Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph 145.8.31

KMII · 2017-11-05T07:01:53Z

Discover the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph 145.8.31, a 1990s mecha-quartz marvel. Explore its ultra-thin 34mm case and unique Caliber 630 movement.

KMII

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

34 replies8883 views1 photos

KMII's intriguing discovery of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph 145.8.31 sheds light on a unique chapter in JLC's history. This article delves into the watch's distinctive mecha-quartz Caliber 630 movement and its remarkably thin profile, prompting a discussion among collectors about its place in horological innovation and collectibility. KMII's post highlights a piece that challenges conventional notions of luxury watchmaking.

While browsing watch related stuff online - I guess I am not alone in that affliction - I accidentally stumbled across the 145.8.31 that entered the JLC portfolio in 1993 if I am not mistaken and was still on sale in 2003 (maybe even later).

Whether it is one of the more elegant chronographs of the decade may be in the eyes of the beholder but it appears to be one of the thinnest ones. 34mm x 8mm would count as ultra thin for a time only watch today, let alone a chronograph.

Already part of the 1000 hour Master Control generation (seen some with the appropriate golden logo on the case back and some with a display case back) it hides a feature not much in vogue at JLC today - namely its Cal. 630, 25 jewel movement. An example of the mecha-quartz developments from the time, with a quartz base but a mechanical chronograph operation (to amongst other things ensure an almost instantaneous reset), it probably forms an era Swiss brands would rather forget nowadays.

Picture from: Touch of Modern

Still I have to say I find it extremely convincing visually, the slender profile and classical size, combined with some lovely details like the red tipped chrono and running seconds hands, the red date font or the patinated lume dots definitely work for me. As for the movement, it may be the red headed step child but in a way it adds an interesting chapter to the story of the watch, too.

What do you think?

Have a great Sunday!

Key Points from the Discussion

The JLC Master Control Chronograph 145.8.31, despite its hybrid mecha-quartz movement, is considered a beautiful chronograph that deserves recognition, especially given its historical context alongside similar IWC models.
The mecha-quartz movement, combining a quartz base with mechanical chronograph operation, ensures an instantaneous reset and a smooth chronograph sweep, distinguishing it from purely quartz chronographs.
While the mecha-quartz movement and 34mm size are deal-breakers for some collectors, the watch's slender profile, classical size, and subtle details like red-tipped hands and patinated lume dots are visually compelling.
Servicing mecha-quartz movements can be challenging, with some brands opting to offer discounts on new watches rather than repairing older quartz-based movements, which can be disappointing for owners with emotional attachments.
The IWC Fliegerchronograph Ref. 3741, sharing the same JLC-made movement, is a notable cousin, with one contributor sharing a positive experience of free repair for a mechanical chronograph module issue.
The difficulty in finding information about mecha-quartz movements suggests that brands may prefer to downplay this era of their history, making detailed research challenging for enthusiasts.

The Discussion

MCG (Markus)

Nov 5, 2017

But, -quarz combined with -34mm case (even for me simply too small) and -too narrow chronograph layout for such a small watch, is simply too much to take... 😉

rene1

Nov 5, 2017

Although I perfectly understand MCG's point of view, I find it a beautiful chrono and I think it deserves some space on PP. Obviously from a today's point of view it has no sense to produce such a hybrid movement. I personally own its cousin, the IWC "Fliegerchronograph", ref 3741. The first of its IWC family. I bought it in 1991 and still today I love to wear it. I usually wear it when travelling for work, when I need a watch that goes under the radar. If I'm not wrong at that time IWC and JLC

rene1

Nov 5, 2017

By the way, this version has a 36 mm case.

KMII

Nov 5, 2017

That 34mm and quartz were going to raise dissent I was pretty certain about

KMII

Nov 5, 2017

Great post, Rene1! Quite curious to see what other gems you have in your collection 👍🏻

KMII

Nov 5, 2017

Thanks for the picture! Just out of curiosity, do the running seconds and the chrono seconds hand move in one second intervals?

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph 145.8.31

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