Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hello, everyone! I hope you had a great start to the week!

I wanted to share with you my attendance to the latest Master Class organized by JLC as part of the activities of the 3rd annual Haute Horlogerie Salon of Mexico City.

This time around we had the opportunity to destroy a caliber 751, automatic column wheel chronograph which can be found the in the Master Compressor Chrono, and if I have my information correctly in the MC Diving Chrono, although this last one has some tweeks that make it become a different known reference, the 751 D. I wish I knew what the difference where among the two of them, but I was too preoccupied in putting those tiny screws in place.

Without further ado, here you have the pics!

 

We are now done with the dismantling, now comes the reassembly.

The caliber sans the chrono module.

A member of the JLC Master Watchmaker Training Team :-p

Voila!

Here with a distant relative.

 

All the all, the Master Class is a great event. We were lucky enough to have besides M. Laurent, our instructor, to also have local JLC expert R. Pluer in hand to guide us thru any difficulties.

Having had the opportunity to attend the 875 Master Class as well, it is difficult to chose a favorite, but, I must say that the other one (Cal. 875) was a tad more enjoyable, mostly in part because you can see the working result of your work (in the way of the Power Reserve indicator, and it was my first!) whereas in this one, the proper function of the chrono is implied due to the precise place each part holds in the mechanism. But do not get me wrong, it is a super cool event, and the best part is helping your fellow classmate find their screws, which tend to jump from ones work table to the floor, and also just hanging out with fellow watch enthusiasts as nuts as one is.

Many thanks to Alexis, Rudolf, Leslie, Laurent, and Henri for bringing this great experience to us amateurs.

Hoping you get a chance to experience a Master Class soon, I wish you all a great week!

All the best,

 

Alejandro

It is a good thing to change the caliber, in these Master Class.

Like you, I have a preference for the 8 Days movements, but working on each of these movements is indeed very cool.

You won't believe it, but I didn't attend the Master Classes, yet...

Maybe I'm waiting for the Gyro I ?



Best,

Nicolas

sometime in November, Nico... It would be the perfect time for you to attend!

Now, as far as working on the Gyro 1, well, maybe they can prepare you first with this one, which was also in hand at the watchmakers table.

 

 

All the best,

Alex

With some big horological meetings I have to prepare a bit...

I'am afraid I won't have the time to attend the Master Class.

You will see!



As for the Master tourbillon, it is indeed a very nice training!



Un abrazo, Hermano.

Nicolas

This looks like so much fun, Alex!  I think the labcoats are very cute!    I have just started reading a book about watch repair, and it is dense but fascinating.

Cheers,
Daos

Hi, Daos!

It´s great that you are reading a book on watchmaking! Have you considered getting a cheapo mechanical watch to start dismantling and playing with it? With the reading and that self training you are going to be ready in no time!

I´m glad you liked the lab coats! It sure adds to the whole experience!

Take care,

Alex

...but I do want to tinker around once I get a general understanding of some concepts.  Plus, I have to purchase a set of basic tools. 

Cheers,
Daos

So it's arrived!

How are you finding it? The chapters on adjustment are pretty interesting. Plus it has details on Accutrons.... ;-)

...and am taking note of the bench tools being suggested for the novice!  I like all the drawings!  I will have to PM you once I've read further to discuss where to get tools and cheap movements to work on. 

Cheers,
Daos

Hope you enjoy it. It can be heavy going but persevere. If it's painful, just read the bits that interest you, you'll find yourself dipping into the other areas soon enough.

And definitely feel free to PM me.

I hope this will happen next year may be.

One thing that does not allow to fully enjoy the beauty of the calibre, is that we have nothing to compare with (in general). It woudl be so good to have a calibre of very modest origin next to the JLc one (even if complications are different) just to be able to compare the design, the construction and the finishing of the JLC calibre.

 

Indeed it would serve as a useful tool to really observe and realize all the technical solutions JLC applied in creating this caliber, which is none other than their first automatic chronograph movement made entirely in house.

Being aware of the good relationship you have with JLC, I am sure it is only a matter of time before you attend the Master Class.

Kind Regards,

Alex

I don't go to a master class, maybe the master class will come to me (eventually... )

...not even some $30 Citizen auto-chronos have. They're wayyy to complex for me. I prefer to stick to getting proficient on simple 17J Seikos and Omegas.

Having access to JLC technicians to pick their brains and skills must be fun. Has it inspired you to take it any further?

I wished I could do something like this someday. That would be quite an experience.

Thanks for sharing and I hope to do something like this someday!

Hopefully sometime soon, my friend!

All the best, and it has been my pleasure sharing!

Alex

I really enjoyed reading and seeing the MC.  I would love to participate in one of these myself some day.  You obviously enjoyed yourself.  Thanks for shairng it with us.

respo

I felt like a monkey in a fruit store! LOL!!

I sure hope one day soon you will be able to attend.

Thanks for your kind words,

Alejandro

in Beverly HIlls, CA. one of the best days i've ever spent. i don't remember what cal we worked on, probably a very simple one. congrats to you, Alex.

and,

shame on you Nicolas. if i can do it you can do it.

cheers,

elliot
oops, typo; meant 2005 This message has been edited by et on 2009-10-06 07:39:47

Indeed it is a great experience!

I am glad I brought those great memories back to you.

All the best,

Alex

Great report. Thanks for sharing your experience at the JLC Master Class. 
Regards,
ED-209

Glad you enjoyed it, and I hope I was able to convey the great experience the Master Class is.

All the best,

Alex

Thanks for the report, Alex.

 

I remember the Cal. 875 Masterclass at TEMPUS in 2007 very fondly. I particularly enjoyed wearing the watch with that movement during the class. Do they have a virtual Cal. 751 movement for you to build or is it done step by step with the watchmaker?

 

I’m afraid my watchmaking career has progressed little since then.

 

Andrew

We did actually have the virtual guide showing the steps to undertake while working on the 751, like there was one for the 875 as you might recall.

The best part was that they gave us those CD´s as part of our goodies for attending the class, so now if someone is brave enough to lend me their Reverso 8 Days or their Compressor Chrono, I might even work on them. ....On second thought, maybe not... LOL!

Thanks for your kind words, Andrew.

Best Regards,

Alex

Hi my friend !

thanks for this great report !! working on a 751 should be so great !!!! Your pictures are great ! but..what have you done with your hair ??

Yes, in France, we are supposed to work on a 875, I hope they will change their mind and give us your 751 to repair !

Thanks again, great post and great experience !!!

Fab

Hi, Fab!

I am happy you liked the pictures. The 751 is great to work on, but the 875 class was somewhat more enjoyable...Maybe it was because the Master Watchmaker from Le Sentier was infact a Master Watchmaking woman,  and quite attractive if I may add.

You will have a great time during your Master Class, as well! Enjoy it! And think that now you will become an expert in the 875 caliber!

Looking forward in seeing your pics and your report.

Take care,

Alex

 

You must have enjoyed the session greatly.

I missed one during Tempus in Singapore. Wonder when JLC will be back again for this.

Best

Pat

As this experience was indeed a lot of fun!

Great watches, and great people equals a great time and long lasting memories!

Best regards,

Alex

MCTY for the Manufacture Comes To You. The movement model used was that from the Reverso Grande Date. It is a pleasant memory. I'm glad you have this exclusive chance too and thank you for reminding me of a good time.



Too bad they didn't give out one of these white coat as a souvenir. That would be super nice.

Ruckdee

Those lab coats can be really cool! I wonder how girls would react to them? "Excuse me, Dr?" LOL!!!

I am glad I was able to bring back good memories for you.

Have a great week ahead!

Alex

Ps. Congrats on breaking the 1k post mark! I must say that I relate perfectly to many of the things you shared with us in your post.

Take care, bro!