Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite Dial

amanico · 2014-12-08T00:00:39Z

First look at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar with a stunning meteorite dial, a pre-SIHH 2015 release. Discover its design and collector reactions.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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amanico offers an exclusive preview of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar with a new meteorite dial, ahead of SIHH 2015. This post delves into the historical significance of calendar watches for JLC, tracing their lineage from the late 19th century to the modern era. amanico's insights provide valuable context for this exciting new iteration of a classic reference.

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Hi all,

In avant première, and for your eyes only, the new Master Calendar has a new dial.

To stay objective, the Master Calendar is not a new Watch.

In 2012, it was revisited by Jaeger Lecoultre, with a reworked case, bezel, and dial.

It came in stainless steel and rose gold. And it got a more classic, not to say more refined, look.

2012, back to the Classics:

Calendars are a kind of tradition, for Lecoultre and Jaeger-Lecoultre.

We find them as soon as the end of the 19th Century with such watches as those:

Circa 1890: Annual Calendar, with retrograde date:

Circa 1895: Grande Complication, displaying a perpetual calendar:

1934, another perpetual calendar:

Without forgetting that Jaeger Lecoultre also made some delicious calendar watches, such as these 2, in the Fourties.

Or, in a more recent past, these 2 sublime expressions:

Without forgetting the Perpetual Calendars 8 Days, Skeleton, or not, enamel or not, and the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Quantieme Perpetuel, Jubilé or not... And the Reverso à Triptyque!

So, no, we cannot consider the new Master Calendar as a total novelty.

BUT the dial is really something!

Made from a Meteorite found in Sweden, cut in fine slices, then reworked by the Manufacture, such a dial works very well with a moonphase. It makes echo to the spirit and the feeling provided by a moonphase.

A superb photo, provided by GettyImages:

A part / touch of Space, which I find very inspired and inspiring.

Here is the Stainless steel version, which is my favourite:

And the rose gold:

We have to keep in mind that the case is 39 mm big, 10, 6 mm high, and that the automatic movement housed in this Watch is the Cal 866, offering a power reserve of 43 hours.

That being said, how do you feel it?

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel? Do you have a favourite?

To tell you all, I am very happy to see Jaeger Lecoultre using these meteorite dials. I am just wishing that they will think about installing them in other watches, too.

What about a Duometre à Quantieme Lunaire with a meteorite dial? Hmmm?

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-08 00:02:30 This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-08 00:06:23 This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-08 00:41:40 This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-11 22:38:09

Key Points from the Discussion

The meteorite dial significantly enhances the Master Calendar, adding a modern touch that was previously missing and making the watch more dynamic and appealing.
The meteorite dial creates an almost 3D effect, adding depth to the watch, and the stainless steel version is particularly favored for its natural class.
The steel version is preferred for its aesthetic and the blue pointer on the date hand, with the unique patterns of meteorite dials suggesting a desire for choice among multiple pieces.
While appreciating the meteorite dial, a dream enhancement would be a white metal moon phase on a lapis blue sky with intricate metalwork, possibly in a platinum version.
Meteorite dials, and grey dials generally, tend to pair better with white metals, and seeing the watch in person is crucial for a definitive judgment.
The introduction of an 'extra-terrestrial' meteorite dial is new territory for JLC, raising questions about its long-term appeal compared to classic designs and hoping it doesn't detract from new, affordable models.

The Discussion

massi.

Dec 8, 2014

Great combination of colors!

I prefer the steel version, much close to my taste, and, IMHO, a better result: very nice the blue pointer on the date hand... The measures are good, I think it will be a pleasure not only for the eyes but also for the wrist... With this kind of dial, it would be nice to choice the watch from more than one single piece... meteorite dials are very different one from another, so... looking for the most beautiful!!! Thank you very much for this great news Nico! Best, massi

amanico

Dec 8, 2014

I hope we'll see a few other watches with such a dial, too. Thanks, Massi. [nt]

pplater

Dec 9, 2014

What was wonderfully cohesive...

...now seems less so. :-( Apologies to those who disagree; beauty, of course, is largely a subjective attribute. Cheers, pplater.

amanico

Dec 9, 2014

It is always good to have contrary opinions, it wouldn't be fun, otherwise. Thanks. [nt]

hs111

Dec 8, 2014

This is indeed exactly, what JLC stands for: elegance, balance & class !.. :))

.. I still am in love with these cal.- watches, and I cherish my three, watches, ( one Vintage, two mod), that have this natural class, without being too much . That dial is superb, the meteorite apparently contributing to an almost 3D effect, or depth- generation.. My fav stays the stainless steel, and I definitely will try, to see one, next year. - absolutely love the dial !! Guess, these are watches, that gain even more in the real ! Fine, very fine pieces ! - Something to keep in mind for 20

amanico

Dec 8, 2014

I will try to see it in the flesh asap, and will keep you updated.

Yes, I do like this idea a lot. Thanks for your feedback, my friend. Best, Nicolas

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite Dial

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