This year, JLC launched a new Family the Master Grande Tradition, with 2 first members, the Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon, and the Minute Repeater.
As Jerome made an impressive post about the Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon, I will speak, here, of the Minute Repeater.
Even if they belong to the same family, these 2 watches are very different.
1st of all, the case of the Minute Repeater is bigger ( 2 mm more ) and thicker, too, which has an impact on the shape of the lugs, and on the whole watch.
I asked to JLC is there was a reason to that, and I was told that with the all the complications used in the Caliber 947 ( essentially the 15 Days Power Reserve, and of course, the Minute Repeater ), it was nit possible to house them in a smaller and thinner case.
But compared to the Master Minute Repeater, the case of the Master Grande Tradition version presents a sweeter shape, essentially when we look at the lugs of these 2 models.
Here, the Titanium MMR:
And here, the MGT MInute Repeater:
The MGT Minute Repeater is only available in YG, while the case of the MGT Pepreptual Calendar is also made in RG and in Platinum.
Both are limited editions in YG: 100 pieces for the MGT Minute Repeater, 300 for the Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon.
But my logical guess is that JLC will offer in the years to come some variations in Rose Gold and Platinum.
JLC obviously played the card of the Elegance, with these 2 members of this new family.
Elegance, and Tradition, as well.
The main and important noticeable difference between the MMR and this new Minute Repeater is that this latest one offers a Regulator display.
So, the hands of the Hours and the Minutes ( Dauphine, another reference to the Tradition of " La Grande Maison " ) are disconnected, while classicaly they are coaxial.
This esthetical choice is also interesting in terms of accuracy, as it does echo to the innovative escapement wheel and lever, made in diamond coated silicium, as if JLC wanted to associate the Form and the Function.
As the dial is the most visible part of this all new watch, let's see some macros, now.
As I was viewing the Press File Pic ( 1st pic posted in this topic ), and comparing it with the watch I saw in the flesh , I had the surprise to notice a substantial difference in the finish of the dial.
On the watch presented in the Press File pic, the Second Counter, located in the Grainé part of the dial, has a circular finish, while the Hour counter, in the smooth part of the dial, has a grainé finish, which in both cases, is a gorgeous esthetical choice, by enhancing the contrast, the opposition between these 2 differently finished zones.
Here, the detailed pics of the Press File:
Sadly, I didn't find this finish on the Prototypes presented during the SIHH, as both counters are circular finished:
But my guess ( and hope ) is that things may change when JLC will release the final Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater...
As you can see in the previous pics, the finish of the 2 parts of the dial ( hobnail, and smooth ) is equally important, while, on the PC tourbillon, only a third of the dial receives the hobnail finish.
It adds to the quite perfect geometry and balance of the dial.
Quite perfect, because the only assymetric detail is the opening on the Torquemeter indicator, to let show the 2 hammers.
While it is plain on the Power Reserve indicator:
I have mixed feelings about this opening.
This is certainly a bad thing for the geometry and the whole balance of the dial, but this is always good to see these hammer playing their partition, don't you think?
The dial is very legible, once you're used to read time on a regulator.
I'm positively impressed by the feeling of high degree of finish and quality of this dial, as well the MGT PC Tourbillon, too.
If JLC changed the esthetic of the Minute Repeater, they also enhanced the mouvement, and the complication of this superb watch.
Here a pic of the see through case back, letting show the Cal 947 R ( R standing for Regulator or Research? I'll have to ask ).
And here, the movement, alone:
So, what's new, in this movement?
A higher degree of finish, compared to the first MMRs, with a splendid hand engraved Balance Cock:
Then, the 2d new and important thing is the progressive square section of the gongs, designed to increase the volume, the duration, and the transmission of the sound.
Pics of my MMR Titanium:
And now, the pics of the MGT Minute Repeater: ( Please note that these pics were taken on proto movements, so the finish is far from being definitive )
Aren't that beautiful sculptures, and promises of a nice Melody?
Last but not least, the 3rd detail is about the special escapement, with a diamond coated silicium wheel and lever, which can be seen through the integrated magnifying glass.
As you can see, this movement is quite impressive, in terms of finish.
JLC did an awesome job on the " regular " Caliber 947, to enhance its performances and Beauty.
And the final test is the biggest part of the Pleasure...
The Wrist Shot:
A big, terrific presence on the wrist.
I would see it perfect in platinum, and to give you an idea of its ( for the moment ) virtual Beauty, here is a shot of its sister, the MGT Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon in this metal:
To say all, Jerome was ( and still is ) a big fan of the MGT Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon, while I slightly prefer the MGT Minute Repeater for its symmetrical and quite perfectly balanced dial.
What is your take?
Best.
Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-02-04 11:58:41 This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-02-08 00:54:26 
