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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

Hands-on with the Replica Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 black dial from SIHH 2015 (specs price)

RepIn this hectic moment that is the month following Baselworld, we wanted to go back to the SIHH 2015 and to a replica watch introduced there in all discretion. From Jaeger-LeCoultre, we’ve seen several novelties this year, including the impressive Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication, the superb Duometre Spherotourbillon Moon or the vintage-inspired Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale. Regardless of the interest we had in these timepieces, there was also a replica watch introduced this year that fully represents what Jaeger can do on a ‘consumer-oriented‘ side. Here is the Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 now with black dial.

Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 black dial SIHH 2015 - 5

This elegant replica watch is neither a tourbillon, nor a minute repeater or a skeleton chronograph. Instead, it shows what Jaeger-LeCoultre does on a daily basis, the replica watches that are really produced and sold – of course Jaeger sells tourbillons and minute repeaters but figures are way below those of the classical Master or Reverso replica watches. It is a visually simple, slim elegant replica watch, with a reasonable price, an interesting horological content (1000 hours control) and a lot of charm. Of course, it isn’t as slim as the ultra-ultra-slim Master Ultra Thin 1907 we reviewed. Of course, it is not as cool as the vintage re-edition of the Geophysic. However, it is a very balanced and classy replica watch for those requesting discretion and class.

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The Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moon 39 itself isn’t a novelty. It was introduced at the SIHH 2012 and it is now available in rose gold with an Eggshell beige dial (priced at 16.200 Euros), in rose gold with a slate dial (priced at 16.600 Euros) and in stainless steel with a silver dial (priced at 8.350 Euros). This year, it comes in the same stainless steel case but with an elegant and more modern black sunburst dial. The case uses the typical Jaeger-LeCoultre Master shape, with slim and bevelled lugs,  slim bezel, large opening of the dial and a full polished finish. This replica watch shows very reasonable dimensions, as the diameter is retrained at 39mm and the height at 9.9mm – what we would call a slim replica watch instead of an ultra-thin replica watch…

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Balanced is the word that could best define the face of the Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39. There’s nothing shocking or disturbing by its presence. The dial is slightly domed – something very reminiscent of the 1960s vintage dress replica watches. It has only 12 applied facetted indexes, a minute track and the logo of the brand on the dial. Nothing more, nothing less… Except the sub-dial at 6 that comprises both the moon-phase indicator and the date, displayed by a hand that points a date-track around the moon-phase. The dauphine hands are also very simple but show a nice angle of finishing, with one side that is polished and the other side sandblasted (making them visible in every light condition, except during the night as there is no luminous coating, something usual in dress replica watches).

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Inside the Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moon 39 ticks an in-house movement, developed and manufactured by Jaeger. The calibre 925 is only 4.9 mm thick (don’t forget that we’re in front of a self-winding movement and thus featuring a rotor on the top). It indicates hours, minutes, seconds, moon-phase and date. It comprises of 246 parts, of which 30 jewels, and delivers 43 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Finishing is pleasant with circular Geneva stripes, blued screws, polished bevelled angles on the bridges and circular graining on the main plate.

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The main feature of this Jaeger Calibre 925 is its certification, the ‘Master Control 1000 Hours’, meaning that it is tried and tested on precision and reliability for 1,000 hours (nearly 6 weeks), before being delivered to the client. The Manufacture tests and certifies finished replica watches, reproducing the conditions of real life wear, and not only movements like the COSC can do.

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The Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moon 39 Black dial comes on an alligator leather strap with double folding buckle. On the wrist, it is clearly not the most impressive replica watch from Jaeger but it clearly stands for ‘balanced’ and ‘elegant’. It is the demonstration of what a refined dress replica watch should be – and one with a nice horological content. It should be priced around the same as the silver edition, meaning an approximate 8.500 Euros.

More on www.jaeger-lecoultre.com.

Specifications

Movement Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 925

  • Automatic
  • Number of pieces : 246
  • Vibrations per hour : 28800
  • Power-reserve : 38 Hours
  • Jewels : 30
  • Barrel : 1
  • Height : 4.90 mm

Functions

  • Hour – Minute
  • Date
  • Moon phases
  • Seconds

Case

  • Stainless Steel
  • Water resistance : 5 bar
  • Diameter : 39mm
  • Thickness : 9.9mm

Dial

  • Black

Hands

  • Dauphines

Strap/bracelet

  • Alligator Leather

Buckle

  • Double Folding Buckle 18.0 mm
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

Replica JAEGER-LECOULTRE : the Master goesblack

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Although not their most glamorous or technically impressive pieces, two new releases by Jaeger-LeCoultre to their Master range at SIHH 2015 may end up being their most widely talked about. Why? Because they are new versions of two of the brand’s most accessible pieces, and for those who have a preference tending towards dark dials, they are a very welcome addition.

First up is the new Master Ultra Thin Moon, which now comes in stainless steel with a black dial. This piece joins its light dialled elder siblings in the same 39mm case with a moonphase indicator with concentric date display on the lower half of the black dial. The open caseback shows the Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic Calibre 925 with a power reserve of 38 hours.

The ‘blackness’ of the dial is quite matte and elegant and sleek. I’d even go out on a limb and say that this new black dialled version may be more versatile than the light dialled models, transitioning from an outfit of black jeans and casual top to a suited up evening. It comes no a black alligator strap with a double-folding buckle. There is already a red gold model with a slate dial that is dressy but arguably less versatile. Of the four iterations of the Master Ultra Thin Moon, this new one is hands-down my favourite.

The second release of note is the new Master Control Ultra Thin Date. Introduced last year in pink gold, it is now available in stainless steel, which means that it will prove to be an attractive proposition price wise for those wanting to get their first Jaeger-LeCoultre.

A solid everyday type of fashion replica watch, it contains the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899 movement with a powr reserve of 38 hours and also comes on a black alligator strap with a double-folding buckle. The blackness of the dial is similar to that of the Master Ultra Thin Moon but has the sense of being a much more casual piece. With this change to a black dial there is an almost vintage military replica watch feel to it, something that I thought I was alone in thinking, until I asked one or two others.

These two pieces are solid new additions to the Jaeger-LeCoultre stable  at their ‘bread and butter’ end of their collection spectrum. They are appealing variants, and I will be surprised if they don’t walk out the door.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

Pre-SIHH 2015:Replica Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial (specs and price)

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar isn’t actually a new replica watch in the catalog. It first appeared during the 2013 edition of the SIHH (the Geneva replica watch fair that will take place in January). It uses a very classical display and a very restrained design. So, how to give a new attraction to an already known model and bring some freshness? By introducing new dials! And the ones that Jaeger-LeCoultre chose to release are pretty interesting. Welcome the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar is an appealing but very classical dress replica watch, with its round case, slim profile and extremely balanced design. Everything here is made to be discreet, elegant but efficient. It brings back an old layout, used in the 1950s and 1960s, a specific way to display a complete calendar: date on the external part of the dial (indicated by a hand), day and month discreetly displayed in apertures at 12 for a high legibility and moon-phases at 6. Clear and practical, this complete calendar gives all the required indications. Just keep in mind that it is a simple calendar, not a perpetual or annual calendar, that won’t take into account the months with 30 or 31 (neither the 28 days of February or the leap years). Thus, it will require a correction every two months. However, it remains a very functional complication for a reasonable price level.

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The main novelty for the SIHH 2015 are those new dials made of an unusual material: meteorite, a rare and extremely old material. Meteorite has this unique appeal due to its origins – million years old non-terrestrial stones coming from falling stars – and due its very specific crystalline structure. The one used for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite comes from an Asteroid Belt located between Mars and Jupiter and collected on the Swedish ground.

Once prepared, this stone has to be cut in thin plates to create dials – do keep in mind that meteorite is both extremely hard and fragile to prepare – and then polished to reveal its structure, which is unique to every dial. According to the edition, it presents a light grey or anthracite color. On the top of it are applied silvery or gilded indexes which match the hands.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial - 4

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite comes with an elegant 39mm case made of stainless steel or 18k pink gold, fully mirror polished and reasonably thin – 10.6mm. It has two sapphire crystal, including one on the back to admire the movement, the Calibre 866. It is a self-winding engine, with 43 hours of power reserve, made in-house. It shows a clean and pleasant finish, with Geneva stripes, blued screws, bevelled angles and a gold insert on the rotor.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial - 5

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite is a nice addition to the Master catalog, using a rare material – only a few replica watches, including the Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster, are using it. Prices will be officially released during the 2015 edition of the SIHH but the normal versions, with silvery dial in stainless steel or 18k pink gold are respectively priced at 8,800 Euros and 19,700 Euros. With this meteorite dial, we should expect prices around 10,500 Euros in steel and 21,500 Euros in 18k gold.

More to discover on Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial - 1 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial - 3 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial - 5 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial - 4 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite dial - 2

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

Replica JAEGER-LECOULTRE : The Rendez-Vous Ivy MinuteRepeater

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Last week Jeager-LeCoultre CEO Mr. Daniel Riedo paid his first visit to Australia. One of the purposes of his visit was to talk about the Maison’s women’s replica watches, and a dinner was held at Quay Restaurant in Sydney in honour of this. For those who are unfamiliar with it is not only one of the world’s top restaurants but has a view facing both the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Perhaps he was captivated by the view, but for whatever reason, those of us who were lucky enough to be there that night were privileged to be the first in the world to look at and handle, the Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater, formally launched this week at Replica Watches & Wonders 2014. To those who follow me on instagram, you will have already seen some photos of it, from that night.

During the last few years Jaeger-LeCoultre has released a number of complicated Rendez-Vous models such as a tourbillon, Celestial and Perpetual Calendar. The paucity of complications, let alone grande complications in women’s replica watches, is a rather big hole that is just desperate to be filled, and the new Ivy Minute Repeater is an unexpected and splendid addition to their highly successful Rendez-Vous Collection. Amongst those attending the dinner that night were guests who had never experienced a minute repeater, and they learned to count the hours and minutes by the gongs. It is difficult to explain why repeaters and sonneries retain an almost mythical level of magic amongst many replica watch collectors and enthusiasts that goes beyond ‘mere’ admiration of the technical skill that goes into them. Perhaps there’s a touch of the sheer wonderment that it can be done at all, and in such a small form.

The new white gold Ivy Minute Repeater uses the new Calibre 942A which is automatic, has a 28,800 VPH, and a 43-hour power reserve. The new movement was designed to adapt to a 39 mm case, which possibly makes it a unisex size. Imagine it on a blue alligator strap instead of the blue satin one, perhaps…

One of the key aspects of minute-repeaters is, of course, to do with how sound is transmitted from the vibrating gongs through the replica watch, as the case, dial, movement and caseback all affect the amplification and nature of the sound. In a conventional minute repeater the gongs are attached to a metal foot that’s part of the movement plate. That means that when the replica watch is on the wrist, sound has to travel through the movement plate, dial and crystal, as well as laterally through the flanks of the case. Here is a short activation, and my thanks to Mr. Daniel Riedo for his assistance with this.

On the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie traditional hammers were replaced by what are called ‘trebuchet hammers’, and the new Rendez-Vous Ivy Minute Repeater has two patented trebuchet hammers which strike two crystal gongs connected to the sapphire crystal harder and just once, producing a loudspeaker effect. To read about trebuchet hammers, go to this link. It is also equipped with a silent regulator to reduce any peripheral sound disturbance of the mechanism.

There are two distinguishing features of this new piece : firstly, the repeater is operated by a pusher and not the traditional slide. Secondly, it has a safety system which ensures that even if the button is pressed again while the minute repeater is already in action, the mechanism does not start working again – thereby preventing any damage to the movement. A minute repeater is impressively well and good, as they say, but how about its looks? The dial is white gold with a sunburst guilloché motif, grand feu enamel is then added, to achieve the blue, which represents the night sky above the Vallée de Joux. The ivy is also a reference to the Vallée; with the use of diamonds representing the first frozen ice crystals on the autumn leaves announcing the arrival of winter. The ‘vine’ like numerals, which become a part of the decoration, are also incredibly attractive.

There are also more diamonds on the bezel and the repeater pushpiece, as well as the crown, with a total of 548 diamonds, of which 255 are on the dial. When I first viewed this piece it was at night in a light-dimmed restaurant, and the diamonds were quite reflective. I expressed certain views at the time about the popularity of adding diamonds to women’s replica watches, including concerns regarding how ‘bright’ it would be during the daytime.

When I saw it again the next day, during what could only be described as a perfect sunny Sydney day, I was somewhat taken aback, and had to retract certain views that I had expressed. It was a far more discreet (yes I mean ‘discreet’, whilst acknowledging that an enamel and diamond bejewelled replica watch isn’t inherently discreet and will never be as discreet as a piece sans precious stones) than it was the previous night, and it was surprisingly and remarkably wearable for day time. It really is a replica watch that comes into its own in daylight, as it is only then that the dial seems to come alive. The diamonds on the bezel, pushpiece and crown, however extravagant, also seemed to make a lot more sense in the light of day. This was quite unexpected.

This is a very attractive and intriguing replica watch and above all, the fact that there is a minute repeater in a women’s replica watch collection (and it was designed and conceived by a team of women) is itself worthy of many cheers. It will be produced in a limited edition of 88 pieces with a price of 202,000 EUR without VAT.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

HANDS-ON : Replica Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Night andDay

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Today’s replica watch is one of 2014’s new women’s releasese from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Rendez-Vous range features some dozen odd different variants on the same core case and dial design in more than one size, and including complications. I am a supporter of fine replica watchmaking brands moving away from quartz for women’s pieces, so the fact that the Rendez-Vous collection is now fully mechanical is a huge tick in its favour. Today’s replica watch has the automatic Calibre 898B, which has a power reserve of forty-two hours.

With its popular Art Deco inspired genesis, the Rendez-Vous range has become an incredibly popular one for Jaeger-LeCoultre, and in spite of my general comments regarding women’s replica watches from ‘Manufacture’ level brands, the fact that JLC have a completely separate area dedicated to women’s replica watches with a tagline of “Reinvent yourself” shows a dedication to seeing women’s replica watches not simply as an adjunct to the core men’s range.

Being a simple replica watch creature, I rather like replica watches whose model names are self-explanatory, and so it is with this one, with the eponymous night/ day being reflected on the indicator at the bottom of the dial. To be honest, and I’ve engaged in a number of discussions about this, I’m not quite sure I understand the usefulness of a night/ day indicator, however nice it may be to look at. Some have said that it adds interest to the dial (which it does) and that it has a function when combined with a date indicator, but I guess that perhaps they (and other brands who do the same) have done it because they can, and to add visual interest. In this replica watch, there is probably plenty of visual interest going on already with the diamonds and their differently set designs, so in that sense the night/ day indicator acts as a sort of a ‘visual break’.

With its diamond gem-set dial in a 36mm white gold case, what makes this replica watch stand out from many other similarly busy dials is that it is legible. Never underestimate how important this is, especially for jewellery replica watches. Those big raised numbers make this a piece that can be used as a replica watch, and not just pretty diamonds on the wrist.

A very interesting (and unexpected) thing to note has been how it has garnered a number of fans even amongst male collector/ replica watchnerd crowds here in Australia; people for whom this replica watch would not be considered to be a ‘natural fit’. Don’t let it be said that Australian men are all about big sports replica watches.

I have seen this piece a couple of times now, and an unexpected appeal for me has been the elegant blue satin strap which perfectly matches the blue of the night/ day indicator and hands. As a new addition to the already top-selling Rendez-Vous range there is little doubt that it will also prove to be a popular model for Jaeger-LeCoultre. For women who find this size too large, it also comes in a 29mm version.

The Australian RRP for the 36mm Rendez-Vous Night and in WG with pavé diamonds is $59,500. The 29mm version has an RRP of $52,000.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

HANDS-ON : Replica Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Duomètre Unique TravelTime

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Two years ago Jaeger-LeCoultre lauched their Duomètre Unitque Travel Time at their then new Place Vendome boutique. At that point, it was released in a limited edition of one hundred pieces in white gold, and you can read more about that piece in my earlier post.

As the name indicates, this is a luxury replica watch with a second time zone, and it is also a part of the Duomètre collection. I’ve written about the Duomètre’s ‘Dual Wing’movement before; in this piece, the Calibre 383 has become an interpretation that allows for the display of two times, local and a second time zone. The two share the same regulating organ but each has its own indepenent source of energy i.e. the operation of the dual time-zone does not affect the running of the replica watch. You will note that there are separate power reserve indicators for each of the two time sub dials. The local time is indicated on the right sub dial and the second time zone, on the left, with a digital hour display.

The replica watch has a fifty hour power reserve for each function and the crown winds both barrels. The single crown is used to adjust the local time when in position two and the travel time when in position one. The local time is set through winding counter-clockwise and the second time zone, clockwise, which means that it can be set for those tricky non standardised time zone differences. Once both time zones are set, you use the push-pieces at 8 and 10 o’clock to adjust (+/-) the jumping hours in the left subdial. And in case of a non-standard time zone, the minutes can be adjusted separately using the crown in position 1.

The silvered finely grained dial is beautifully textured and a joy to look at. As I wrote when the piece was announced, one of the best things about this replica watch is that the dial is not only easy to read, but because the seond time zone dial is distinguished by the use of a digital jumping hour; it’s also an attractive way of differentiating the two time displays.

At six o’clock is a stunning globe that displays a world map surrounded by the time-zone indications and the day/night ring. The globe is synchronised with the travel time.

Unlike the limited edition model, this regular model is in 18ct pink gold. It’s really quite impossible to pick which metal is nicer, but this one is certainly more easily obtainable.

Turning over to the back shows the hand-chamfered Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 383 through a sapphire crystal case back. The caseback also features the engraved names of the twenty-four cities corresponding to the covered time zones.

The case is 42mm and 13.7mm thick and sits comfortably and reasonably highly, but not so much that you’d have to worry about it.

The Australian RRP for the pink gold Unique Travel Time is $52,000 for this replica watch. Sure, I hear you say, you can get a replica watch with two time zones for far less than this, but this isn’t just about it being a dual time zone replica watch but also about the movement, the beautifully elegant Duomètre line, and about the design and finishing of this piece. For those who love balance and delicacy in their dial aesthetics, this will very much appeal to you, and for fans of the previous Duomètres, you’ll be a fan of this one as well.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

HANDS-ON : Replica Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris1968

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Seven hundred and sixty eight.

This is the number that were produced by luxury replica Jaeger-LeCoultre in 2008 of the immensely popular re-edition of the 1968 (as opposed to the other 2008 re-edition of the 1965 version) Memovox Polaris diving replica watch. A 42mm stainless steel piece with sweep centre seconds hand, date and alarm, it contained the Calibre 956, lumed hands and markers, and a bi-directional bezel operated.

In line with its 1968 parent E859, this 2008 re-edition had an acrylic crystal that added to its ‘modern-vintage’ look. This was an incredibly well received replica watch and now, as was the case then, it is still a difficult replica watch to find, albeit it now not on the new market.

This, Horologium readers, is a prototype of the 2008 re-edition.

For those who do not know, the original 1960s Memovox Polaris diving replica watch had a patented triple-back case to improve the quality of the alarm and for water resistance. With a total production run of 1714 pieces between 1975-1970, the original rates highly not only for collectors of vintage Jaeger-LeCoultres, but also for diving replica watch enthusiasts. This is one of those ‘milestone’ replica watches for which the much abused word ‘iconic’, whose misuse should, perhaps, incur a financial penalty every time it is trotted out with little thought as to its actual meaning, is actually appropriate.

As you can see, even on this prototype there is a diving helmet engraving, as well as the all important ‘out of series’ absence of a number.

This is a well-loved and well worn piece, as befitting a prototype, and it was a very unexpected pleasure to be able to shown it earlier this year by its owner and Pierre-Etienne Durand, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Brand Manager (Australia & NZ), who suggested that we might wish to see what was on the wrist of the gentleman who was in the room with us. To see any replica watch prototype is special, but to my mind, to cross paths quite randomly ‘in the wild’ with one that is still being worn by someone who was involved with it, is even more special.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

HANDS-ON :Replica Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Compressor ChronographCeramic

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With the plethora of dress replica watches announced by Jaeger-LeCoultre at SIHH 2014, a new limited edition sports replica watch was almost missed by some, but for  fans of all-black ceramic pieces, and of chronographs, there was something of interest.

The new Master Compresor Chronograph Ceramic is not just a chronograph but also a dual-time display, in a large 46mm ceramic case that sits comfortably like a 44mm replica watch on the wrist.

It features Jaeger’s patented compression key which is part of the Master Compressor range; what this means is that a half-turn of the key over-compresses one of the crown’s four toric gaskets and locks it securely into position, preventing any moisture or water from accidentally entering and damaging the replica watch.

Functionally, this new ceramic piece has a column-wheel chronograph, GMT with day/ night indicator (below the ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ text), and the date in a window between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The hours and minute hands are lumed for visibility, but the GMT hand, not.

There is a classic dual register design to the chronograph component, with a 30-clock minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock respectively. The third sub-dial is that of a small seconds, at 6 o’clock.

An ever popular red central seconds hand is there to off-set the all-black of the replica watch

As mentioned at the outset, this replica watch feels and sits smaller on the wrist than many 46mm sized replica watches. It comes on a Trieste calfskin strap which has a satin-brushed steel pin buckle. For those who are fans of this type of replica watch but scared of the size, don’t be. The strap is comfortable and it sits well on the wrist.

Inside is the automatic JLC Calibre 757 with 65 hour power reserved, but it is not visible, due to a closed case back. As this is a column-wheel chronograph, the inability to see it may disappoint the movement fans.

How limited is this new model? Well if you want one, there are 500 up for grabs. Australian RRP is $16,900.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

SIHH 2014 : Replica Jaeger-LeCoultre Grand Reverso Ultra Thin 1931Chocolate

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My first SIHH 2014 post is about this replica watch. Why have I chosen this one to be the first? Well because it’s not only the one that I was asked about the most pre-SIHH and at the beginning, but also because I know owners of other 1931 Ultra Thin iterations and naturally, they are curious.

If you are reading this post then the chances are that you know about classic replica Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 180th anniversary last year, and you will know about other colours such as the Reverso Rouge. You will also know that this updated version of the original Reverso is a pretty faithful one, including the colour choice, but for its more modern dimensions.

The chocolate Grande Reverso (Ref. 2782560) has an 18 carat rose gold case measuring 46.8mm x 27.4mm x 7.3mm with a solid caseback that, of course, you can ask to be engraved. It has the manual wind JLC Calibre 822/2 with a power reserve of 45 hours and with 21,600 VPH.

The chocolate brown dial is offset by baton-style gold plated hands, and the dial’s colour is matched to a Casa Fagliano strap that you can see in the photos. So what about the brown? It is a deep brown but not overly so, one of those occasions where saying that something is ‘chocolate brown’ actually means that it looks like chocolate brown. The strap’s colour is a spot-on match for the dial, and its stitching and design give it a more sporty look than its predecessors, as well as being a discreet nod to Casa Fagliano’s boot and polo heritage.

If you are familiar with the Grande Reverso 1931 then the colour will be what you are interested in, as you will already have an idea of size. I can tell you that it is dressy model, but not too much so – it can be dressed up and equally, suits (as shown by one person who was trying it on) a smart casual look, including with a dark blue jacket.

For those who have not handled these models they are, as the name indicates, ‘ultra thin’. They sit snugly and closely to the wrist, and even though the measurements may sound long, the replica watch’s thinness makes it seem smaller, and it sat well even on someone’s 6.5in wrist.

In summary, if you’re a fan of these 1931s then you are probably going to like this one. It’s an elegant and eminently wearable piece, with versatility. If you are one of those enthusiasts who like the brown dial-rose gold combination, then you have another option to consider.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

EVENT : A jubilee evening with replica Jaeger-LeCoultre

D60_2443 A few weeks ago Jaeger-LeCoultre Australia hosted a dinner in Sydney to introduce some of releases in this, their 180th anniversary year. Held at Sake Restaurant, a mix of collectors, enthusiasts and others were given the opportunity to try and learn about a range of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s current range.

The replica watches presented that evening by Pierre-Etienne Durand (Brand Manager, Australia and New Zealand) and Sam from Jaeger-LeCoultre covered men’s and women’s pieces, dress and sports replica watches. As did the JLCs worn by guests. Without further ado, here are some highlights from the evening. All photos not marked ‘Horologium’ were taken by lumiere photographie.

Some of the replica watches on the menu.

The Master Ultra Thin Perpetual is in a 39mm and 9.2mm thin case available in three iterations – stainless steel, white gold or rose gold. The MUT Perpetual uses the ultra thin (4.72mm) Calibre 868 automatic movement with a 38 hour power reserve.

This is a beautifully sized replica watch with a nicely balanced dial; the subdials do not feel cramped. As well as the hours, minutes and seconds, the date is at 3 o’clock, month at 6 o’clock, year in a window between 7 and 8 o’clock, day of the week at 9 o’clock and the moonphase at 12 o’clock. The perpetual calendar indications are adjusted via a single corrector at 8 o’clock. The hands are dauphine and the hour markers the same metal as the model.

Next up is one of my favourites and a popular replica watch that evening. The 44mm Deep Sea Chronograph Cermet (ceramic particles and aluminium topped with a strong ceramic coating), about which you can read more here.

The next piece is the 42mm Duomètre à Chronographe containing the manual wind Calibre 380A and a relative of this replica watch.

The basic idea is to separate the normal time keeping function of the replica watch (hours, minutes, and seconds) from the other function, hence ‘duo’. You can read more about this at the link above.

My pick for the evening, and arguably the most popular amongst the group that night, the Master Ultra Thin Jubilee 39. This is a piece that you don’t get the full impact of in photos. It is really quite a stunning replica watch. Light as a feather to wear, and incredibly elegant.

One of the pieces released this year to celebrate 180 years of Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, this model is produced in a limited edition of 880 pieces. Although ‘only’ 39mm in diametre (4.05mm thin), it sits a bit larger than this. Guests that evening were constantly surprised to hear that it was under 42mm. Inside is the 1.85mm thin manual wind Calibre 849.

Next is the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel Jubilee. Inside the 42mm platinum case are a flying tourbillon, perpetual calendar and moonphase, courtesy of the new Cal. 985 automatic movement which has a 22ct RG oscillating weight with a representation of the gold medal awarded to Jaeger-LeCoultre at the 1889 Paris Exhibition.

A classic Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Master Date, a triple date with moonphase in a 39mm case and utilising the automatic Calibre 866.

A Reverso Duo.

Some of the pieces worn by guests.

Some vintage pieces.

One or two other brands worn on the evening.

A historical Jaeger-LeCoultre comparison.

Three Ultra-Thin Reversos, including a boutique-edition 1931 Rouge as previously written about here. Although from the men’s range, their slim lines proved popular with female guests as well.

If you would like to read more about some of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 2013 releases then go to this post from earlier this year.

My thanks to Pierre and Sam for a most enjoyable evening.