Okay, so, I’ve been wanting a Jaeger-LeCoultre, specifically the Master Ultra Thin Date, for a while now. I finally decided to take the plunge and try to replicate it. I mean, the real deal is amazing, but it’s way out of my budget.
I started by looking up everything I could find about the watch online. I read tons of forum posts, like on WatchUSeek, where people were debating between the Master Control Date and the Master Ultra Thin Moon. I looked at the official Jaeger-LeCoultre website too, to get the exact specs. The real one is like 39mm in diameter and only 7.8mm thick, which is crazy thin for an automatic watch.
Then, I began searching for a good replica. After comparing many versions, I finally decided to go with a ZF factory version because it looked pretty darn close to the original. The one I picked was the white dial version. The index alignment was almost too good to be true. It was that neat. I also noticed that the real JLC Master Ultra Thin Date has this beautiful blue-grey dial option, which looked really good.
Once I got the watch, the first thing I did was swap out the strap. I found a golden brown leather strap that looked similar to the ones JLC uses on their Master Control line. It really changed the whole vibe of the watch, making it look even more classy.
Wearing it around has been interesting. Some people who know watches have definitely noticed it and given me compliments. Some have even mistaken it for the real thing! And to be honest, even I sometimes forget it’s not the genuine article. I’ve worn it to work meetings, family dinners, and even just casually on the weekends. It fits every occasion perfectly. The thinness is very comfortable.
All in all, I’m really happy with my little project. I got the look and feel of a super expensive watch without breaking the bank. And I learned a lot about watches in the process. Next, I might try to replicate the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar. That one looks like a real challenge!
- Start: Decided to replicate a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Date.
- Research: Looked up specs and reviews online, including forums and official website.
- Replica Selection: Chose a ZF factory replica with a white dial.
- Strap Change: Swapped the strap for a golden brown leather one.
- Wearing: Wore it to various occasions, received compliments.
- Conclusion: Happy with the result, learned a lot, considering next project.
Summary
I did it. I replicated a watch that I’ve been dreaming for a long * it was not an original one, I still gained great satisfaction. Also, I got a lot of fun from the process. I even learned some knowledge of watches which I never knew before. I can tell my friends that I am an expert on watches now, haha!
Click to consult