Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Ultra Thin Moon is a brilliant bit of kit that I had the pleasure of spending some time with last year. The model I went hands-on with was the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon stainless steel silvered-grey dial reference 1368430 which hit all the right notes. Fast forward a year and a bit and as we near the end of a tumultuous 2021, I once again had the privilege of going hands-on with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon, this time with the reference 1368480.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 1368480 is an extension on what is an already supremely beautiful collection of timepieces. This particular model features a deep and vivid blue dial complete with sunray-brushing. I much prefer this reference over its silvered-grey dial brother, and in the metal this thing absolutely excels. I was astounded by just how much depth the dial had. In different lighting environments, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon's dial continued to showcase different shades of blue which was offset beautifully by those dauphine hands and hour markers.
But as good as the dial is on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon, the focal point here is that delightful moon phase. Jaeger-LeCoultre has opted to use a midnight-blue disc offset by a highly polished moon and matching stars. I love this layered look which works well with what already is a very deep and characteristically interesting dial.
It's interesting to note that the meticulous finishing we can see throughout the dial extends to the stainless steel case. Measuring 39mm across and 9.30mm in thickness, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon's case is soft, rounded and very much in keeping with that stereotypical classical dress watch look.
Powering the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon is the manufacture calibre 925/1 which boasts a power reserve of a respectable 70-hours, features 245 separate components and is capped off by stunning finishing throughout. To the naked eye the calibre 925/1 is immensely impressive which continues to impressive even under a loupe. The cherry on top here is that divine pink gold rotor.
A watch like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon is generational, timeless, tantamount to a family heirloom to pass on. It's a watch that draws only the eyes of those who know what it is. It's a watch that doesn't scream presence or acts like a buffoon, longing for attention. It's a watch that is composed, quiet, classical yet relevant, conservative yet still very much a part of an ever changing contemporary horological landscape. It's genuine, representative of some very interesting watchmaking, of history, of culture and of significance. It's a watch you purchase because you want to, period. And boy, do I want to. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon is priced at $15,200AUD. Find out more here.