JLC Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication

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ED209 offers an exclusive look at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication, a timepiece that debuted at SIHH 2010. His detailed post, complete with personal videos and high-quality images, highlights the watch's intricate minute repeater, flying tourbillon, and zodiac calendar. This article provides a valuable, decade-old perspective on a significant JLC grand complication, making its original insights accessible to new enthusiasts.

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On a previous visit to the Jaeger LeCoultre Beverly Hills Boutique I had the pleasure of handling a very special grand complication, the JLC Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication. This watch was introduced two years ago by Jaeger LeCoultre at SIHH 2010 and was the first grand complication presented in the Master Grand Tradition collection. JLC incorporated three complications that showcased their watchmaking expertise: a minute repeater, a flying tourbillon, and a zodiac calendar.

I made this quick video to show the overall dimensions and views of the classically shaped round 18K white gold case.

The movement is a manual wind JLC caliber 945 made of 527 parts. Caliber 945 has to 2 barrels, beats at 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 48 hours. The movements height is fairly thick at 12.62mm.

The Master Grande Tradition is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal that proudly shows off the JLC 945 caliber. You can clearly see the large JLC 'trebuchet hammer'.
It's a little hard to tell from my photos but the movement components are decorated in a sunburst pattern along with circular graining and satin brushed finishing in various areas. I love how JLC finished the movement with blued screws to add a nice visual contrast.

Here's a video with a closer look at the dial and the flying tourbillon:

The dial is just mesmerizing to look at. It has this beautiful iridescent blue color with engraved stars and heavenly celestial space. The flying tourbillon rotates around the dial and completes the full rotation once every 12 hours. This tourbillon is not just a regular tourbillon but it allows the sidereal time to be tracked, which is nearly 4 minutes shorter than the solar day.

If you look closely near the edges of the dial there is a small golden sun that rotates around the outer edges of the dial with the zodiac signs and the indications for the twelve months in the year. This represents mean solar time.

The flying tourbillon utilizes an advanced silicium-escapement that was specially developed by JLC for use with a titanium cage. The whole tourbillon mechanism consists of 73 parts with a 12.42mm diameter and 3.85mm height.

The JLC Master Grande Tradition has a minute repeater mechanism. Usually the sound of a repeater gong is enhanced by the case itself. However Jaeger LeCoultre's master watchmakers created the 'crystal gong' where the gongs are attached to a layer of metallic foil coated on the watches sapphire glass. The repeater is activated by a sliding lever on the left hand side of the case and activates two small hammers. JLC named these the 'trebuchet hammer' system and basically produces a strong, clean, clear and loud tone. I wish I could have recorded the audio of the sonnerie however there were just too many people around to get a good recording.

The front of the watch has a slightly domed sapphire glass and even though it is large at 44mm in diameter, the curved sloping bezel makes it look smaller than it actually is. The Master Grande Tourbillon is still a thick watch at 15.6mm.

This is truly an amazing watch and I want to thank the wonderful JLC BH Boutique staff again for their warm hospitality and for allowing me to handle this extraordinary timepiece.

Regards,
ED-209

Key Points from the Discussion

The Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication, while impressive to study, can be hefty and less comfortable for smaller wrists due to its dimensions, a common characteristic for complicated modern watches.
There are distinct versions of this watch, including a limited 'regular' edition (75 pieces) and a unique white gold piece created for the Venice Film Festival, which features a specific zodiac dial.
The minute repeater's sound is notably loud and clear, capable of being heard across a silent room, a testament to JLC's 'crystal gong' and 'trebuchet hammer' system.
While the dial is considered fabulous, some contributors express a dislike for the dauphine hands, feeling they are out of place on such an intricate and celestial dial.
The Venice unique piece is particularly captivating, with one contributor expressing a strong desire to see it in person.

The Discussion

patrickmaniac

Jul 31, 2012

Thanks for sharing Ed.

Jerome was in SG about 1-2 years back and he brought along this piece. I remembered the excitement and immidiately after his presentation, I moved swiftly to asked if I could have the "1st hand". I had it in my hand and it was quite hefty. Of course it has to be with all the complications! The sound from the repeater was loud enough to go across the room IF it was dead silent. cheers PAt

ED209

Jul 31, 2012

Very cool that you got to see it first hand

Hi Pat, I agree with you, the sound was incredible loud. Thanks for checking out the pics and video. Regards, ED-209

amanico

Jul 31, 2012

A piece of Poetry.

The only thing I don't like is the dauphine hands... I don't feel they are at their place here, on such a dial. This detail apart, the dial is just fabulous. And if you found that the MMR sounds loud, the MGT GC is a neat step above. A great watch. Best, Nicolas

ED209

Jul 31, 2012

The dial is amazing

Thanks Nicholas for your thoughts on Master Grande Tradition. Regards, ED-209

ocwatching

Jul 31, 2012

really regret not making to the event at the Boutique..

probably the only chance in my lifetime to see this piece of art... fantastic photos... and if Nico is right..the gong must be heavenly...

ED209

Jul 31, 2012

There's always awesome pieces whenever we visit

Hi ocwatching, Hope to see you at a future JLC BH Boutique event. Regards, ED-209

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