JLC Master Grande Ultra Thin Date Steel SIHH 2015

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amanico provides an insightful first look at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Ultra Thin Date in stainless steel, unveiled at SIHH 2015. Building on the success of its rose gold predecessor, this post examines the steel version's elegance, dimensions, and the enduring appeal of its Caliber 899 movement.

In 2014, JLC unveiled the MUT Date, in rose gold.

The full article on this Watch is here:

jlc.watchprosite.com

It was quite expected that a stainless steel model came, this year, as the market is in love with automatic movements and dates.

If you add a superb case, then, you may have a hit.

So, without big surprise, JLC unveils the steel version.

Here you have a 40 mm case, 7, 45 mm high, which is not, by far, the thinner case, but which is not the less elegant one.

The movement is, let's remind that, the famous Cal 899. Reliable, accurate, well built.

Compared to the rose gold version, the steel is more understated. Very elegant.

I regret the date, which is, moreover, a bit too centered.

But I don't belong to the Market Statistics.

Here are the the live pictures I could take at the SIHH.

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-03-01 00:15:35 This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-03-04 00:11:27

Key Points from the Discussion

The stainless steel version is praised for its understated elegance compared to the rose gold, with the date disc's color matching the dial to minimize obtrusiveness.
The case design, particularly the bezel's angle and the proportions of the horns, is highlighted as enduring and classic, suggesting it should be adopted across the Master line.
While appreciating the overall aesthetic, some contributors express reservations about the date window's placement, suggesting it might be better at 3 o'clock or omitted entirely for a cleaner dial.
The 40mm case size is considered a 'big MUT' (Master Ultra Thin) and a potential indicator of future design shifts in the Master line, with the author suggesting JLC might be on the verge of a 'revolution' in its Master cases.
The rose gold version is preferred by some for its 'warmer' appearance, prompting a suggestion for a steel version with gold hour markers to combine the best of both worlds.
The date window's central placement is noted as 'a little too central and looks odd' by one collector, who finds the 38.5mm version with a subdial more balanced.

The Discussion

NT931

Mar 1, 2015

Somehow the subdial in the 38.5mm adds balance, whereas this date window is a little too central and looks odd. Plus 40mm is still a touch big, while the 38.5mm is near-perfect!

amanico

Mar 1, 2015

Like you, I am not fan about the Date, in general, and this Watch is no exception. ;) Now, about the case, I am currently thinking that 34, 38, 39 mm are great MUT cases. Above, JLC should switch and adopt the case for the new Master Control line. Back to the real MUTs, 38 and 39 mm are two different cases, if you look at their respective profile. I euqally love both of them. Best, Nicolas

jml_watches

Mar 1, 2015

Hi It does look good - but not convinced about the date - might have been better at 3, or perhaps not at all. Surprisingly for me I prefer the rose gold version as it comes across as being a bit "warmer", not sure if that because of the dial or the rose gold. What might be nice would be a steel version with gold hour markers. Cheers JML

emcquillan

Mar 1, 2015

that won't break the bank or draw undesired attention at work. I have grown tired of the date window as well with some exceptions like the Dato or modern Submariner, but this placement isn't too bad at all. A nice watch.

amanico

Mar 1, 2015

so, for those who additionally want a nice case, this is the one. For others, there are smaller MUTs... All is not lost! ;) Best, Nicolas

watchme

Mar 2, 2015

I have the rose version and LOVE it! I was wearing the MGUT 40mm for a year or so and kept looking for the date, so, from a business standpoint, I MUCH prefer this one. I know that these are prototype pics, but 2 things I DO really like: 1) the seconds are the same color as all other indices, 2) it appears the date disc is pretty close in color to the dial, so it's not too obtrusive (IMO). I prefer the date at 6 o'clock, giving the dial perfect balance and symmetry. I also agree with you, Nicola

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JLC Master Grande Ultra Thin Date Steel SIHH 2015

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