Jaeger-LeCoultre

Certainly not as small as the wonderful Caliber 101 posted below, but just as certainly in the established tradition, the
ultra-thin Cal. 849 originated in 1994 and is 9 lignes (about 21mm) and a mere 1.85mm thick.  Like the 101, JLC have not just
 created a miniature movement, they have managed to make it reliable and practical, in this case fitting it into a 5.4mm thick
watch designed specifically to support such a thin movement and protect it from bumps, bending and even water (the watch is
 rated 5 atmospheres!).


Recently back in the spotlight as a result  of being alternately supersized and automated, the original Master Ultra Thin
remains pretty much a perfect dress watch, with an elegant time-only display, gorgeous and well-engineered case, and a
movement designed and finished to a far higher standard than most.  This platinum version dates from 2001 and sports a
deep slate-blue sunburst dial and pleasant heft for such a waferine watch.


A much more thorough and technically informed review was posted by ei8htohms ( click here ) several years ago, I highly
recommend it!









This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-08-19 23:14:49 This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-08-24 07:51:35

Thanks for posting these gorgeous photos of the original MUT 34 mm.  This model still gets to me.  I have waffled on the MUT because of it size, which is small by today's standards.  But I am unsure of how I feel about the recasing of the amazing movement in the 38mm case.  I think I would prefer the original casing if I can convince myself it is not too small.  Clearly I need to try this one on in the 34mm size. 

In any case, these photos make me drool. In particular, we do not get to see the platinum version very often, and it is a stunner.   Is this one yours?  Thanks again for the refresher.

respo

YMMV of course, and my wrist is fairly small (6.5") but relatively wide and flat...

(& yes, the watch is mine)

The 34mm size has some benefits, being that the movement was designed along with case, so it is perfect fit (rather
than IMO too small), and also the proportions of the watch are really wonderfully synchronized, diameter, thickness,
lugs, bezel...they all work together beautifully!  Also, the open and uncluttered dial and narrow bezel make the watch
wear larger than its diameter would suggest.  While there may be a place for the larger versions, I think the original is in
 no way obsoleted.

Here is another pic to help you decide:

I find myself wearing the watch beyond for the 'dress' occasion (at least for my model/color). It is really quite versatile and never a problem requiring that special shirt for the sake of the cuff size.

Hi Respo,

 

At 34mm Ø the MUT sounds and indeed is relatively small by todays standards. However, it is perfectly proportioned and I class it at the perfect dress watch. I understand why JLC now offer this watch in larger case sizes, but for me this was not necessary and the 34mm model will always remain THE MUT to own.

Just my personal opinion of course

Cheers

David.

PS: It does wear slightly larger than 34mm, because of the thin bezel. Worth trying on if you are in the market for a dress watch.

I do think the 34mm is THE MUT to get.  I have tried on the 38mm and it is a beauty, but the 34mm is the original size designed to house the 849 movement, so it still seems like the way to go. The proportions are just right, the movement does not seem lost inteh case, etc. etc. It is one of those examples of a perfect dress watch.  I love the minimalism of it.

This is turning into a nice thread with people shoiwing off their MUTs.  I hope more people and photos show up.

By the way, I just sent you a PM.

respo 

I coppared both of the 34 / 38 mm versions, and I find both of them appealing.

The 38 mm is maybe easier to wear, even if the 34 mm is not that hard to wear, due to the fact that the aperture of the dial is really important.

The important thing is that the bigger size of the new MUT is not going with a too thick case.

yes, it is also thicker than the old MUT ( which is still in production ), butthe volumes are well kept, to me.

Best,

Nicolas

Hi, your pictures are beautiful, and IMO your watch is the most desirable version of this wonderful watch. The colour of the dial looks fabulous next to the tone of that strap.To my mind, one special thing about the MUT is that it's a way of wearing a complicated watch without resorting to chronographs or tourbillons (desirable though they are in their own way), the miniaturisation itself being a complication of sorts. Here's a recent shot of a cousin:

I am not sure if the thinness is considered a complication or not.  I read somewhere, however, that there are something like seven or so big horological challenges (e.g., the chronograph, perpetual calendar, repeater) among which is included the ultra thin movement. So while it may not be considered a complication, it is certainly an important achievement for any manufacturer to create an ultra thin movement. 

As Steve more eloquently said above, JLC's achievement with the 34mm MUT and the 849 movement is manifold, but not the least of the achievements is the robustness of the movmement and the watch when compared to other ultrathin watches.  The MUT can actually be used and withstand the abuses of daily wear.

Long live the MUT!

respo 

Your watch seems to gently float in the air in some photos  -really amazing pics!

I have the slightly larger 38 mm version with another dial design which is less classic but more structured and a better legibility for me. This watch is so comfortable to wear!

 

Best regards,

anaesdoc

I got lucky with those pics.

I have the big watch bug typically wearing 44mm watches.  But this beauty at 34mm for dressy occasions is a gem.  I love the look with no seconds hand.

Wear yours in good health.

Bill

///

I do not have much to add. You guys said it all. In my opinion, the MUT 34, the original one, means perfect design, and even though I love the RG, WG, and, of course, the amazing PT version of it, the crowned MUT, I especially like it in SS. I think of it as the ultra thin ultra light.

As the MUT is a MUST...

Seriously speaking, the MUT, whatever the metal used for the case, is a splendid watch, and one of the nicest Dressy Watch, to me.

The proportions, the complexity of the Ultra Thin Case / movement, the purity of the dial are hard to beat.

I could even say that it is the JLC quintessence, like some of this Cult watches, which are the Geophysic, the Future Matic, the Mark XI or the WWW, the Polaris, or the DSA .

The Platinum dial is really appealing with its " royal " deep blue sunburst finish.

And your pics, as always, give justice to the watch...

Best, and huge thanks for this post, my friend.

Nicolas

///

with a thin automatic calibre from the 70s, with date. The design is, well, typical from its time, I guess. I love wearing this watch. It is hard to believe that it is an automatic, at first sight, but once can hear the tiny noise of the oscilating mass as if there was a tiny insect in the watch.

 

pictures of my modest SS version (no sapphire back at that time, to look at the calibre which would not be in a position to compete with the finish of the MUT calibres).

 

///

...how gorgeous is your watch, Steve?  The color of the dial is magnificent.  There's something about the MUT that just tugs on my heartstrings.  I love the simple, elegant, perfection of this watch.  It's beautiful.  Truly.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos.

Cheers,
Daos

No message body

Many thanks, Steve, for you ever-perfect shots !

This UT in Pt is indeed a beauty, and actually a watch which bears most of the characteristic elements of  a true JLC.

Being a vintage guy  (well, maybe a "vintage watches guy" is more appropriate), I did not fall for the contemporary Master Ultrathin, though I could be tempted.

But I did fall for its predecessor, the 1925, which has many common elements, and therefore this 34mm modern master UT is in true direct heritage of the line.

Vintage 1925:

- in SS

 

 

- in YG:

 

(I am afraid No Pt case / no navyblue dial at that time...)

No message body

///

Haven't seen the 34mm Platinum limited edition MUT for many years, but I saw another photo recently.

Was just cleaning out my closet, which happens to be where I keep the bulk of my Jaeger-leCoultre brochures, and was flipping through some of my older vintage brochures and came across the platinum 200-piece limited edition series, containing various Master Control watches. Saw this photo and was just thinking about the beauty prevalent in this thin watch.

Great watch, enjoy!

Nt

This watch is incredible, I ilke Ultra-Thin models in general beacause they are classy and with technical skills. You pic make me once again wonder why JLC does not sell the Master Control collection with a non-white dial (black or blue for example) which litterally change the face of the watch and, in my honest opinion, make it seem younger and sportier.
However, Steve, is it true that ultra-thin are usually less accurate than thicker movements? What can you tell us about this?

more knowledge than myself, such as John Davis:

www.thepurists.com

His reasoning seems sound enough to me, and the accomplishments he attribute to JLC seem largely at just this point, designing and constructing such a beautiful thin watch which is still robust, reliable and accurate.

Hey there Steve

Thanks for sharing with us this photo series!

I just want to say that i absolutely love your photos, of your to die for collection, and i often visit your personal webpage!

You have a great collection to start with, and the amazing clarity and macro shots of your watches, together with their description and often history, I just want to shake your hands!

Thanks for sharing these, and all the others!

Cheers

Stephen