Oh, the excitement of watch enthusiasts everywhere! GR Factory has unveiled its latest creation after years of meticulous research: a perfect homage to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar Automatic Watch. Lovingly crafted with precision, this masterpiece integrates the complex features of the original 868 movement using a high-quality imported 9015 mechanical movement.
No corners were cut in terms of time or cost in the pursuit of perfection. Let’s delve into the fascinating functionalities that make this watch a true gem.
Firstly, the perpetual calendar function is a marvel. With an invisible button at the 8 o’clock position, you can adjust the annual calendar through the months, displaying the years 2024 to 2029. This makes switching out the perpetual calendar module a breeze.
Next, let’s talk about the calendar, weekday, and month functions. The date is displayed at the 3 o’clock position, which can be adjusted by pulling the crown out to the first notch; turning clockwise moves the date forward, while counterclockwise adjusts it backward (though counterclockwise adjustment isn’t recommended, as it might affect the moon phase). The weekday is displayed at 9 o’clock and can be adjusted using the second notch, moving through 24-hour time. Lastly, the month is shown at the 6 o’clock position, adjusted with the invisible button at 8 o’clock, complete with a specialized adjustment tool.
Now onto the caution window feature! Located above the watch’s center axis, this fan-shaped window turns from white to blue. When white, it’s safe to adjust the year; blue signals a restricted period for adjustment, preserving the movement’s lifespan. This is not a defect but a characteristic of the original intricate design.
The moon phase feature, at the 12 o’clock position, completes 30-day cycles—a true functional moon phase. It can be adjusted by reversing the crown at the first notch, marking a solution to the previously unsolvable moon phase adjustment issue.
Functional elegance aside, GR Factory also prioritized the aesthetic recreation of this remarkable watch. The case and bezel are made of the same stainless steel as the original, each component meticulously crafted using CNC technology to maintain an authentic look. Despite the complexities, the watch retains a sleek thickness of about 10mm, close to the original dimensions.
The dial’s restoration is a spectacle itself, maintaining the original look and feel with precision-molded markers that boast a realistic texture and shine. The three sub-dials are designed with recessed contours akin to the original, enhancing their 3D look. Even the moon phase and perpetual calendar displays feature pronounced relief for accurate replication.
And let’s not forget the iconic dauphine hands, an emblem of the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand. With half sandblasted and half polished finishes, both the hour and second hands exhibit a subtly bent design, and the steel-blue is a genuine shade achieved through heat treatment—you know, the little things that just scream luxury!
So, there you have it. GR Factory’s dedication to delivering an impeccable reproduction of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar Watch ensures that watch aficionados can enjoy both function and form. It’s more than just a timepiece; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship.
