Comments:
In 2003, I began to pay some interest to the Minute Repeater Complication.
There were some watches in the market, as, for example, the classic and gorgeous IWC
Portuguese, still "affordable", I mean, when you compare it to others, like the Patek or Vacheron Constantin, but also Parmigiani, Breguet etc...
So, I decide to jump, and finally bought one.
I was very happy with this one, till I crossed the way of the MMR JLC.
The 1st MMR I saw in the flesh was, of course, the platinum version, here, in Paris, in December 2005.
During the visit of the Manufacture, in April 2006, I was lucky enough to see the Watchmakers, or should I say the WatchMasters, working on this MMR platinum.
Till this moment, I never heard such a cristalline, melodic and, at the same time, loud sound!
So, coming back to Paris, I fell in love with it, putting this MMR high, at the highest place on my demential Dream Watches List, as I was only able to consider it as an abstractrion, a phantasm ( is it serious, Doctor?...LOL) till the 29th of November 2006.
This day, I was at the JLC Paris Boutique.
Here standed the Titanium MMR, an incredible piece, just in front of my eyes.
Worst, the Team let me play with it, hearing it...I was completely stuck on such a scuptural beauty.
Yes, this is not only a watch, this is 1st of all, a Masterpiece, a true piece of Art.
Since this day, I knew that the IWC Portuguese was dead, and that I'll have to do all my possible to get one,and I finally did it, as you all know.
Here are the 2 Press Files Pics of the Titanium and the Platinum Versions:
Please, note that aslo exists a Sincere Haute Horlogerie mosel, which is a Platinum MMR with the dial of the Titanium.I have a photo of the monster, but I'm not sure of its origin, so I won't post it. It's a Limited Edition for Sincere, limited to 10 pieces.
I do love the esthetic of the MMR platinum, the treatment of this watch, the fact that, for me, this is a nice compromise between the modernity of the design and the evocation of one of the oldest and more beautifum and romantic complication, a kind of actual reintepretation, a new youth!
I love even more the MMR Titanium, probably because this version goes farer in the design and the idea of this modern reinterpretation of the Minute Repeater, adding that the open dial ( not skeletized, but open) gives an artistic touch that the Platinum lacks, IMHO.
This Titanium configuration allows you to see some of the components of the movement, like the wheels, the bridges, and, 1st of all, ...the HAMMERS.
Push the trigger, and see, listen the hammers playing their partition!
Compared to other Minute Repeaters, these 2 are acoustically above the Parmigiani, the Breguet, the AP even in Titanium, and the IWC ( Well, I didn't test the Patek nor the Vacheron Constantin, so I won't be firm in my statement regarding these 2 last one, but they are not in the same kind of price....)
Here are the macros of the Platinum and Titanium Versions:
Platinum:
Titanium:
The sound is clear, cristalline, even aerian, and loud enough to be heard while the crowd is speaking, in restaurants, trains, planes, even in Courts of Justice..., which is not the case with the IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater,( Yes, I did it! LOL )
As you maybe know, the technical solution used by JLC on this watch is innovative and different, as JLC understood that the best sound tranmitter was not Gold, Platinum (one of the worst...By the way), nor SS or Titanium, but the glass!
I invite you to read, joined to this review, the Press File about this watch, you will learn a lot.
As we speak about technical matters, let's go on the 2 other complications, the 15 Days Power Reserve, and the Torquemeter.
15 days of power reserve in a watch, this is quite rare, Patek is 10, IWC is 8, but these are not Minute Repeaters.
Olny Lange, with its 31 days, does better, and Jacob with its 30 days, but they aren't Minute Repeater...
So, AFAIK, The JLC MMR is unique!
This long power reserve in a such complicated watch is, IMHO, something very clever, as it allows you to not wear your watch during several days without having to set it or rewind it.
I' ll also say that winding this watch is not something fastidious, as the crown is pleasant to use, and you'll only need something around 80 turns off crown to have your watch fully wound!
With a long power reserve, I think that the torquemeter is useful, as you are able to check that your watch works with regularity.
See on the dial the part dedicated to the Torquemeter, you will see a graduation.Above "5", all is ok, if you go under 5, give the crown a turn or 2 and the indicator will go above 5...
Esthetic is not enough, precision also is important!
Back to Esthestic, the contrast between the open dial and the quite closed case back is another interesting and pleasant thing.
The Case Back, although a bit massive with this big plate is nicely finished in a "Cotes Soleillées" way, which all join the escapement.
Platinum:
Titanium:
Wearing this piece is an ultimate pleasure.It perfectly and comfortably sits on the wrist, and with the lack of weight of the Titanium, you don't even feel it!
Stuuning, amazing, strange!
But, at every moment, you can have a glance to the dial, and you're immediately lost in fornt of this beauty.
See here the different levels, angles of the open dial:
And here, the strengh of this beauty:
With the macros I previously posted, the beauty suddenly and quite violently appears.
But, there is another more subtile beauty, which consists to " dive " into the dial, in search of understanding its scultpural beauty.
Take the wathc in your hands, turn it wirth different angles and lights, and it will be a perment game of changing colors, relief,consistance....
You really need some time to get it, to understand the true level of art and horology of this masterpiece.
The contrast between the blue screws, the red jewels, the darkness of the plate and the bridges, all is like in a Picture of Modern Art..., and more, I'd say a mix between a Picture and a Sculpture.
That's the strong point of the titanium version, against the Platinum.
Another specificity of the Titanium version is the finish of the titanium.
A titanium Grade 5, but polished.
I never saw this before.
This light dark titanium is perfectly matching with the main color of the dial and of the case back.
Here are other pics I took under different angles.
Titanium:
Here, in a nice ambiant...
Some pics of the platinum version to get all the difference between the 2;
It comes in a complete packaging, with a big wooden box( no difference between the titanium and the platinum ), sober, maybe too, compared with the beautiful laqued box of the some platinum Reversos, a loop, to admire all the little and fine details, a,d the papers, including the acoustical measures (in decibels) of your own watch!
As each (good) thing has an end, I will conclude by saying this:
This piece is IMHO one of the nicest piece ever made..I have the chance and the privilege to own it since May 2007.And since the beginnig, it's love at first sight, again!
This piece is, fro me, the biggest evidence that JLC has began for some years now its revolution, as also the Gyro ( a chance I don't own it, you'd have to read 10 more pages! LOL), the Triptyque, the Extrem Lab and some more treasures to come...
This is just the beginning of what I think and hope as a big revolution.
Good Luck, JLC, and Thanks for bringing us such pieces of dream.
Nicolas.
NB: Here I join the Press Files of the MMR, please read it, it's very instructive!
added to Editor's Pick
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-01-18 05:52:58
You should read it entirely, it will allow you to learn a lot of interesting things in the conception and the realisation of this Masterpiece:
Thanks for your comments!
Really apprecaited.
Yes, you must see this Titanium MMR.Seeing it on pics is not enough to fully appreciate it.
Play with it, ( carefully, eeeh?LOL), put it on your wrist.You'll live an incredible experience!
AS for the JLC forum, I deeply appreciate your comments, and try to do my best to share with you
my experiences , my thoughts, and my pleasure wit these JLC watches, and also some reserves I can have, because nowhere all is perfect.
Jerome did and still does a great job, here. He's a top class guy and also a very good friend.
I'm very happy to work with him on this JLC Forum.
Hope to see you more, Christian, and don't forget that a Forum is not only a matter of moderation, but also and 1st of all, a matter of participation.
This forum belongs to all of you, all and us, and lets' make it better and more interesting!
Best to you Christian!
Nicolas
A true love story between her and me, for a bit more than 2 years, now.
Even if I know this watch very well, even if I spent a lot of time analyzing it, admiring it, I'm still totally fascinated by it.
That may be a good sign!
Best,
Nicolas
Sir Nicolas,
Pt.version of the MMR is already a cut above,yet this Ti version launch this year shakenthe world of horology.As experince complication are usually in PTor gold,but JLC introduce it in Ti.
Ti's appearance MMR's appearance like you describe Grade5 with polish,something everyone has not seen in real life.and again the "Dullness" has been eliminated from the Ti's impression.
What a breakthrough....JLC.that's why i mentioned earlier Due credit goes to JLC in view of their innoation and the daring behind the implementation of innovation.
Your article were narrated very execellent,just like one of the commentator put it--you sell it well,congrats!Mr.Moderator.
Thanks for the efforts!Nicolas>>>
BHK9
For your nice words, my friend!
AS you can imagine, I second your opinion on this topic.
I think that JLC will amaze us a lot again this year...
Still less than 3 months to wait, and to see.
As I previously said, this Ti MMR is amazing due to the combo of a Concept Watch and of a Classic Complication as the Minute Repeater is...
They have some audace in the JLC team, and I like it !
Best.
Nicolas
Your nice words are deeply appreciated.
It's easy to talk about a watch when you love it, and this one, for me, is one of the nicest
Have a Great Week End.
Nicolas.
Yep, it took time to make this review, but it was a great pleasure to prepare it, and at least, this MMR deserved it!
AS for my IWC, yes I sold it to ( partiall) fund the MMR.
Thanks for your nice comments, it's deeply aprreciated , be sure!
Best, and read you more often!
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-01-19 13:56:59
Platinum against Titanium, what is the better choice????
I too think that the titanium is the best choice, but that is my personal taste, as I prefer the work done on the open dial of the titanium.
The platinum is more classic, even if it aslo has an original design.
Both are gorgeous, finally.
But I prefer the "concept watch" look of the Ti.
Thanks a lot for your nie comment, and be sure que je vais la porter en tres bonne santé...Enfin, j'espere! LOL
Best.
Nicolas
My proposal was to compare what is comparable, of course I didn't compare my MMR ti to a Grande Sonnerie or a Carillon watch, you're totally right, that is not the same range of complications nor prices.
If I offended anyone here, I'm sorry, Heart is often speaking louder than Mind....LOL
Thank you, Thomas, for your nice words.
Best.
Nicolas
. . . which version seems more musical to your ears? Curiously, Art
I had many opporunities to play with the Platinum MMR, alone, and simultaneously with the Titanium.
In the Boutique, or Shops, that's not very evident to make the comparision, BUT, I had the chance to spend a whole Week End with a friend who owns the Platinum, so we made the comparison in ideal conditions.
Using an " HiFi" image, I'd say that the Bandwith of the Platinum is more based in the low frequencies, while the titanium is more on the medium frequencies.
Hence,the platinum has a more " matt" sound, and the titanium has a more aerian sound.
The level is a bit louder on the titanium, well, that was my impression.
Eyes closed, you can make the difference,but, as I said , this is quite subtile.
I did an interesting thing, putting the MMR on a wooden table...The sound was amplified a lot, at an incredible level!
I rememberd the little music boxes I had when I was a child, and in the notice, they used to give the advice to put in on a wooden support.
So I did with the MMR, and I can also give you the tip to do it with the U.N Sonata!
As for musicality, that is quite a subjective matter. If you prefer lower frequencies, but less "echo" and azerina sound, go for the platinum...If not, go for the titanium.
Hope this will answer to your question.
Best.
Nicolas
Were also working on this MMR, like the " Chef D'Orchestre " Georges PRETRE.
Hence the natural musicality of this masterpiece.
I think it was clever from JLC to inlcude some musicians in the realization of the Minute Repeater.
Best again, Art.
Nicolas This message has been edited by Dje on 2008-01-20 03:00:26
. . . I was hoping for ;-) . . . cordially, Art
About square gongs instead of traditional ones, I don't have the answer, BUT I can guess that this is a technical choice made by JLC, to make it sound better, perhaps.
I'll ask his question to JLC and will let you know.
Pics are nothing compared to the experience of seeing it in the flesh, if you can see one again, go and do it.
The appreciation of this watch is stronger from day to day, indeed, because there are to many things to see, to get, and to enjoy!
Thanks Allen for your comments, and as for your question, as soon as I have the answer, I'll let you know.
Best.
Nicolas.
Your pleasure is my pleasure...
I can tell you that every day I decide to wear this marvel, when I weak up at a decent hour, the first thing I do is to play with the Minute Repeater, and it's heaven to know the hour this way in the obscurity of the bedroom!!!
Well, at 6 in the morning, the Missus is quite angry! LOLOLOL
Best, my friend!
Nicolas
But owning these 2 pieces is sadly something financially impossible for me...
Amthough this IWC Minute Repeater is one of the nicest of the market ( I totally agree with you on this point), the JLC just ate my mind...
I HAD to hunt it!
Best.
Nicolas
MMR TITANIUM, THE IN-DEPTH REVIEW >>>
In 2003, I began to pay some interest to the Minute Repeater Complication.
There were some watches in the market, as, for example, the classic and gorgeous IWC
Portuguese, still "affordable", I mean, when you compare it to others, like the Patek or Vacheron Constantin, but also Parmigiani, Breguet etc...
So, I decide to jump, and finally bought one.
I was very happy with this one, till I crossed the way of the MMR JLC.
The 1st MMR I saw in the flesh was, of course, the platinum version, here, in Paris, in December 2005.
During the visit of the Manufacture, in April 2006, I was lucky enough to see the Watchmakers, or should I say the WatchMasters, working on this MMR platinum.
Till this moment, I never heard such a cristalline, melodic and, at the same time, loud sound!
So, coming back to Paris, I fell in love with it, putting this MMR high, at the highest place on my demential Dream Watches List, as I was only able to consider it as an abstractrion, a phantasm ( is it serious, Doctor?...LOL) till the 29th of November 2006.
This day, I was at the JLC Paris Boutique.
Here standed the Titanium MMR, an incredible piece, just in front of my eyes.
Worst, the Team let me play with it, hearing it...I was completely stuck on such a scuptural beauty.
Yes, this is not only a watch, this is 1st of all, a Masterpiece, a true piece of Art.
Since this day, I knew that the IWC Portuguese was dead, and that I'll have to do all my possible to get one,and I finally did it, as you all know.
Here are the 2 Press Files Pics of the Titanium and the Platinum Versions:
Please, note that aslo exists a Sincere Haute Horlogerie mosel, which is a Platinum MMR with the dial of the Titanium.I have a photo of the monster, but I'm not sure of its origin, so I won't post it. It's a Limited Edition for Sincere, limited to 10 pieces.
I do love the esthetic of the MMR platinum, the treatment of this watch, the fact that, for me, this is a nice compromise between the modernity of the design and the evocation of one of the oldest and more beautifum and romantic complication, a kind of actual reintepretation, a new youth!
I love even more the MMR Titanium, probably because this version goes farer in the design and the idea of this modern reinterpretation of the Minute Repeater, adding that the open dial ( not skeletized, but open) gives an artistic touch that the Platinum lacks, IMHO.
This Titanium configuration allows you to see some of the components of the movement, like the wheels, the bridges, and, 1st of all, ...the HAMMERS.
Push the trigger, and see, listen the hammers playing their partition!
Compared to other Minute Repeaters, these 2 are acoustically above the Parmigiani, the Breguet, the AP even in Titanium, and the IWC ( Well, I didn't test the Patek nor the Vacheron Constantin, so I won't be firm in my statement regarding these 2 last one, but they are not in the same kind of price....)
Here are the macros of the Platinum and Titanium Versions:
Platinum:
Titanium:
The sound is clear, cristalline, even aerian, and loud enough to be heard while the crowd is speaking, in restaurants, trains, planes, even in Courts of Justice..., which is not the case with the IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater,( Yes, I did it! LOL )
As you maybe know, the technical solution used by JLC on this watch is innovative and different, as JLC understood that the best sound tranmitter was not Gold, Platinum (one of the worst...By the way), nor SS or Titanium, but the glass!
I invite you to read, joined to this review, the Press File about this watch, you will learn a lot.
As we speak about technical matters, let's go on the 2 other complications, the 15 Days Power Reserve, and the Torquemeter.
15 days of power reserve in a watch, this is quite rare, Patek is 10, IWC is 8, but these are not Minute Repeaters.
Olny Lange, with its 31 days, does better, and Jacob with its 30 days, but they aren't Minute Repeater...
So, AFAIK, The JLC MMR is unique!
This long power reserve in a such complicated watch is, IMHO, something very clever, as it allows you to not wear your watch during several days without having to set it or rewind it.
I' ll also say that winding this watch is not something fastidious, as the crown is pleasant to use, and you'll only need something around 80 turns off crown to have your watch fully wound!
With a long power reserve, I think that the torquemeter is useful, as you are able to check that your watch works with regularity.
See on the dial the part dedicated to the Torquemeter, you will see a graduation.Above "5", all is ok, if you go under 5, give the crown a turn or 2 and the indicator will go above 5...
Esthetic is not enough, precision also is important!
Back to Esthestic, the contrast between the open dial and the quite closed case back is another interesting and pleasant thing.
The Case Back, although a bit massive with this big plate is nicely finished in a "Cotes Soleillées" way, which all join the escapement.
Platinum:
Titanium:
Wearing this piece is an ultimate pleasure.It perfectly and comfortably sits on the wrist, and with the lack of weight of the Titanium, you don't even feel it!
Stuuning, amazing, strange!
But, at every moment, you can have a glance to the dial, and you're immediately lost in fornt of this beauty.
See here the different levels, angles of the open dial:
And here, the strengh of this beauty:
With the macros I previously posted, the beauty suddenly and quite violently appears.
But, there is another more subtile beauty, which consists to " dive " into the dial, in search of understanding its scultpural beauty.
Take the wathc in your hands, turn it wirth different angles and lights, and it will be a perment game of changing colors, relief,consistance....
You really need some time to get it, to understand the true level of art and horology of this masterpiece.
The contrast between the blue screws, the red jewels, the darkness of the plate and the bridges, all is like in a Picture of Modern Art..., and more, I'd say a mix between a Picture and a Sculpture.
That's the strong point of the titanium version, against the Platinum.
Another specificity of the Titanium version is the finish of the titanium.
A titanium Grade 5, but polished.
I never saw this before.
This light dark titanium is perfectly matching with the main color of the dial and of the case back.
Here are other pics I took under different angles.
Titanium:
Here, in a nice ambiant...
Some pics of the platinum version to get all the difference between the 2;
It comes in a complete packaging, with a big wooden box( no difference between the titanium and the platinum ), sober, maybe too, compared with the beautiful laqued box of the some platinum Reversos, a loop, to admire all the little and fine details, a,d the papers, including the acoustical measures (in decibels) of your own watch!
As each (good) thing has an end, I will conclude by saying this:
This piece is IMHO one of the nicest piece ever made..I have the chance and the privilege to own it since May 2007.And since the beginnig, it's love at first sight, again!
This piece is, fro me, the biggest evidence that JLC has began for some years now its revolution, as also the Gyro ( a chance I don't own it, you'd have to read 10 more pages! LOL), the Triptyque, the Extrem Lab and some more treasures to come...
This is just the beginning of what I think and hope as a big revolution.
Good Luck, JLC, and Thanks for bringing us such pieces of dream.
Nicolas.
NB: Here I join the Press Files of the MMR, please read it, it's very instructive!
added to Editor's Pick
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-01-18 05:52:58
Here, The Press File of the MMR >>>
You should read it entirely, it will allow you to learn a lot of interesting things in the conception and the realisation of this Masterpiece:
great post
Thank you amanico. I absolutely agree on your assessment of this piece. I had the pleasure of wearing the platinum version in Paris last year - WOW. I have yet to see the other version. In some ways I prefer it for its more modern design. The colour of the dark grey looks incredible. Someone said the hands are to Richard Mille - maby some truth to that but they do liik great IMO.
I also want to use this opportunity to compliment you on your moderating style. you are really making a good effort to revitalizing the JLC forum which had maybe become a little too quiet. Great posts, interesting discussions - so keep them coming Mr moderator.
kind regards
christian (a JLC man)
Hi, Christianof Denmark >>>
Thanks for your comments!
Really apprecaited.
Yes, you must see this Titanium MMR.Seeing it on pics is not enough to fully appreciate it.
Play with it, ( carefully, eeeh?LOL), put it on your wrist.You'll live an incredible experience!
AS for the JLC forum, I deeply appreciate your comments, and try to do my best to share with you
my experiences , my thoughts, and my pleasure wit these JLC watches, and also some reserves I can have, because nowhere all is perfect.
Jerome did and still does a great job, here. He's a top class guy and also a very good friend.
I'm very happy to work with him on this JLC Forum.
Hope to see you more, Christian, and don't forget that a Forum is not only a matter of moderation, but also and 1st of all, a matter of participation.
This forum belongs to all of you, all and us, and lets' make it better and more interesting!
Best to you Christian!
Nicolas
"old" post but so GREAT !!!
WOW !!!
I know that's an "old" post but forgive me I'm new here. When I've discovered this article, I've read it avidly, from the begining to the end, then I've read the press release (very interresting as well). Then I went on the web to look for record of the MMR sound. Incfredible !!!
I can understand why you are an "happy" owner. This watch is terrefic, a true beauty... (I don't know more superlative in english)
Regards,
Pascal
I know that's an "old" post but forgive me I'm new here. When I've discovered this article, I've read it avidly, from the begining to the end, then I've read the press release (very interresting as well). Then I went on the web to look for record of the MMR sound. Incfredible !!!
I can understand why you are an "happy" owner. This watch is terrefic, a true beauty... (I don't know more superlative in english
)Regards,
Pascal
Indeed, Pascal,
A true love story between her and me, for a bit more than 2 years, now.
Even if I know this watch very well, even if I spent a lot of time analyzing it, admiring it, I'm still totally fascinated by it.
That may be a good sign!
Best,
Nicolas
Execellent MMR quick view,Sir Moderator!
Sir Nicolas,
Pt.version of the MMR is already a cut above,yet this Ti version launch this year shakenthe world of horology.As experince complication are usually in PTor gold,but JLC introduce it in Ti.
Ti's appearance MMR's appearance like you describe Grade5 with polish,something everyone has not seen in real life.and again the "Dullness" has been eliminated from the Ti's impression.
What a breakthrough....JLC.that's why i mentioned earlier Due credit goes to JLC in view of their innoation and the daring behind the implementation of innovation.
Your article were narrated very execellent,just like one of the commentator put it--you sell it well,congrats!Mr.Moderator.
Thanks for the efforts!Nicolas>>>
BHK9
Thanks a lot, BHK 9 >>>
For your nice words, my friend!
AS you can imagine, I second your opinion on this topic.
I think that JLC will amaze us a lot again this year...
Still less than 3 months to wait, and to see.
As I previously said, this Ti MMR is amazing due to the combo of a Concept Watch and of a Classic Complication as the Minute Repeater is...
They have some audace in the JLC team, and I like it !
Best.
Nicolas
Excellent....
Hi Nicolas,
Thank you Mr Moderator for sharing with us so well your love for your Master Minute Repeater!
The watch is gorgeous and you sell it well!
It's a dream for many of us but nearly made it come true.
Keep on track my friend it's a great work.
Thanks again
Dje
Thank you Mr Moderator for sharing with us so well your love for your Master Minute Repeater!
The watch is gorgeous and you sell it well!
It's a dream for many of us but nearly made it come true.
Keep on track my friend it's a great work.
Thanks again
Dje
Thanks, Jerome >>>
Your nice words are deeply appreciated.
It's easy to talk about a watch when you love it, and this one, for me, is one of the nicest
Have a Great Week End.
Nicolas.
Great post and a very nice watch. Thanks for allowing us the chance to drool! (nt)
nt
Its a great watch! As much as I didn't like the roriginal platinum model I really
think the designers at JLC did an excellent job with the titanium version, the way the opened up the dial is gorgeous.
Porte la en bonne santé as they say
WOW
Incredible pictures of your minute repeater. THat is an exquisitie watch and thank you for taking the time to review and take such incredible macro shots!!
Did you sell the IWC or is that your 'beater' repeater? haha
Thanks,Matt >>>
Yep, it took time to make this review, but it was a great pleasure to prepare it, and at least, this MMR deserved it!
AS for my IWC, yes I sold it to ( partiall) fund the MMR.
Thanks for your nice comments, it's deeply aprreciated , be sure!
Best, and read you more often!
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-01-19 13:56:59
Alex, this is a difficult point >>>
Platinum against Titanium, what is the better choice????
I too think that the titanium is the best choice, but that is my personal taste, as I prefer the work done on the open dial of the titanium.
The platinum is more classic, even if it aslo has an original design.
Both are gorgeous, finally.
But I prefer the "concept watch" look of the Ti.
Thanks a lot for your nie comment, and be sure que je vais la porter en tres bonne santé...Enfin, j'espere! LOL
Best.
Nicolas
Thanks, Nicolas! Great review.
You are tempting me quite a bit with all these gorgeous pictures. I will have to revisit this beauty again at my AD!
I have noticed that the gongs on this watch don't seem like they were made the traditional way. Instead of the traditional round extracted wire type gongs, it has square gongs. I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone at JLC about this, but I was wondering if there was any explanation to this. Are the gongs easier to make nowadays with CNC machining? Are the materials the same?
Thanks again!
Thanks very much, Amanico, great pics and very nice text to read. I do have to point out..
though, my persistent caveat about making sweeping generalizations about repeater models (and brands)
""Compared to other Minute Repeaters, these 2 are acoustically above the Parmigiani, the Breguet, the AP even in Titanium, and the IWC ( Well, I didn't test the Patek nor the Vacheron Constantin, so I won't be firm in my statement regarding these 2 last one, but they are not in the same kind of price....)"
I have not heard your Ti or the Pt piece you are referring to (if you are, indeed, referring to specific pieces, and not the general Pt and Ti MMR line) so they may very well be heads and shoulders above Parmigiani, Breguet pieces; "AP even in Titanium;" but I personally have experienced several Platinum pieces that were far from "good" and examples where AP Sonnerie and Grande Comp repeater tones were nearly as loud as the TI MMR (the Ti MMR is pretty consistently tops in the area of loudness, I have to agree) but much nicer "sounding" in terms of clarity, pitch, and "timbre" (a psychoacoustic term also sometimes referred to as "sound color" which covers the aspects of different sounds that might even share similar pitch and volume, or "amplitude")
My point is not that any other brand or model is superior to another, but just that we have to be careful about generalizations.
Of course, I realize I might be the only one who cares about such rigour, and most readers don't take things so literally and seriously anyway...
Thanks again, a wonderful piece, enjoy it for a very, very long time!
Sincerely,
TM
Thomas >>>
My proposal was to compare what is comparable, of course I didn't compare my MMR ti to a Grande Sonnerie or a Carillon watch, you're totally right, that is not the same range of complications nor prices.
If I offended anyone here, I'm sorry, Heart is often speaking louder than Mind....LOL
Thank you, Thomas, for your nice words.
Best.
Nicolas
Nicolas, when you close your eyes and listen . . .
. . . which version seems more musical to your ears? Curiously, Art
Interesting question, Art, about musicality of the Minute Repeaters >>>
I had many opporunities to play with the Platinum MMR, alone, and simultaneously with the Titanium.
In the Boutique, or Shops, that's not very evident to make the comparision, BUT, I had the chance to spend a whole Week End with a friend who owns the Platinum, so we made the comparison in ideal conditions.
Using an " HiFi" image, I'd say that the Bandwith of the Platinum is more based in the low frequencies, while the titanium is more on the medium frequencies.
Hence,the platinum has a more " matt" sound, and the titanium has a more aerian sound.
The level is a bit louder on the titanium, well, that was my impression.
Eyes closed, you can make the difference,but, as I said , this is quite subtile.
I did an interesting thing, putting the MMR on a wooden table...The sound was amplified a lot, at an incredible level!
I rememberd the little music boxes I had when I was a child, and in the notice, they used to give the advice to put in on a wooden support.
So I did with the MMR, and I can also give you the tip to do it with the U.N Sonata!
As for musicality, that is quite a subjective matter. If you prefer lower frequencies, but less "echo" and azerina sound, go for the platinum...If not, go for the titanium.
Hope this will answer to your question.
Best.
Nicolas
I forgot to say that some great musicians >>>
Were also working on this MMR, like the " Chef D'Orchestre " Georges PRETRE.
Hence the natural musicality of this masterpiece.
I think it was clever from JLC to inlcude some musicians in the realization of the Minute Repeater.
Best again, Art.
Nicolas This message has been edited by Dje on 2008-01-20 03:00:26
Thanks, Nicolas, that was precisely the information . . .
. . . I was hoping for ;-) . . . cordially, Art
Allen >>>
About square gongs instead of traditional ones, I don't have the answer, BUT I can guess that this is a technical choice made by JLC, to make it sound better, perhaps.
I'll ask his question to JLC and will let you know.
Pics are nothing compared to the experience of seeing it in the flesh, if you can see one again, go and do it.
The appreciation of this watch is stronger from day to day, indeed, because there are to many things to see, to get, and to enjoy!
Thanks Allen for your comments, and as for your question, as soon as I have the answer, I'll let you know.
Best.
Nicolas.
Tooo much for me to handle thanks Nicolas
It is like being at a candy store.
Seeing the watch on you and hearing the concert it produces was a real joy.
Thanks for the review and the great picture.
Bill
Seeing the watch on you and hearing the concert it produces was a real joy.
Thanks for the review and the great picture.
Bill
Thanks, Bill >>>
Your pleasure is my pleasure...
I can tell you that every day I decide to wear this marvel, when I weak up at a decent hour, the first thing I do is to play with the Minute Repeater, and it's heaven to know the hour this way in the obscurity of the bedroom!!!
Well, at 6 in the morning, the Missus is quite angry! LOLOLOL
Best, my friend!
Nicolas
Yowsa! VERY VERY NICE.
I wholehearted agree on the IWC MR. Probably one of the prettiest complications on he market. The JLC is a compltely different watch and I think you can easily get away owning both watches.
Thanks, Haagen >>>
But owning these 2 pieces is sadly something financially impossible for me...
Amthough this IWC Minute Repeater is one of the nicest of the market ( I totally agree with you on this point), the JLC just ate my mind...
I HAD to hunt it!
Best.
Nicolas
WOW!
Thanks for the review and pics. I have to agree, this is a wonderful watch. I had the pleasure to play with the titanium version last month at the Wynn AD and it is truly beautiful and incredible sounding. Such loud chimes! Congrats on a masterpiece.