Watches & Wonders 2020: Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication.

Apr 28, 2020,09:37 AM
 


Outside the new Master Control line, Jaeger Lecoultre discretely unveiled the new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication, or should I say, to be more precise, the third generation of the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication. 

Indeed, let's not forget that the first MGT Grande Complication was introduced in 2010, in white gold: 





Then, in 2015, we could witness the arrival of the second generation, in rose god, this time: 







This year, the third generation is coming, in a limited edition of 8 pieces in rose gold, and 8 pieces in white gold. 

Before sharing the first press files pictures, let me remind you what is the MGT Grande Complication. This watch is the combination of three complications: 

- A sky chart depicting the constellations above our heads in the northern hemisphere. 

- An orbital and flying tourbillon, which makes a revolution around the dial in a sidereal day, so in 23 hours 56 minutes and 4, 1 seconds.

- And, last but not least, a minute repeater using two of the most innovative technics on that matter, the gongs welded to the sapphire glass and the Trebuchet Hammers. 

For the third opus of this MGT Grande Complication, Jaeger Lecoultre kept the excellent Cal 945, and changed the rest, the case, and the dial. 

The Cal 945: 





As for the case, Jaeger Lecoultre logically opted for the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Five and Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar. A total re designed, fresh and inspired case, which is a a very good thing. And I am very happy of that, because I was not convinced at all by the case of the first opus, better impressed by the second, and now satisfied by this new one. 


The dial is different, too, with a domed filigree, and the redesigned sky chart. As for the filigree, I will have to see it in the metal. I still don't know if I like it or not, to give you my feelings about it. Indeed, I don't know if the filigree doesn't distract from the main goal of this dial, its astronomical purpose... To be seen in the real life, before any final judgement on it. 


A last word on the minute repeater. I had the opportunity to listen to several MGT Grande Complication. I found the first edition a bit aggressive, while the second one was one of the best I had the privilege to listen to. 

I am impatient to acoustically judge this new MGT Grande Complication. 

So you understood it, this MGT Grande Complication is not a true novelty, but an iteration with some deep changes. 

I will come back to this watch once I have the possibility to see it at the Manufacture and to take some pictures. 

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas


More posts: Ballon BleuFlying TourbillonJaeger LeCoultre

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Comments: view entire thread

 

It looks like they keep getting thicker with each passing year...

 
 By: mdg : April 28th, 2020-09:43
...and I think your observation on the sky chart is correct...why take away so much real estate and make the graphics smaller? The lattice-work looks beautiful, but maybe something to be used on a time-only repeater.

I think the sky charts are just "art" because of their complexity and miniature size

 
 By: cazalea : April 28th, 2020-10:39
This isn't the same quality of watch, but the Citizen moon watch I had was almost impossible to understand, even using the loupe supplied with it. All that stuff spinning slowly around with the lines, etc. baffled me completely. Other than that, I think t...  

A beautiful update to this model even though reducing the sky chart is a bit strange...

 
 By: holdemchamp1225 : April 28th, 2020-11:20
I had a chance to spend a day with the 1st gen of this watch and it was truly stunning. Have not seen the 2nd gen so cannot give my personal opinion but looking forward to seeing this 3rd gen and hearing the sound of the repeater. At only 8 pieces and a H... 

A totally gorgeous timepiece.

 
 By: M4 : April 28th, 2020-11:43
The latice-work on the dial is superb even at the expense of a smaller celestial display. A very impressive piece from JLC, I must say. M4

I really like the dial from what I see,

 
 By: K-Lo : April 28th, 2020-12:11
That bird nest shaped metal thing in rose gold is beautiful! The true depth of the dial connotes it’s beauty. That will forgive the thickness. This is what I like to see, hoping to see more inspiration soon.

I am blown away by this watch

 
 By: benlee338 : May 2nd, 2020-02:55
This is incredibly beautiful and my new grail. I try to find the specs on JLC website but there was none. Does anyone know the diameter and thickness?