Oh, the magic of timepieces! GR Factory has been hard at work and after three years of research, they’ve launched a stellar replica of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar Automatic Watch. This isn’t just any replica; it’s one where time and cost were no object, and you can tell! With its 9015 imported movement, it captures every intricate function of the original 868 caliber, matching even the official specifications.
One of the standout features is its perpetual calendar. Tinker with the hidden button at the 8 o’clock position to adjust the year through the month, keeping the perpetual calendar running smoothly. The years run from 2024 to 2029, making it simpler to switch out the calendar module. Talk about convenience!
Now, let’s delve into the details. The date, day, and month dials are a marvel. At 3 o’clock, the date can be adjusted forward or backward from the first crown position. But hold your horses! Going backwards might jump the moon phase, so it’s best to avoid that. The day dial at 9 o’clock is adjusted by reversing the crown from the second position. As for the month dial, located at 6 o’clock, you can tweak it using the hidden button at 8 o’clock with a nifty adjustment rod that comes included. Each feature is independently adjustable, making it practical for daily use.
A peculiar yet nifty feature is the warning window situated above the central axis of the dial. This window turns white when it’s safe to adjust the year; if it’s blue, steer clear to avoid damaging the movement. This isn’t a flaw, folks, but a design choice to protect the intricate 868/1 caliber.
Then there’s the moon phase function at the 12 o’clock position, gliding through a full cycle every 30 days. Better still, it can be adjusted independently by reversing the crown from the first position, solving a common moon phase adjustment problem.
For easy understanding, an adjustment instruction card is included. Not only have they focused on replicating functions, but GR Factory has also nailed the aesthetics. The case is made from high-grade steel, just like the original, with individual parts precision-made via CNC. They’ve kept the 39mm size and ensured it’s just about 10mm thick, preserving the watch’s complex functionality without the extra bulk.
The dial is a work of art, recreated meticulously to original specifications. Each index is die-cast for a true-to-life three-dimensional shine. The design ensures the subdials are recessed, giving that authentic depth to the perpetual calendar and moon phase windows. The iconic dauphine hands—half sandblasted, half polished—are crafted with a slight tilt, and the blue hands are perfectly blued through a heating process, achieving that sumptuous hue.
Everything GR Factory has done has been to bring this complex masterpiece to life. They’ve poured their hearts into making sure you, as a watch enthusiast, can feel the true allure of this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar.
