Jaeger-LeCoultre

The Master Geographique has always been an important watch, in my personal journey into horology, as it was one of the very first JLC which amazed me, with the Memovox.

At that time, in the 90ies, which other brand did offer such a complication?

Patek came after, in 1999 or 2000, with the 5110, as well as GP, a bit later.

I was always amazed by this complication, whose magical appeal was enhanced by some stunning dials ( here, I mean the black one, or the blue of the platinum version ), and by the officer case back.

Here a picture from the 2002 JLC Catalog:



I was a bit less happy with the following model, which was in production till last year, because of its bigger dimensions, and mainly because of the big power reserve indicator which ruined a bit the beauty and the balance of the dial.

So, you can now understand why I'm so happy to introduce you, this year, a new version, which is closer to the one from the 90ies than to the last one.

I hesitated a lot before using the word " new " to describe this Master Géographique.

New, or redesigned?

I would say, in this case, that the watch has been so much re designed that I feel authorized to call it new.

Indeed, the case is 39 mm big, now ( instead of 40 mm, on the former model ), the lugs are bevelled, the bezel is slimmer ( as we had the pleasure to see it in the very recent past with the new Master Memovox, Master Chrono or the Master Hometime ), the crowns are re designed too.

To be precise, the new Master Geographique is one mm bigger than the Master Geographique from the 90ies.

First excellent point: The case looks much more elegant, almost precious.

The same work has been done on the dial:

The long thin triangular hour markers reappear for my greatest pleasure, as I always thought that the former version lacked something...

Now, the Dauphine hands, as well as the blue second hand seem to have the right size, while they appeared too short on the former Geo.

The power reserve indicator gains in elegance, with this new design, as well as the date and the 2d time zone subdials.

It gains in elegance, balance and purity.

The only thing which doesn't change too much on this new Master Géographique is the movement, the Cal 939,which beats at the same rythm than the previous Cal 937 ( 28 800 vibrations per hour ), has the same power reserve, and the same size.

The differences between the 2 Calibres seem very small, and I will have to ask about that, but from the informations I gathered, the only differences are that the 939 has 3 more parts ( 310 instead of 307 ), and 4 jewels less ( 34 instead of 38 ).

Maybe you want to see it, now?



Ok, let's go:







One thing I have to say about the case back, though:

I dreamt to see an officer case back, like on the former Master Geographique from the late 90ies, but it is not the case, as you can see here:



Well, all in all, an excellent watch, and to say all, I even fear that JLC releases it with a black dial.

If they do it, my wish list may well be longer, and believe me, this year, it is too long, yet.

I'm also very happy to see JLC re thinking and reducing the volume of their dressy watches, as we already saw it with the Grande MUT Moon 39.

It goes in the direction of a bigger purity and elegance, in my opinion.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-04-01 00:01:12 This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-04-04 13:48:51

And I love both watches! If I travelled more I would definitely consider this watch. Thanks for the photos.

The RdM was the first thing that came to my mind too

A

if you get what i mean

This certainly is a nice execution.  I was never a big fan of these types of watches but for what it is, this maybe one of the most "readable" out there and it's done with not much fanfare.  elegance in simplicity.  should be interesting to see this "in the wild" as well.

Thanks for this post!

Echi

Is it possible to just show the reference country instead of showing all the others?  I'm not sure that that's how world times should go or if that question makes sense.  I'm under the impression that if you change countries, that you automatically change the time?

The time and the city are corrdinated. Change the city, you change the time.

As for your first remark, here you easily see the time on the city of the world you selected: The triangle just above indicates you the town, without chances to be mistaken.

Best,

Nicolas;

along with the newer type bracelet from the Hometime

This version looks better to me, now that the dial is flat as opposed to the earlier one which was elevated around the circumference.

Love the longer hands too, as you said.

Just wish that the crowns are positioned at 2 & 4 o'clock instead.

Thanks for the wonderful report Nicolas.

Best,
Goh

As for the location of the crowns, I feel it is dictated by the movement, and that there is no other possibility than this one, Goh.

Best,

Nicolas.

The Master Geographique. This was my favourite release of any model from any brand this year. I need to see it in the metal, but I think JLC created a lovely balance of elegance between the proportions, case and dial. You said it Nicolas, this is an "elegant watch" and a practical, easy to use complication. Your review and photos were terrific. In fact, I didn't have a single complaint until you mentioned that you wished for a hunter case back. That would have been ideal as the caliber is nice, but not particularly pleasing to the eyes. Still, it is a terrific watch. Thank you,

That was a detail which pleased me a lot, on the Master Geographique from the 90ies.

We are indeed very difficult and exigeant guys, but I believe that is the way to go.

Look at the way JLC improved their watches, re worked the cases etc...

It is a win win situation, for us and for JLC, don't you think?

Best,

Nicolas.

has involved substantial improvements the last two years, especially to their cases. I cannot think of another brand that can compete when it comes to constant improvement... and with limited controversary. The last two years have been remarkable. Best my friend,

The first purely aesthetic, the second more design-oriented:

(1) the stainless steel version presented on a Navy or dark blue strap - to help bring out the hands on the subdials, and

(2) the day/night indicator for the world-timer to go back to the circular window in Geo V2 (as in the picture at the top of the page). I'm not as much a fan of the circle with the pointer, as in Geo V1, 4, and V7 (the "new" one).

For the uninitiated, I consider the Geographiques in the following order:

V1 1989 Geographique

V2 1996 Master Geographique

V3 2005 Compressor Geographic

V4 2007 Master Geographic

V5 2007 Master World Geographic

V6 2008 Master Compressor Pro Geographic Diver

V7 2011 Master Geographic

All of them are based on the same movement, and I was hoping that this year's version would've incorporated the "true GMT" function for the home time, where the hour hand can go forwards or backwards in one-hour jumps, and allows the date to advance or retard - as it does on Geo V6.

All-in-all, I must say that I can't wait to see the rose gold version with the ivory dial in the metal.

-Dean

As for your point one, I guess it won't be very difficult to get a different strap.

As for your point 2, now that is a bit more difficult, as I don't see JLC changing it, or, at least, not in a close future.

I agree with you, though, on this point.

As well as on your point 3, which is about the improvement of the complication, like on the Pro Géo.

Butn as I answered to emcquillan, we are difficult and exigeant clients, which doesn't have to lead us to not love this latest version, as it has some very good and strong points.

Best, Dean.

Nicolas.

the balance seems to be back, hard to describe. I am wondering on the case metals, Stainless steel and rose gold only? Is there a WG lurking around or Platinum? The black face will be a keeper.
Best to all,
Tim

But I'm looking for some more ... Diversity.

Black dial, black dial, black dial, black dial... JLC, are you hearing us?



Best,

Nicolas.

Thanks!  It is no doubt simple, refined, elegant and dressy--the direction JLC seems to be taking with the Master series.  But a few things I don't understand:

Why is the case so much thicker than previous generations?  This is evident by the deep spacer seen through the case back glass.  And by the stepped bezel which attempts to conceal thickness but is distracting to me.

While the lugs are more sculptured and refined than the last generation, why do they remain so bulky on this model?  Why not echo the "ultra-thin" direction other new models are taking?

In all, I wonder why JLC did not follow the exemplary lead of the not-so-new Dual Time in case design and proportions.  I show this one for comparison purposes.  Refined lugs, reasonably thin proportions and flatter bezel.  And, nicely accommodates a bracelet. 

Charmed, but confused...Ken in NYC

They are always well argumented, and drive me to re think what I wrote and what I felt when working on my texts.

The Master HT, as shown on your picture, is 40 mm big, while this latest bGéo is 39 mm, which may be seen as a path in the good direction.

For the bezel, I agree with you, I woulmd have loved to see the Master HT one.

For the case, the lugs on the Master HT are bevelled, not on the Master Géographique.

Did I see the proto, will the definitive Géo have these delicious bevelled lugs?

Will ask, as I don't have the answer, yet.

An improvement is always possible, and better ... Desirable.



Best,

Nicolas.

Hi Nicolas,

thanks for your presentation of this marvel. Its classic lines and design features appeal to me very much, so I am very lucky that I have no real need for a travel watch indicating two time zones. This watch should make travelling more of a pleasure!
JLC has a grasp of what many watch aficionados like and they seem to be the first ones to reverse the "bigger is better" style - Yippee! Others are still inflating their case sizes. At least for me taste JLC has a lot to offer ...

Kind regards,

anaesdoc

At JLC.

Which is an excellent thing, at least for me.

This Geographique is a classic, now, which saw several evolutions since its birth, some ... 22 years ago: Some were sporty, others dressy, both friendly.

A tempting offer...

Best, and thanks for your input, Anaes

to think this through. One thing is for sure, the officer case back would have been better.

Best regards,

george

No message body

as the first JLC with which I fell in love several years ago.  It was this and the Master Geo Compressor that led me firmly to JLC.

I was surprised to read this that you wrote:

At that time, in the 90ies, which other brand did offer such a complication?

Patek came after, in 1999 or 2000, with the 5110, as well as GP, a bit later.

I had no idea that was the case. 

Thanks for the review of the new Mster Geo.  I really like this version a lot.  A black dial version would be even nicer.  ;-)

Best,

respo

Offered such a complication at that time, Respo...

Was really wondering, but I didn't find any other in my small brain.



Ok, I put you on the list for a black dialed version?

Best,

Vlad.

...than mine, so I take your word for it that there was no other watch with that complication from any other brand.  Go JLC!!!

Add me to the list...and I'll add that one to my list.  ;-)

Best,

respo

One of my favorite JLC complications. To my eyes one of the nicest and most useful. I see an iteration of this watch in my collection at a certain point.
Nicolas, your comments are right on the money. I concur totally - the previous was a setback and "going back" to this design is a good (and perhaps brave?) move by JLC. The improvements are great. Turning the PR tthe right way again and using the new case. Applause to JLC!
I have one regret only with this version. I'm not so keen on the hand design. It is to complex and I would really prefer simple polished sword hands, no lume or matte side. Another thing is the blueing of the small hands - is that painted on? Why are they not blue at the part where the hand is attached? That looks weird!

Thank you for a nice report (again)
Look forward to swing you really soon

All the best

Christian This message has been edited by ChristianDK on 2011-04-02 02:34:34

But first of all, a question: Where did you see a polished and matt angle on the hour and minute hands?

To me, these are polished Dauphine hands.

The curious thing is that it seems that the hands are luminous on the RG, while they are not on the SS version.

As for the blue hands, now: To me, and AFAIK, the only to be heated blue is the second hand, the others being painted.

Hope this will help, my friend.

Catch you soon!

Nicolas