Question on the new Master Control vs the current offering...
hi nico/jlc forum,
curious to find out the differences (or improvements if you will) from the outgoing model.
from what i've seen in the jlc site and others and hope you guys can confirm or debunk...
1) the new one has dauphne hands versus the old alpha hands - i like this aesthetic change
2) the new one has a pin buckle strap versus the double clasp of the old one - i prefer tang buckle (or is this the same as tang? i am thinking its a single deployant) but this is still better than the double clasp, imvho.
3) same movement 899 - it is what it is 
4) the case size is what i'm not too sure about as the jlc site doesn't have this info on the old one (i maybe wrong). is the new one smaller at 39 (old one at 40mm?) but thicker at 8.8mm (old one at 8.5mm)? - i don't mind this case size change, btw.
it may not be a big leap but designs like this one are very hard to overhaul for the sake of having something new to offer.
while i am still on the fence with this one, i do respect the fact that they were very cautious in "upgrading" the MC... this comment actually goes for most of their 2012 offerings. i think it shows how careful they want to proceed with their products. it may underwhelm some but you don't really need to introduce big things all the time. personally, it slows me down and make me understand and appreciate more the totality of the MC. the changes were so subtle that i actually had to google and compare to see where the changes were made! but the process made me want to "look" at it longer.
will see how it goes at the boutique, if and when. i hope i get underwhelmed, seriously. my wallet has been overwhelmed enough last 2011 
quite a long post for what seems to be minor changes but this is my version of a double-take!
thank you!
echi
Echi, my friend. I will post soon a dedicated post about the MC.
For the moment, some quick answwers:
1/ Yes.
2/ Folding buckle, but I have to check.
3/ Yes. Cal 899.
4/ Case: 39 mm, one millimeter smaller than on the former version.
Should I add that I love this new version?
Best,
Nicolas.
This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-01-20 02:55:47Agree
Hi ambos...
Wow, that move to go smaller...
One more step and it will be perfect ;-)
The 'updated' (well, backdated would almost be more appropriate in this context) version of the MC is a good move to restore some of the original elegance to this watch.
When JLC tried to 'harmonize' the classic Master Control a few years ago (I don't know who to credit for, but he shall better stay nameless), all they did was to ruin a very well balanced watch in trying to catch-up with the so-called 'trend' of large watches.
Increasing the size of a watch by merely making the bezel 1.5mm wider (+3mm diameter) and throwing in a pair of stylish hands just doesn't do it. All the harmony of the watch was lost.
Now the 'new one' is one step back in the right direction (slightly reduced bezel, return to original hands).
So, just one more little step to go and it will be perfect... again
Hi Clavi. Going back and forth looking at your fine sample and the 2012....
I prepared a summary about the evolution of this model.
But I will first post a mega topic on the Speerotourbillon, next Monday....
So, if Calvi wants to give you all the details and pics...
Best,
Nicolas
I agree 100%. In fact...
Case fiinsh?
I think another important difference is the finish of the case. I haven’t seen this new MC live, but seeing the pictures, I consider the case of the new one has a mate finish or at least a different finish than the actual version.
By the way, about the caliber 899, WatchTime December issue, reports tests about this caliber, but related to the Master Compressor Diving Automatic Navy Seals and according to those tests...”nothing to brag about”.
Regards,
José Luis
'nothing to brag about'...