detail for JLC purists, with the new RDM's painted hands being a point of disappointment for some.
While the new RDM's case and bezel are appreciated, the use of painted blue hands instead of heated ones is a significant concern for collectors, raising questions about cost-saving measures in luxury watchmaking.
The new Master Ultra Thin RDM, while maintaining the original's character, features a larger 39mm case, a slimmer bezel, and a flatter crown, with the 12 o'clock applied marker replacing the previous numeral.
The previous RDM had specific marker placements (smaller at 10, none at 2) to accommodate complications, and featured lume on the 12 and hands, which appear to be absent or less prominent in the new version.
The new Master Ultra Thin RDM's case design is seen as a significant improvement for the Master collection, bringing back a beloved model for enthusiasts.
Some collectors feel the new RDM, particularly the rose gold version with its ivory dial, is very nice but lacks a 'spice' or 'unpredictability' to be considered a masterpiece, suggesting it's designed to be a safe commercial success.

The Discussion

aaronm

Feb 13, 2012

Pleasent, if a bit boring

frankly that could go for the watch as well as the update. I am glad they didn't mess with the design, trying to rejigger it in the style of the new Geographic or the other complex Masters would have been a disaster! For a watch where simplicity is the overall theme, a bit more more finesse might be nice, the paint-blued hands you mention are a good example. Another would be the lact of any detailing on the recessed windows (subseconds particularly). So It's not a bad watch, and they didn't mess

amanico

Feb 13, 2012

Look at the last picture, with the 2 dials...

It is a trick of light, Aaron. I would more generally say that playing with such a popular watch is always a risky game, and that here, JLC played it smart. Perfect? Certainly not. I am rather disappointed by the painted blue hands, when they should be heated. But not a bad outcome, and this case is really elegant. Best, and thanks for your input. Nicolas

aaronm

Feb 13, 2012

It's still on the last pic!

look at the date ring on the steel case, there's a "not right" ring with all the printing and extending a bit beyond. Same sort of coloring i was seeing around the RdM a

amanico

Feb 13, 2012

Or the shape of the RDM. I should buy myself a pair of glasses. ;)

aaronm

Feb 13, 2012

I warned you about going to Dr. Moe

VMM

Feb 13, 2012

What to say? Happy to have them back.

I'm sure for some people it was a sad day when they were discontinued, so now RDM lovers can smile again. Maybe someday our JLC friends will decide to bring us back the gorgeous manual winding Master Memovox with it's sapphire caseback. This case looks great to me, a great improvement in the Master collection, IMHO. Thanks, Nico. Vte PS: That Powermatic looks stunning, never seen it before. Love it. Thanks.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin RDM Calibre 938

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