Jaeger-LeCoultre

Part One: Watch Training Masterclass

Mysteriously, 2 white domes, somewhat similar to a certain item of ladies undergarment appeared in front of the open space in the middle of town in Singapore, at Orchard Road's Ngee Ann City Shopping Centre. Curiousity got the better of me and I strayed too close to the main entrance and a strong vortex sucked me into another realm... Holy Smokes! It was Le Sentier descended onto Orchard Rd. Well I always wanted to visit the Vallee de Joux and having a portal at the entrance my fave shopping mecca suited me just fine what lies ahead though?

the takeaway from both classes is that A LOT goes into these mechanical watches, from the assembly of the parts, to the finishing of all the large and tiny bits of the movement, and it totally makes you appreciate your fine mechanical timepieces so much more which is all good with me wonderful way to learn more about the watchmakers art and craft and hopefully spread the passion. oh and make sure you have a JLC in the collection as they make damn fine movements and watches

my sincere thanks to the kind folks at JLC for having me... Stephane, Xavier, Rachel, Alethea, Garina... our class teachers Frank, Chong, Dominique et al and Jaw at Le Club and Horomundi... it was an absolute treat (look out for part 2 coming soon... )

Part Trois: Fellowships of the watch

Seems you had great time, my friend.

Yes, Stephane Belmont and all the JLC team is impressive in their kindness and disponibility, can't agree more with you on this point.

I really think that the Gyro II is not only the watch ofr the year, but that its place must be in the Pantheon of Horology,

But I can't forget the Gyro I, as the First one, of course, but as also THE Grande Complication it is, which is not the case for the Gyro II.

So, alas, I rather think that the Gyro I and II are complementary...Wait a minute, my banker is calliing...LOL

So you also saw a 8 Days Peprertual Calendar Skeleton? ...This is a rare, a very rare bird, my friend, in platinum, as htis year, they also made in in Rose Gold for the 1833 Edition...( 175th Anniversary of the Manufacture ).

I absolutely love this watch! Well, with time, you get used to read the hour on this watch, and you don't have problem for it...

That is just another true masterpiece, my friend.

I would like to end my answer by giving you a Huge Thank you, my friend, for this brilliant series of posts.

Best to you, Raph!

Nicolas

Hey Nicolas

It was a most excellent time indeed. The JLC team were really great. The Gyro II is just too amazing. its beauty and substance and I agree with your sentiments. it deserves all the watch honors coming its way and then some... the Gyro 1 as you mentioned is still a strong watch and there are definitely many who would prefer it to the Gyro 2 given the choice for the reasons mentioned.

many gorgeous watches there which is proof of JLCs strength in its breadth of offering.

you're most welcome on all counts Nicolas. thanks to you too for all that you do on the forums

cheers
raph

You also are very active on fora...

And make such interesting posts which feed our passion in a very great way, my friend...

Always a pleasure to read you.

Best.
Nicolas

The Master Class is a very good opportunity to realize how difficult the watchmaker job can be. Difficult to make a correct assembly without too many scrathes, to handle those small parts, to work with a "basic" saw, basic file, make a rough finishing...
 Making it look nice and possibly quickly... This is a real job !

Thanks again for the photos !

Christian.

Hey Christian, the masterclasses really lets you appreciate hand finished and hand assembled movements a whole lot more. it was great and i recommend it for anyone keen to learn a bit more about what goes in to their expensive time pieces.

cheers
raph

thanks for posting a great report. It looks like a great experience and clearly you enjoyed it - I cant wait to try it myself. And what an exhibit, you really saw all the marvels of JLC in one place - lucky guy.

all the best

COD

Yes, sorry about that, as I should have mention it : I had this great opportunity to attend the Masterclass last year in Paris.

My remark was more general as I consider it is important that the watch lovers do realize at some point what is behind a watch. How tiny are the pieces, how difficult it is to make a basic finishing... I feel very important to educate people so that they can make the difference between some basic stuff and enhanced horology

I Paris we had to disassemble partially the Reverso Grande Date movement. No finishing, just half a day to disassemble and reassemble. Well, in fact, I am quite used to this kind of exercise as I am learning watchmaking at night class for about 4 years, but that was my first experience with a well decorated complicated and modern movement. I am still thankful to JLC to have make it possible. And I feel sincerely happy for all of those who can attend !

Christian

Hi,

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience at this event.  Apparently fascinating and very pleasing.

JLC is definitely a company that wants to share with its fans and customers.

I'm glad you could and we can get so much fun with them!

Cheers

Dje

(nt)