Jaeger-LeCoultre

Dear JLC:

Today I eagerly went to an AD to purchase my first JLC: the Master Calender or Master Hometime. I left empty handed. Why? Case size.

Bigger is not better. At least not with impish 6.25 inch "girly" wrists like mine. A Master Calendar on my wrist looks like I'm a little kid trying on daddy's watch. And the Master Hometime, well, the lugs span the entire width of my wrist.

So you did not sell a watch to me today (not a big deal for you) and my tiny wrist remains lonely (big deal for me).

I adore your timepieces, I have for 4 years now. But alas, the 40mm case is an irreconcilable difference and we must part ways.

:(

Goodbye,
Stuart

Or, if you really want a great watch, purchase a NOS Master Perpetual in steel with either black dial on black strap (sexy), or silver dial on navy strap (business chic)?
Also available will be NOS Master Moon (which I own), which is full calendar in a 1950's dial layout.
-Dean

Prior to my trip to the AD I was in love with the RDM. But after seeing the dial of the Master Calendar with its happy moon phase indicator peeking out at me, I'm not so sure anymore. The RDM seems a bit plain compared to other options...and I mean that in the kindest way since we are still talking about a striking timepiece.

Perhaps my consciousness was "raised" so to speak by the AD visit and I'm more aware of what I like, but can't have now. ;)

Also, the AD I visited said the RDM in 37mm is being discontinued, and they will have trouble procuring one. Thankfully, there are several AD's in my area (San Francisco) and perhaps they will have an easier time.

Regards,
Stuart

...small-wristed fellows (I have even thinner wrists than you), don't forget there are still many classic JLCs at more conservative case sizes.  The discontinued master series moonphase, perpetual and geographic are all 37-38mm in diameter and personally their understated styling is more to my taste.
 
Don't forget the old buried treasures like the Grand Taille Sun Moon and other Reversos. 

Think about it this way - while the "market" is running after the newer and bigger watches, that just leaves more of these classics for us.  Good luck in your hunt, and don't give up on JLC!!


- Daniel

Stultus, it is unfortunate that you too are in the small wrists boat like I, but it is good to know that you have found a way to have your love of JLC and small wrists coexist. It gives me hope. ;)

I looked at the Reversos when I was at the AD and I found them too big. Or, for the medium sized Reversos, they lacked complications. I went online and looked-up the Sun Moon (wow!) you had suggested  in your post and found the length was 42 mm. Too long. Maybe I was looking at the wrong one?

I am intrigued by your suggestions of going the for the older but still new-in-box 37-38mm models. My AD hinted that this wasn't possible. Maybe you could give me more suggestions on models to consider and let me know a good AD that might be able to help me? My private email is stuart [at] whamcat dot com.

Thank you,
Stuart

length at 42mm is about right but bear in mind that is from the tips of the lugs so it wears MUCH smaller so definately worth a closer look if your AD has the same case size in just to see the size on your wrist.
I have just picked up my Grande Sun Moon (thread is on page 1with some great pics if i do say so myself..:o)...!!!) and this from the tips of the lugs is 47mm but you will see from the wrist shot it doesn't look big on my 6 1/2 - 6 3/4" wrist.
I also found the Master Calendar far too big, I was after a moon phase but I am now over the moon (excuse the pun) with my GSM.
Happy hunting,
Andy.

I just bought a new old stock Master Geographic, and my local AD has a brand new Master Moon. PM me for the dealer. (Hint: It's in Calabasas, CA and begins with a "P") ;>)

You can find some beautiful examples of very lightly worn Master Grande Taille's, Perpetuals, Master Moon's etc. They're all stunning to look at and to wear, being a little understated compared to the new models.

For exactly the same reason of a very small wrist, I asked my AD to find a SS Master Perpetual. He found a preworn mint-like condition, which now resides in my collection.  :-)

Don't feel bad. I've got a 7 inch wrist and I thought the Master Calendar looked far to big and bulky. Go get a NOS Reverso Sun Moon. The RG version (in the GT case) is an absolute classic. BTW, I immediately thought of the Radiohead song 'Let Down' when I saw your post. Best regards, John NYC