Imagine owning a watch that is not just a timepiece but a testament to the art of watchmaking. GR Factory has achieved this with their new masterpiece, a painstakingly crafted replica of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar Automatic. After three years of tireless research, they have brought to life the intricate functions of the original 868 caliber using the imported 9015 movement. Now, that’s impressive!
The watch boasts a perpetual calendar function with a cleverly hidden adjustment button at the 8 o’clock position. This feature allows easy management of the annual calendar, displaying years from 2024 to 2029 efficiently. It’s all about making adjustments easier and maintaining the watch’s aesthetic appeal.
The calendar, day, and month dials are thoughtfully laid out. The calendar dial sits at 3 o’clock and can be adjusted via the first pulled position of the crown, moving the date forward or backward. But, a word of caution: avoid reverse adjustments to prevent any mishaps with the moon phase dial. The day dial is displayed at 9 o’clock and can be set using the crown’s second position. The month dial, located at 6 o’clock, is easily adjusted using the concealed button at 8 o’clock, with a special tool provided for your convenience.
A unique feature is the warning window above the dial’s center-hand shaft. When white, feel free to manually adjust the year. However, if it’s blue, steer clear of making changes to avoid affecting the movement’s lifespan. This isn’t a flaw but a characteristic of the complex 868/1 movement.
The moon phase function at 12 o’clock completes a full cycle every 30 days, offering a genuine experience of lunar phases. This problem was ingeniously solved by allowing adjustments via the crown’s first position, independent of other settings.
Alongside these functions, the watch’s design remains faithful to the original. The case and bezel are crafted from the same high-grade steel, with each component precision-crafted using CNC technology. Maintaining the original’s aesthetics was a priority, retaining a 39mm size and a refined thickness of around 10mm.
The dial features true-to-original dimensions and markings, crafted with care to ensure a lifelike 3D effect. The attention to detail extends to the moon phase and perpetual calendar windows, offering depth and definition. The classic dauphine hands, a Jaeger-LeCoultre signature, are half-satin, half-polished, with blued steel hands baked to perfection for that pure blue tint.
GR Factory’s dedication is evident in every aspect, faithfully recreating the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar. It’s a watch that allows enthusiasts to experience unparalleled elegance and functionality on their wrist.
