I was waiting to be able to take decent pics of the new MMRs to prepare this topic, and to present them to you.
In April 2008, during the last SIHH, JLC introduced 2 new MMRs, the " 1833 " ,and a Boutique Edition, which were, more precisely, completing the 2 previous models, released in 2005 ( Platinum ), and 2006 ( Titanium).
The Platinum Antoine Lecoultre Master Minute Repeater:
The Titanium MMR:
More than 2 New MMRs, I'd say that this it is an evolution of theses 2 first great watches.
First, let's have a look at the new Platinum MMR, which is a " Boutique non limited Edition ", which means that it is available only at the JLC Boutiques.
The main difference between the 2005 LE and this new MMR is the color of the dial, wich is black on the new one:
You will also notice that the hands of the Power Rserve and the Torque Indicators are not blued anymore, which is a good thing ,because they were blue painted, and not blue heated...And the contrast between Blue and Black wouldn't have been nicer than between Silver and Black.
Another good point is that the Platinum MMR is not anymore a Limited Edition, as the 200 pieces of the first model are on to be reached.
It would have been sad to not see a Platinum MMR anymore, don't you think?
Now, the Subjective matter:
So do you prefer it with the Black open dial, or the Silver one?
The Black dial adds Strengh to the whole watch, while the Silver looks more under stated.
Difficult to choose between these 2 versions, and perhaps, with the Time, it will be easier, as a new verson is quite often more surprising than a watch we're used to see.
Another small detail is that the movement of the new version doesn't bear anymore A.Lecoultre signature:
Now, let's admire the evolution of the MMR Titanium Version, the " 1833 ", in Rose gold ( LE of 175 pieces ) :
Here, this is not the dial nor the treatment of the movement that changes, compared to the MMR titanium, but the Metal and the Color of the Case.
Keep the ruthenium finish of the MMR titanium, put it in a rose Gold case, and you will have a stunning combination, and contrast.
The surprise is that with a Rose Gold Case, you expect a dressy, elegant and quite sober, not to say classic, dial.
Here, you have a spectacular open dial, mixing the strange and deep look of the ruthenium to the warmth and elegant rose gold case.
Surprising blend, but appealing, IMO.
The idea to use Rose Gold hands and indexes adds, completes and achieves the very nice outcome.
This stunnning contrast can also be admired through the Anti Reflect sapphire:
Between the Titanium and the Rose Gold MMR, I'd say that the Titanium is more looking like a Concept Watch, while the RG is a bit between the Concept Watch ( with its open dial ) ,and the Elegant and Classic Watch, really a matter of taste, once again.
Will JLC complete the offer in " ding dong " watches, and achieves this awesome Diversity?
Time will tell.
Best.
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-01-10 13:35:59 This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-01-14 10:38:27