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Jaeger-LeCoultre

Very close to perfection, IMO.

 

Nicolas,

Thank you for posting these shots of the new Master Control. Black perfects this watch in my eye. The corresponding black date disc keeps the coherence intact, but I agree that the polished frame around the aperture may be too overt.

That quibble aside, this may be my favorite JLC SIHH 2015 release. I find the silver/steel/white monotone of most Master line models to be sterile and cold, so the warmth of dark tones always attracts my eye, and the power of contrast with white metals seals the deal. I'm thrilled to see JLC took the time to consider and enhance their bedrock models amid the flurry of high complications and expansion of the Rendezvous line.

Clearly, the value proposition is outstanding with this Master Control. Manufacture case and movement, outstanding testing and precision is assured thanks to what must rank among the most exacting 1000-hours tolerances in the JLC line, and I have a personal preference for black dials in white metals. The new watch also spares me the challenge of trying to track down the old black dial Master Control WG boutique edition when the time comes to expand the family. Personally, the idea of a superb JLC simple watch that trades on its own identity appeals more than the reflected glory of the mechanically similar (but aesthetically derivative) TT Geophysic.

In the near future, I agree that the MUT case may be the way to go with the Master line (the new MUT Moon black dial is a pointed example), but as a mid-life enhancement to the existing 39mm case, this novelty delights me.

Best,

Tim

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SIHH Jaeger Lecoultre 2015: New Master Control Black!

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-00:01
The 2012 Master Control, in both steel and rose gold versions: The Cal 899: For those who want to learn more about the Master Control, here is the link on the review I wrote and put on line in 2012: jlc.watchprosite.com You won't be disoriented, here, as ...  

It looks different (and better) than the JLC picture on the post from last week.

 
By: watchthatman : January 28th, 2015-04:43
The white indices and date border really pop in your pictures. Possibly too much contrast? I would love to see this to see in the real for sure. By the way, the pics of the steel and gold are amazing! I'm sure I'll have more comments. And thank you avian ... 

I took these pictures with a flash. Which can explain the strong contrast.

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-04:54
In the real, I was not disturbed by this contrast. And at least, it helps to read time. I must say I am quite convinced by this one. Best, and thanks for your nice words, my friend. Nicolas

Very close to perfection, IMO.

 
By: Tim_M : January 28th, 2015-04:56
Nicolas, Thank you for posting these shots of the new Master Control. Black perfects this watch in my eye. The corresponding black date disc keeps the coherence intact, but I agree that the polished frame around the aperture may be too overt. That quibble... 

I too think they have a very good watch, here.

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-06:17
And a kind of Swan Song for the Master Case... I would not be surprised that JLC fusions the biggest MUT case with the Master Line... In fact, I do hope that! Best, Nicolas

Excellent!

 
By: respo : January 28th, 2015-05:38
Thanks for sharing this, Nicolas. I am a big fan of the Master Control Date. It is the watch I often recommend to people who want to get their first really fine watch because it represents really great value for the money and provides the owner with a ter... 

Indeed, the Master Control Date is better than a first entry watch, for JLC.

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-06:20
It is a window display of what is JLC. Serious, accurate, sober. The Black will drive some people to pay interest to this model. I am quite convinced of that. Thanks for your feedback, Respo! Nicolas

Somehow interesting.. How small changes can have a major effect..

 
By: hs111 : January 28th, 2015-07:38
.. on overall impression and appeal. Personally, I absolutely love the black dialled versions; to me they stand for dark strength, but still balance and attraction. Also - if one takes the 2012 editions shown in the first pics, I have the feeling, that th... 

There already was a Black HT, but for Aston. I have no doubt that...

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-07:47
More Black Masters ( no puns, here. ;) ) may well come... Best, my dear friend. Nicolas

Now that is very interesting. I am very found of manual movements.

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-07:59
And I am pretty curious to know how many of us would like to see an affordable manual ( new ) movement... Or a bit less afforadable than the already exiting movements, such as the 849, for example. The marketing says that 90 % of the clients are more into... 

LOVE this piece...

 
By: watchme : January 28th, 2015-08:37
especially with the black date disc with white font...VERY clean! This was about the only model that didn't come in the Master Black offering. I'm glad JLC came around. I hope, like PP's Calatravas, that JLC will begin KEEPING certain "winners" in the cat... 

To keep it in the catalog? That, I don't know.

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-08:53
As you well know, Black versions always had a short life... Whiich, somehow, enhances their desirability. A nice offer, for sure. Best, and thanks for your feedback, Dean. Nicolas

Thumbs up for this black faced gem!

 
By: Starman : January 28th, 2015-09:22
Looks very nice to me, a typical everyday watch in my eyes. Thanks for posting these pictures, was waiting for that :-) Just one thing, I would like it to be a bit thicker, so not MUT size, but more Geo, so a bit more chunky like the Memovox. This would m... 

I like your classification a lot, Starman.

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-09:25
MUT: Dressy / Master:Casual. I didn't think it this way. No HAIRY wristshot available for the moment, but I will try to take some, next time. Best, Nicolas

Looks very nice!

 
By: blomman Mr Blue : January 28th, 2015-10:23
I like that they match the date disc color with the dial! :) Q? Is the dial sun-burst like the silver dial or is it plain black? Hard to see in your shots. Best Blomman

OK, need to see this one in real...

 
By: blomman Mr Blue : January 29th, 2015-08:24
If too "plain" and flat I fear it would be a no go for me... If good, a plain modern black dial JLC is something I miss.... Best Blomman

Much love for black dials here,

 
By: Asimut : January 28th, 2015-10:56
they just look very crisp. This one is no exception, love it. Asi

These ain't no photos...

 
By: Ilja : January 28th, 2015-12:04
these are photrealistic renderings out of a CAD program. See the relict lines on lugs and the slightly visble lug that shoud be behind the strap? Ergo no photo but a rendering. Wonder how those illustrations can be labled as a hand taken photo. 'Nuff said... 

Aaah, now I got your point. These are my pics, Ilja.

 
By: amanico : January 28th, 2015-12:07
But what made you think that is that the case was protected with plastic. I tried to remove most of the plastic, but I couldn't remove all... You see? What you see is not necessarily what you think. ;) Or, if you prefer Magritte in the text: " This is not... 

too lazy

 
By: Ilja : January 28th, 2015-12:34
to prepare the model for a premiere... ok I see. :D I.

hmmm

 
By: tinker2 : January 29th, 2015-06:35
Might be my next watch! Have been rather underwhelmed with the other offerings this year, and my old eyes can't deal with the lack of contrast on the steel Geophysic.....

hope so

 
By: tinker2 : January 29th, 2015-13:36
But sadly, I must say I have not loved many of the new pieces. In fact, I find the "meteorite" line almost a parody. A gimmick, unworthy of the manufacture. But it's all a matter of taste!

amazing what a dial change can do...

 
By: ocwatching : January 30th, 2015-09:40
the addition of black dial makes a dressy watch more utilitarian...and a bolder statement indeed.. on first glance, the I thought it was a new case with a new bezel.. the RG bezel to me was always a bit bloated.. on the black dial..it looks great..nice up...