Hands-on Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Date ST

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Slim and delicate, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Date ST (ST – steel) is an excellent choice for these holidays. The elegant piece is a perfect all-rounder for the exciting Christmas preparations, relaxing family evenings and celebrations surrounded by friends.

Review Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Date ST

After having my close encounter with Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon, I was was curious to find out how enjoyable is the Master Ultra-Thin Date. I wanted to find out if the simpler, steel-cased version, will create me the same emotions as the high-end tourbillon version. Extrapolating, of course, the levels. From one end to another, I have to admit, a more proper choice would have been the Ultra-Thin Small Seconds. But for me, the date is an important complication.

*Note: the presented watch is a test piece that has been used the entire year tests and hands-on. The watch presents some scratches on the dial that have been removed on most of the pictures but not on the videos. I am not aware of how the scratches ended on the dial surface, the official answer was that the watch has travelled the entire year and might have suffered some work. The watch also presents a patina on the dial. This ageing is something I have encountered before at the Jaeger-LeCoultre silvered dial and has its certain charm.

A classic and elegant steel case

Must a dress watch be mandatorily cased in precious metals? Certainly not! The Master Ultra-Thin Date ST case is manufactured in stainless steel. At 39mm diameter, the watch is at the highest size that some collectors take into consideration as a proper dress piece. Even if some purists will say that 33 to 36mm are enough, the modern times require bigger pieces. Especially since I see the Ultra-Thin Date as a gentleman’s all-rounder.

The steel case has all its surfaced mirror polished. As you can observe, nothing escapes from the case’s reflections.

The 7.8 mm case’s thickness guarantees comfortable wear. The lugs are slightly curved with gradual chamfering. Together with the well-proportioned length, the Master Ultra-Thing will sit perfectly on the wrist. The weight is also a positive factor.

The crown is small but with a good grip. The winding, although normally unnecessary (automatic movement) is smooth. Setting the instant date is a pleasure. The time setting can be done precisely due to the stop-seconds system. The brand logo is embossed on the crown’s polished surface.

The caseback is fixed with the help of four screws. The shape is very interesting – it creates a niche space for several engravings. More images in the gallery.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Date ST is fitted with a typical JLC folding clasp – practical and comfortable.

An elegant dial

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Date ST is fitted with a silvered, slightly bombe white dial.

For the hour indexes, Jaeger-Lecoultre used multi-faceted three-dimensional polished rhodium-plated indexes. The several angles will assure that even the smallest ray of light will be caught for the best visibility. To the good legibility contribute the dauphine hours and minutes’ hands.

The hand-applied hour indexes are accompanied by printed minutes/seconds black indexes. Also printed are the brand’s name, on top of the dial, and “Automatic” at 6 o’clock. I would be curious to see how a dial without printings will look like.

The date aperture is placed at 6’oclock. The chamfered aperture is adorned with a printed rectangle. The black numerals on a silver background offer good legibility.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre volumetric logo is hand placed on top of the sunrayed dial – A particular detail that I really enjoy.

A Jaeger-LeCoultre typical exquisite movement

Master Ultra-Thin Date ST is powered by the 3.3mm calibre 899/1. This slim automatic movement offers time display with central seconds with stop-seconds for setting and an instantaneous date. It is quite impressive for the price.

The movement’s finishes are exceptional. Jaeger-LeCoultre never disappointed me on this chapter. The most spectacular is the Cote de Geneve decoration. As visible in the video above, the calibre 899/1 is a light catcher.

Calibre 899/1 has gilded engravings with the brand’s name, calibre type, origin and number of jewels. The mainplate reveals a hands-made perlage. Also visible are the thermally blued screws.

The single barrel design offers a power reserve of 38 hours, regulated by a 4Hz balance wheel.

Final words

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Date ST is without a doubt a beautiful watch. I had it on the wrist on my last trip to Geneva. The legibility is unexpectedly good. Even in the evening, I had no issue with time reading.

The watch is very comfortable. I wear usually havier, full metal bracelet pieces and the Master Ultra-Thin was a relaxing companion. I didn’t feel it wrong on any of the occasions – business, casual or to a romantic dinner. A proper all-rounder for someone in need of a classic piece, proper to more serious activities. Of course, I would not wear it at a tennis match on the field. But in the tribune – yes.

Thinking at the initial comparison: yes, the Tourbillon is more spectacular but the Date Steel is something more versatile. Each piece has its own glorious moments.