Ever wondered what it’s like to own a luxury watch without breaking the bank? J Factory has spent three years developing a full-function mechanical perpetual calendar that replicates the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar Watch. They’ve achieved this masterpiece by using imported mechanical movements to faithfully recreate the complex functions of the 868/1 caliber.

Let’s dive into the fascinating features:

The perpetual calendar feature, accessible via a hidden button at the 8 o’clock position, allows for easy adjustment of the yearly calendar. It displays years from 2023 to 2028, simplifying the replacement of the perpetual calendar module.

The watch’s calendar, day, and month functions are remarkably practical. The calendar disc at 3 o’clock shows dates and can be adjusted forward by turning in one direction and backward in another, though reverse adjustments are not recommended to avoid affecting the moon phase disc. The day disc at 9 o’clock is adjustable by turning the crown’s second position against the hour setting, while the month disc at 6 o’clock can be adjusted using the hidden button at 8 o’clock, complete with a dedicated tool.

The watch also includes a warning window feature. Positioned above the central dial needle, when shown in white, you can manually adjust the year. If blue, try to avoid adjustments to prevent affecting the movement’s longevity, as these complex features are inherent to the original 868/1 caliber.

The moon phase disc is ingeniously positioned at 12 o’clock, completing a full cycle every 30 days. You can adjust it backward using the crown’s first position, solving the challenge of not being able to adjust the moon phase independently.

J Factory provides a detailed instruction card to simplify these adjustments for watch enthusiasts.

Besides faithfully replicating the functions, the watch’s appearance is equally paramount. The case and bezel are crafted from the same high-quality stainless steel as the original, with each part individually CNC machined. Despite the complexities involved in retaining the original 39mm size, the watch remains around a 10mm thickness.

The dial maintains originality down to detail, with three function discs featuring recesses akin to the original, and the moon phase and perpetual calendar windows appear with more pronounced concave and convex features. The iconic dauphine hands, distinctively half sandblasted and half polished, along with the slightly bent process on hour and second hands, add elegance, while the steel blue color remains intensely pure.

In achieving this, J Factory seeks to offer enthusiasts a chance to feel the genuine allure of a luxury watch without the hefty price tag. It’s all about appreciating the journey to a stunning result!