Okay, so, I’ve been eyeing this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar for a while now. It’s one of those watches that just screams “classic” but still has that “I know what I’m doing” vibe. Anyway, I finally pulled the trigger and got myself the original order version. Let me tell you about the whole experience.
First off, finding this specific model wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. I mean, Jaeger-LeCoultre makes a ton of watches, but this Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar, especially the original order, is kind of a niche thing. I started by hitting up a few of the local watch boutiques, you know, the usual spots. The staff were friendly and all, but most places just didn’t have it in stock. They kept showing me other models, which were nice, but not what I was after. One guy even said something like, “A man who wears a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is definitely one who values quality, technical precision and traditions.” Yeah, no kidding, that’s why I’m here!
After striking out in person, I decided to dig around online. I browsed through some forums and discussion boards where watch nerds like me hang out. There was a lot of chatter about the Master Ultra Thin line, especially the date version. Someone even mentioned that the Master Ultra Thin Date is a true classic, but they were introducing a new dial color. Cool, but still not what I was looking for.
Then, I stumbled upon a thread specifically about the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar. People were talking about the different variants. Apparently, there’s an 18K rose gold model with an eggshell dial. Fancy, but not my style. I was really after the stainless steel version with the black dial, reference 1308470. A few users were raving about how it’s a highly underrated bargain, even though Jaeger-LeCoultre doesn’t always get the credit it deserves.
Eventually, I found a guy who had one. We exchanged a few messages, and he seemed legit. He even sent me some close-up photos, and I could see the serial number on the movement. I did some research, and apparently, the serial number is usually on the back or under the dial. I was pretty sure the watch I was looking at was the real deal. I’ve heard the production year of the case could be 1-2 years behind the movement’s production year, but it checks out.
- Contacted the seller
- Negotiated a price
- Arranged for payment and shipping
A few days later, the package arrived. I was like a kid on Christmas morning, carefully unwrapping the box. And there it was, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar, in all its glory. The black dial, the polished rhodium-plated appliques, the in-house Calibre 868 ticking away inside, it was perfect. I know some people say this watch is something you can dress up or wear casually, and that’s a common thing said about every watch, I don’t care. This is exactly what I wanted.
It Is Mine Now
Putting it on my wrist for the first time was a special moment. It felt substantial but not too heavy, and the way it caught the light was just mesmerizing. I spent the rest of the day just admiring it from different angles. Some might say I’m crazy for being so obsessed with a watch, but hey, it’s the little things in life, right?
I think I made a good choice with this watch. There’s something satisfying about owning a piece of horological history, especially one as well-made as this Jaeger-LeCoultre. It’s not just a watch; it’s a statement. And in my case, it’s a statement that says, “I finally got the watch I’ve been wanting.”
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