JLC Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater Van Gogh

amanico · 2019-04-10T02:45:52Z

Explore the JLC Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater Van Gogh "Starry Night on the Rhone." Debate on automatic movement vs. manual wind for high complications.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

33 replies4986 views5 photos

Amanico's review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Minute Repeater Van Gogh "Starry Night on the Rhone" sparks a lively debate among collectors. While the exquisite enamel dial and superb chiming mechanism receive high praise, the choice of an automatic movement and its finishing become a point of contention. This discussion highlights the nuanced expectations for high-complication timepieces.

There are many good things to say about the MGT Minute Repeater Van Gogh " Starry Night on the Rhone ".

First of all, you have a very nice case, with the Master Grande Tradition, which has the good taste to be 39 mm big, and not too thick ( 12, 2 mm high ). Perfect for my taste.

Then, a superb dial, in enamel. Of course it is a matter of taste, and I am more fan of simple enamel dials, but we can't deny the talent of the Master Enameler behind this dial.

Another primordial point, this Minute Repeater sounds exquisitely. At least the three I could hear since its introduction, two or three years ago. Loud enough, and most importantly, with a rich tone.

Now, there is a thing I totally dislike, the idea of having an automatic movement which is not exceptional, at the contrary of the Hybris Mechanica 11 which is a pure feast.

Here, the Cal 942 doesn't receive any special decoration, nor finishings... And THAT is something I dislike. Ìn a watch of this level, or you find a very nice automatic movement, or you go manual.

That is something Jaeger Lecoultre should avoid. A Minute Repeater still is an extraordinary and exclusive complication which should be treated accordingly, in my opinion.

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch features a superb enamel dial depicting Van Gogh's "Starry Night on the Rhone," showcasing exceptional talent from the Master Enameler, though some prefer simpler enamel designs.
The minute repeater function sounds exquisitely, with sufficient loudness and a rich tone, a critical aspect for such a complication.
The inclusion of an automatic movement (Caliber 942) with no special decoration or finishing is a significant point of dislike for some collectors, who argue that a watch of this caliber should feature a highly finished automatic or a manual movement.
The automatic winding serves a practical purpose for a sonnerie, as it helps keep the watch chiming hourly without constant manual winding, which can quickly drain the mainspring.
Some contributors clarify that the watch is not just a minute repeater but also a sonnerie, which strikes at will (en passant) in addition to on-demand, requiring more power and making an automatic movement more functional.
The primary emphasis of this watch appears to be on the intricate enamel dial work rather than the movement's decoration, leading to differing opinions on the movement's finishing.

The Discussion

ChristianDK

Apr 10, 2019

I was in heaven until I saw the backside. The dial, the case, the size and above all the complication are just perfect but then the caliber devaluates this very complete package.

kev09

Apr 10, 2019

....ultimately that is a beautiful watch. I’d almost cut off one of my ears to own that. Thanks for showing it. Regards Kev.

ZSHSZ

Apr 10, 2019

To me it sims that they wanted to emphasize the enamel work not the movement... Automatic minute repeater it’s a no-no for me as well , I prefer manual all day long , somehow the automatic cheapens the watch in my opinion. But with all this faults I would probably find a slot for it in my watch box . 😜

Apr 10, 2019

Agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments you gents are expressing. M4

Centurionone

Apr 10, 2019

Was it to keep costs down so the price point is more affordable?

tactictac

Apr 10, 2019

When I had lent them the painting to copy in enamel, I had suggested to them to edit it manually but they did not follow me... LOL

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