Collection
BP_SG shares his journey into mechanical watch collecting, culminating in the acquisition of his first piece: a pre-owned Jaeger-LeCoultre Master 8 Days reference 160.84.20. His post not only celebrates this milestone but also seeks community insights into the watch's history and finishing, highlighting the desire for deeper understanding among new collectors.
Hi all, I'm from Singapore,
I have been reading this wonderful and informative forum since mid-2015 and have decided to finally join today=)
After many years saving up as a student, I have bought my 1st mechanical watch: a pre-owned JLC Master 8 Days several months back to celebrate my university graduation.
The 1st mechanical watch that caught my eyes and sparked my interest in them was an A. Lange & Sรถhne Lange 1 Rose Gold watch (love the Grande Date design) when I walked passed a window display of a watch boutique in Singapore few years back.
So when I finally decided to get my 1st mechanical watch, I went to check out the price of a Lange 1, but haha it was way above my budget. However, that didn't stop me, my love for the grande date design lead me to now my favourite watch brand: JLC, as I found out that the earlier Lange 1 Grande Date patent was given to Lange by JLC. This finding lead me to the 70th anniversary JLC Reverso Septantieme which currently is my most favourite rectangular cased watch, the Reverso Septantieme housed the a new Grande Date mechanism that JLC developed as the old patent was given to Lange. But, haha yet again the price of the Reverso Septantieme was way above my budget.
1 months later, I chanced upon a JLC Master 8 Days which caught my eyes when I was looking through a Singapore pre-owned watch forum as it looked like the round version of the Reverso Septantieme as they have the same functions and if I imagine the JLC Master 8 Days with a rectangular Reverso case then surprisingly the image of the Septantieme appears ^^
The JLC Master 8 Days Ref: 160.84.20 hand wound movement (Cal. 877) include hours, minutes, small seconds, date, day/night indicator, and 8 days power reserve indicator all in a 41.5mm stainless steel case. The Cal. 877 was used in the Master Antoine LeCoultre a tribute watch for the 200th anniversary of the birth of its founder (200 pieces in platinum were made). And the Cal. 877 was later used in the Panerai Radiomir 8 Days too.
Till today Iโm still unable to find more history of the JLC Master 8 Days, as there are very few reviews about it online and have only seen a rose gold version of it once here in the JLC forum for the past 6 months, but without much information about it.
Was the JLC Master 8 Days an unpopular watch back then? Was that why since it discontinued in 2010 there is no remake of it and rarely seen it for sale pre-owned and few reviews about it online.
Lastly, does anyone know if the JLC Cal. 877 was a hand finished movement? Is the quality of finish same as the JLC Cal. 876?
It will be much appreciated if fellow members who know the history of this watch can tell me more about it, thanks.
Thank you for reading and sorry for the long post. Have a great week ahead=D
Kindly note: Only the first 3 photos are taken by me of my watch, the rest I have taken from Google image as I was unable to capture the true beauty of the watch clearly with my poor photo taking skills. Enjoy the photos and a big thank you to those who have taken the following beautiful and clear photos. Do let me know if you want them to be taken down, thanks.
Best Wishes,
Brian
The Master Eight Days, reference 160.84.20, is a notable offering within Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Control collection, distinguished by its extended power reserve and a suite of practical complications. This model represents a blend of traditional watchmaking with modern utility, providing a long operational period between windings. It appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated daily wearer with a focus on technical achievement and understated design.
This particular reference features a round case crafted from stainless steel, housing a manual-winding movement. The watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance. Its design prioritizes legibility and functional display, characteristic of the Master Control line's emphasis on precision and reliability.
For collectors, the Master Eight Days 160.84.20 offers a compelling combination of a substantial power reserve and a grand date display, a complication that has historical ties to Jaeger-LeCoultre's technical contributions. It serves as an accessible entry point to watches featuring advanced power management and multiple indications, without the more elaborate designs found in other JLC collections.
Great watch to celebrate your graduation and very nice first post Once more welcome and keep posting Sincerely Damjan
Thanks a lot for the warm welcome ^^ Best Regards, Brian
I owned this Jaeger Master 8 days as it was, for me and when I did my choice, a nice alternative to the Reverso Grande Date 8 days that I found too big (both case size and thickness. Nevertheless, I owned one too finally ;-) I know that is strange to compare a rectangular case to a round one but... This JLC Master offers a great dial equilibrium between all functions IMHO and a very nice back with its "sun rays" decoration. Just one drawback, the hairspring is too small and seems lost. I think y
Hi Alkiro, I have actually considered the Reverso Grande Date 8 Days too. However, like you I found it too big for me as I have a small wrist and it also lacks the Day/Night indicator which I loved on the Reverso Septantieme, so in the end I had to pass it. Thanks for the warm welcome=) Best Regards, Brian
Enjoy it Best wishes Alkiro
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