remarque
807
Initial observations on the new master control release
Apr 26, 2020,12:53 PM
As a longtime advocate of strong journeyman watches with modern movements and timeless elegant simple design:
I find the basic three hand/date master iteration decent, but wonder why the move from 39 to 40mm case? (The new case silhouette is lovely) My steel TTGeophysic 1958 from 2014, with thin bezel, wears large at 38.5mm and the new case, with thinner bezel, should likewise wear large. Does anyone else recall that when the TTG was released, there was criticism by some not about the automatic movement, but that it was too large at 38.5mm? Need to see in person to judge the overall look on (my) wrist. The silver on silver hands on dial may have legibility issues as well. But, most perplexing, is, with the new movement/70 hour pr and 5 bar wr, why is the seconds hand not hacking? For an everyday work watch, this is a definite lapse.
The master calendar, from the side profile shows how posteriorly offset the crown is on the case. Why is it not centered? Is the movement module that bulky? I find it inelegant. The date pointer with the jlc logo is clever.
Similarly, the master chronograph calendar, shows the chrono pushers are not aligned with the crown, another tell of the non-integrated movement. Finally, call me a details man, but I still find the chrono subdial diameters on virtually all modern chronographs too large -- the vintage chronos, with smaller subdials, may have been less legible, but seem more refined and and elegant from a design/proportions perspective.
For all these models, the simple date and more fancy calendar models, it also is odd that there is no mention of jumping date(s) in all the descriptions. In today's age, a modern movement should have jumping dates, days, months, etc. If these models do having jumping calendar changes, why was this not included in the descriptions?
JLC continues to insist on excess verbiage a la the "Automatique" label. Why? I guess someone high up in the chain thinks it looks classy, especialy with the "que" spelling
And of course, I do wish, as ever, we would hear more, no something/anything, of substance from Mme Renier during these peculiar times.
I do look forward to seeing them in person. Be well and safe. M