Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication: A Three-Generation Evolution

amanico · 2020-04-28T09:37:08Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication's evolution across three generations, featuring an orbital flying tourbillon, minute repeater, and sky chart. Discover collector insights on its design and technical mastery.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico's insightful post delves into the evolution of one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's most complex creations: the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication. His detailed comparison of the three generations, highlighting changes in case design and dial aesthetics, provides a crucial reference for understanding this horological marvel. This article offers a unique perspective on how JLC refines its grand complications over time, making it a valuable read for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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

Key Points from the Discussion

The filigree on the new dial, while beautiful and adding three-dimensional depth, might detract from the legibility and astronomical purpose of the sky chart.
The new lattice-work on the dial is superb, even if it means a smaller celestial display, and represents a very impressive piece from JLC.
The first generation of the Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication was truly stunning in person, and the high price point of the third generation (340,000€ without VAT) firmly places it in 'grail-style' territory.
The 'bird nest shaped metal thing' (filigree) in rose gold is beautiful, and the true depth of the dial helps to forgive the watch's thickness.
The name 'Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication' seems somewhat redundant, despite the watch's technical brilliance.
The new model is incredibly beautiful and represents a new grail for some collectors, prompting inquiries about its specific diameter and thickness, which were not immediately available on the JLC website.

The Discussion

mdg

Apr 28, 2020

...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.

cazalea

Apr 28, 2020

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 the new JLC is truly beautiful and a technical masterpiece. It seems that the filigree is used for 3-dimensional lifting up of the sky part of the dial. (I've been watching Columbo too much) Just one more thing -- is that really the name? "Jaeger

holdemchamp1225

Apr 28, 2020

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 HUGE price, this is a Grail-style piece which will remain a watch I admire but will never own as their are so many other options at this price point of 340.000€ (without VAT) 🤷‍♂️

Apr 28, 2020

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

K-

K-Lo

Apr 28, 2020

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.

benlee338

May 2, 2020

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?

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