Jaeger-LeCoultre

2004... The first manual wind 8 Days Perpetual Calendar in the world was introduced.



This novelty was available in platinum ( Limited Edition of 200 pieces ) or in Rose Gold ( Unlimited ), or a spectacular skeleted version in platinum ( 100 pieces in 2007 ) then in Rose Gold ( 175 pieces in 2008 )

The skeleted versions:



The Cal 876, in fact a Cal 877 with a perpetual calendar module, was indeed the first to associate 3 very useful complications: A long power reserve of 8 days ( in the reality, more than 9 days, but the torque, after 8 days of work is irregular ), a complete perpetual calendar ( day / date / month / moonphase / year ) and a night and day indicator, to remind that the date must not be set from 10 PM to 3 AM, as to avoid any damage to the movement.

Why do I think that the combination of a long power reserve and a perpetual calendar is interesting?

Imagine you own several watches, and you never wear the same watch all the days of the week.

With a normal Perpetual Calendar, you will have to set the date at the end of 2 days, if you don't wear nor wind it.

With the 8 Days Perpetual, you won't have to achieve which is always a delicate operation, before the end of the long power reserve.

Another great point, but it is a characteristic which is shared by all the JLC Perpetual Calendars, is that you set ALL the datas of the calendar by using one pusher, which acts in a coordinated way.

A very few brands did / do better: Ulysse Nardin, for example, offers the setting of all the datas by the use of the crown, and you can change the calendar forward AND backward.

More often, the setting system is less friendly, when you have to use several pushers...

That being said, let's have a look on the new Master 8 Days Perpetual, which is, for the moment, available in stainless steel or in rose gold:





The huge difference is about the aesthetics, here.

Indeed, the movement is the same ( Cal 876 ), and offers the same complications, which is confirmed when we look at the dial.

So, we find: The day / date / month / year / moonphase / power reserve indicator and the famous red security zone we used to see on the former model.

The first noticeable change is the dial.

An evolution, rather than an evolution, as you'll see:



The dial looks more " empty ", cleaner, now, with the 2 subdials at 11 and 1 o'clock which have been changed for half circles ( power reserve and night / day indicators ).

The applied 12 disappeared, too, and the day / date / month subdials are smaller, but not less legible than before.

Another big difference is that on the new version, the moonphase is more conventionally designed.

No more luminous dots nor hands, which is more subtle, as it wasn't an obvious detail on the former version.

To preserve the balance of the dial, the triangular applied indexes are longer, too.

Less original than the former, but more classic. To each his own.

To be complete, the stainless steel 8 Days Perpetual has a silver dial, while the rose gold 8 Days dial is beige.

As for the case, the new Master 8 Days is 1, 5 mm smaller. ( 40 mm versus 41, 5 mm for the former one ).



It seems that the thickness is the same, but the reduced size makes a big difference with the previous 8 Days Perpetual.

The case gains in appeal, in elegance, even in ... coherence?

Very interesting improvement, in my point of view, which seems to be a new tendance for JLC.

The case back is identical, if we compare the current and the former version: Its sapphire will allow you to have a look on the Cal 876 and its " cotes soleillées ".





Priced around 17 000 ( stainless steel ) and 24 000 Euros ( rose gold ), this Master 8 Days last generation seems to be a very interesting alternative for anybody looking for a nice, performant, complete and friendly Perpetual Calendar.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts and comments,

Best.

Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-04-10 00:21:45 This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-04-10 00:22:08 This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-04-13 22:32:24

I love the previous Master perpetual 8 days skeleton. The new moonphase is awesome.

Best
Tyler

It would be too close to the former one, in my opinion.

But I'm not in the " Secrets of God ".

Best,

Nicolas.

Guess will have to look else where to fill the void ...

 

This message has been edited by T.Bean on 2011-04-12 00:03:16

A skeleton version would be quite expensive, less in stainless steel, of course, but  high priced, yet.

Would you be ready to pay something between 2 and 3 times the price of the normal SS version?

Best,

Nicolas.

To pay 2 to 3 times the price, maybe not. But the vivid image of the previous platinum master 8 day perpetual skeleton still lures me.

The back of the watch where the dark globe lies excited me very much.

Like the full moon to a werewolf

Rgs
Tyler

No message body

Well, well - another one to look at - Sigh.. - But )

Guess I'd start taking notes on " What to see in Real" - Interesting discovery.
- Coincidentally had been "slowly cooking", no better: cultivating the look for a JLC perpetual Calendar,
yet friendly it should be for me ( 1 action !) ..

- had passed on one already several times during the last years, always looked to busy for me,
not completely "singing" in a way, but NOW:
- I do like the "twistly" smaller case- concept you mentioned, and even more the smaller sub-dials, also the moon-phase desgin and the overall appeal, including the lovely sunburst finish. Also the back.
For me, I would have to try to get the french indications - Why ? - it somehow would feel appropriate to me.
So possibly by now already to having reasons to visit the JLC - Boutique/ Paris more than once.

Here the temptation:
And the ss- version, appears attractively priced ( in white, as I do not wear gold to much, apart from the expenditure).

Maybe here comes the tiny catch: no alarm. ( of course no Grand Reveil)
- I know , I know I would have to more empty my pocket, and also not the focus of this piece

Quite tempting alltogether for me, (you hit the point " ..very cohesive") ..
- pretty unexpectedly having to re look at my 2011/12 list - getting longer, each post almost,
( but the DSA-2/ EU still a bit higher up, though not the real contender - another quest..)
- taming (?) , not easy.
I trust, it will ge around a while, won't it ?

.You made my mind wandering, another time - well done, Thank you

Best for a spring weekend !
hs

Before any final decision.

There are so many, this year, that it makes the decision tough, indeed.

But, there are priorities, and there are decisions which can be made further, in my point of view.

This perpetual calendar can be considered later, once you see it in the flesh.

TT DSAs first!

An Alarm on this PC?

+ The 8 Days?

I fear it would loose the appeal of its reasonable dimensions!

All the best, my friend.

Yes-1 , you helped again, with your notes further to the great post:
- am 'relieved' also - and the decision on a PC, (some investment as well ) definitely requires personal
Impression in the metal and some deliberation..

Yes-2: you're right - 8 days PR and alarm, too much, overdoing -
was just carried away, meandering
- also a credible aspect of this new PC resembles a bit of " Less is more", in a way .

So, good - First things first, and these start with a "D.."

With pleasure, the time- traveller in me will follow the roadmap

Best, hs

Go first for the most difficult to get, the one ( those ? ) you will regret if you pass on it ( them ? )...

Then you'll have all the time in the world to decide on others.

With a bit of luck, we'll see that in June.

Best, my friend.

Nicolas.

Yes, thank you for the encouraging deliberation - as mentioned: helpful ..

Oh, indeed - - my "D.."-1 is confirmed anyway, quite happily looking forward to its arrival or better - appearance .
As to "D.."-2, I am still turning, twisting and rationalizing around my actual possibilities for this year:
- A little bit more time , I would like to have.. ;-)

As things are standing now, it will be somewhat dependent on another (not-watch related) project -
- but D-2 /EU is still there (with quiet but persuasive presence) in the back of my head, heart & soul ..
- Of course I start to almost hear the "ticking temptation" .. from a distance, yet.

So somehow, I guess it will also in part be played out by elements of fate and of course, final availability,
at a time, when I am able to decide on mermaid number 2 .
( Never in the past have I been "doubling up" - time to do so ?? / Blomman's or D' Artagnan's Noodles only ?
- no problem, if this would be all it takes..)
:-o

Apologies for these personal reflections:
What would be our passion without these dwellings ?

Thanks again for your patient kindness and friendly comments,

Best, for the midweek )
hs

many thangs for sharing these gerat pics amanico. JLC made one of the hell of a watch which has nothing to envy to patek, vacheron and ap. Movement and dial finish are simply stunning. 

Though, I think some improvements can be made on the dial.

For the rest of the watch, it is all OK, at least for me.

Best,

Nicolas

What a wonderfully beautiful timepiece. I think the way JLC is making the dials less busy and reducing the size of the bezel is fantastic. This looks such a work of art.

Nicolas' review of the new Master Géographique had me convinced that it would be my next purchase but after seeing the 8 days...maybe I need to re-think. Wonderful to see the French language dial again too. Nicolas, do you think a new version of the Master Calendar could be coming soon?

By the way, the Geneva boutique have told me that they expect the new Master Géographique to be on sale in around a month.

There are excellent things on this new Master 8 Days Perpetual, such as the case, the movement, the reduced volumes, and the simpler dial.

Though, I think some details can be improved on the dial ( the moonphase, and the upper part of the dial: Reading the Day / Night indicator is not very intuitive ).

All in all, an excellent offer from JLC,  in my opinion.

A new Master Calendar?

Well, if we consider that JLC is revisiting all their Classics, yes, some hops is allowed, in a close future, but this is just my guess.

Best,

Nicolas.

JLC has reintroduced a very tangible and practical perpetual calendar. The steel version looks appealing but I wait to see it in the metal. I like a lot the functionality and robust appearance of caliber 876, and the improvements to the case, but I wonder if the dial is a bit too plain. Again, I reserve my opinion until I see the watch. One thing for sure is JLC has offered an excellent PC at an affordable price. I think only Glashutte comes close, but I prefer this one. Best,

We are so used to see the former version that a new design of the dial may be disturbing, at the beginning.

I feel the dial is cleaner, simpler than on the former version.

It is really a matter of ( individual ) taste, here.

To be seen in trhe flesh!

Best,

Nicolas.

... except wish they can keep the applied 12 which is its DNA i think.

anyway, this PC is for sure the one in my wish list!

stefan

The lack of the applied 12 makes this dial cleaner " emptier " than on the former version.

Some will prefer it lke this, others may regret the former Master 8 Days PC... Tough discussion.

Best, Stefan.

Nicolas.

dreamy..!!  I'm not convinced by the new moon phase but with a black dial (like on the new Duometre a Quantieme Lunaire) it might look just perfect....the black dial on the Duo has made many a man suddenly order one with good reason, and show's what a simple dial colour change can do.

Price..perfect..complications..perfect..face..mmmm..!! 8 day movement and easy set calendar makes it a very useable perpetual...when is the next leap year..? Maybe by then if a black face comes out I could be staying up all night to watch it change

Thanks Nico...I have a week off now and this is a nice way to start it..!

Yours my friend,

Andy.

This message has been edited by Andy on 2011-04-10 11:24:58

On this latest 8 Days PC.

Black dial? That would be stunning, too, but for the moment, I taste this white version a lot.

Agreed on the moonphase... I do think JLC can improve it on the final watch.

Best, my friend.

Nicolas.

on the original it is obvious but I find this one hard to tell...it may seem better in the flesh.  On the original the bottom is just stars which is obviously a new moon and the top is a full moon, but on this new one the bottom looks like a moon..!!

What is wrong with a conventional moon phase in this dial..?  Or half moons either side and stars at the bottom..?

I still like the whole piece though, just this moon phase dial bothers me.

Yours,

Andy.

This message has been edited by Andy on 2011-04-12 11:56:21

The smaller size is better, it is still plenty big, and I like the new moonphase.  The blue moonphase contrasts nicely with the red gold case, overall more attractive.  Thanks for the post.

Stewart

No message body

But as on all PC – a lot of information crammed into a very small space.

 

For me this version is much more appealing then the previous.

 

One thing I find strange is the text on the right hand side sub dial: 8 days + PC…

 

While power reserve and day/night indicators have no text – I think they are less self explaining then PC...

 

OK for the 8 days, that info is harder to see.

 

I find the moon face dial better then before but I am not fully convinced.

 

Are my eyes playing me a trick or is the sun feather on the back changed?

 

This one looks different…

 

All in all – I like it a lot!

 

A very classic looking PC.

 

Thank you for the report, my fried!

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

And it is a precious information, to avoid to damage the movement when you set the perpetual calendar at the wrong lap of time ( between 9 PM and 3 AM ).

Thay might be corrected, IMO.

As for the moonphase, I do think the same than you: Perfectible.

For the rest, kudos to JLC.

Best, Blomman.

Nicolas.

I think that my favorite is still the Skeleted version, it was interesting to learn more about it !

But as you said it is a quite affordable watch for a QP, whereas the skeleted version was around 70 K€

Cordially,

Mark

This message has been edited by Boréale on 2011-04-10 13:44:50

By the way, when it was launched, the MSRP was 80 K Euros, in 2007, for the platinum version.

We're not in the same league, in terms of finish and prices, with the latest 8 Days Perpetual in SS.

But I can easily understand your passion for the skeleton!

Best,

Nicolas.

it's not the same product.

About the latest, I'm happy to find a great manufacture providing such a caliber with QP in this range.

Cheers,

Mark