Jaeger-LeCoultre

Here are the bare dimensions:  44 mm diameter and 16mm thickness, but the watch wears easier than the dimensions suggest given its short lug-to-lug distance of 53mm.

The overall case feels similar in wearability to an AMVOX2, for those who have had the pleasure of wearing one. 

This case is a Titanium alloy, which so far appears to be quite durable and scratch resistant.  It also makes this watch comfortable to wear given the larger size.

For me, I have caught the skeleton or squelette bug, and so the dial design fit the bill. 

Regarding the previous generation Master Minute Repeater, I find this version to be an improvement in refinement. The case shape is less boxy and flat compared to the predecessor.  This is seen best on the bezel and lugs.  

As for the dial, I much prefer the gold accents which help with legibility, and the use of dauphine hands over the baton hands.  Again, for me, a more refined take in this generation.

Comparing to other skeleton minute repeaters, there isn’t a lot of competition to begin with.  However, I find the design of the JLC to be more “youthful” compared to say the PP 5303 or VC 30030.

I purchased this watch with the intent of keeping it longer term. Of course, watch grails can change depending on how the wind blows, but I felt it important to hunt this piece down and keep it my permanent collection.  

So far, I have had good experiences with JLC servicing. While the repair times can be months (I am nearly 9 months from waiting for my JLC Extreme Lab 2), I have been satisfied with the work completed and the cost of servicing is reasonable.  I am fortunate to have access to a JLC boutique within a 20 min drive from home.  

This is a weak point of this watch. I would say that the watch is finished well but it is done by machine.  I would have liked to see a higher level of finishing given the original price point and the movement complexity deserves something better.  It’s a good thing that the dial is complex and interesting in itself to offset this.

This was made in a limited edition of just 100 pieces for this metal.  In comparison the previous JLC master minute repeater was an edition of 200. 

The truly limited production does make finding one hard (and fun) and gives the owner a feeling that they own something precious. 

I believe when this watch was released the retail price was between 160-180K USD.   It is possible to get this watch, if you can find one, on the secondary market for close to half the retail, which is in my opinion a bargain of a find in a good way.

I am not sure if I am the minority of folks, but the insane pricing of current offerings is really pricing me out of the market.  I remember the days when I sold my FPJ bleu for 17K USD and could have bought a FPJ centigraphe for 45k!  And so, I am waiting and hopeful of a bubble, and until then I will continue to hunt watches which I see as having a high value to price ratio. 

Thanks for reaching the end and reading.

Best

Cholack