We’ve seen them during the SIHH for the first time. Three really cool new versions of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control line. We just received the full press information and are happy to share this with you.
Celebrating 25 years of the Master Control line with three new pieces
It has been 25 years since the Master Control collection was first unveiled in 1992. An embodiment of the sophisticated watchmaking tradition carefully cultivated by Jaeger-LeCoultre, it combines the classic aesthetics and technical performance that illustrate the quality of the Manufacture’s movements.
Now on the collection’s 25th anniversary, the Manufacture is presenting a new expression of the line’s three emblematic functions, drawing on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s rich legacy of round watches to inspire the Master Control Date, the Master Chronograph, and the Master Geographic. The date, chronograph, and geographic complication constitute functions of everyday utility that have made the Master Control line into a resounding success, and they are pleasingly integrated into this latest incarnation.
A vintage-inspired design
The classicism that characterises the collection is augmented by the vintage charm of these pieces, driven by automatic movements and enhanced with touches of blue. This navy shade echoes across the dial like a leitmotif, in the skeletonised baton hands and the blued stainless steel central seconds, as well as in the complications and the minute circle. As an elegant accompaniment to these three new faces, a strap of alligator leather takes up the shade of blue, intensifying it to a deeper hue.
A subtle play of light weaves across the surface of these models. The polished finish on the bezel and lugs forms a sophisticated contrast with the satin-brushed case-band, imbuing the case with additional charm. On the face of each watch, a circular satin-brushed finish in the outer section sets off the opaline finish at the heart of the dial. This makes light bounce off it at different angles, ensuring the indications are easier to read. The contrast is further heightened by black hour-markers at the centre of the watch.
Master Control Date
This watch exudes a genuine charm. Its clean, rounded lines reflect the essence of the Master Control collection, with its emblematic numerals 6, 9, and 12 retained, and the 3 making way for a date indication. This simple function remains a “must” in watchmaking. With its automatic movement housed in a 39 mm case, this model is an elegant and reassuring presence on the wrist, ideal for active men who want a watch that looks just as fitting during the working day as for more dressed-up occasions. To prolong the pleasure of discovery, a sapphire crystal case-back reveals the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899/1 with its 22-carat gold oscillating weight.
MOVEMENT
- Automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899/1
- 28,800 vibrations per hour
- 38-hour power reserve
- 219 parts
- 3.30 mm in height
FUNCTION
- Hour, minute, central seconds
- Date
CASE
- Stainless steel
- 39 mm in diameter
- Height: 8.5 mm
- Sapphire crystal case-back
- Water resistance: 5 bar
DIAL
- Finish is opaline in the centre and circular satin-brushed around the perimeter
HANDS
- Skeletonised baton hands
STRAP
- Blue alligator leather
- Pin buckle in stainless steel
REFERENCE
Suggested retail price € 5.950,- (Timeframe March 2017)
Master Chronograph
This chronograph watch follows the Master Control collection’s distinctive aesthetic lines, featuring a contemporary design inspired by vintage styling. Its “casual chic” look will appeal to aficionados of this emblematic complication, seeking an original model. The two push-pieces housed on the case-band make the chronograph easy to use, with its two counters indicating hours and minutes set out harmoniously on the dial. Their invigorating blue colour is echoed in the blued stainless steel hands and the tachometer that runs discreetly around the outer perimeter. It is useful for measuring the speed of travel from one point to another with ease. There is a sporty feel to this automatic watch, and its 40-mm diameter case adds a real sense of distinction to the wrist.
MOVEMENT
- Automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 751G
- 28,800 vibrations per hour
- 65-hour power reserve
- 235 parts
- 5.72 mm in height
FUNCTION
- Hour, minute, central seconds
- 2-counter chronograph
- Tachometer
CASE
- Stainless steel
- 40 mm in diameter
- Height: 11.7 mm
- Water resistance: 5 bar
DIAL
- Finish is opaline in the centre and circular satin-brushed around the perimeter
- Circular guilloché on the counters
HANDS
- Skeletonised baton hands
STRAP
- Blue alligator leather
- Pin buckle in stainless steel
REFERENCE
Suggested retail price € 8.350,- (Timeframe March 2017)
Master Geographic
The Master Geographic is the emblematic model of the Master Control collection, providing travellers with a novel way of reading the second time zone. The aperture in the lower section of the dial displays the names of 24 world cities, representing all the time zones. A crown set at 10 o’clock on the case makes adjusting the indicator of this second time zone simplicity itself. Patterned in a circular guilloché that catches light from a different slant, the indicator contrasts elegantly with the other finishes on the dial. With its signature blue colour, the design brings a fresh feel to this watch, without taking away from its classic sobriety.
MOVEMENT
- Automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 939B/1
- 28,800 vibrations per hour
- 43-hour power reserve
FUNCTION
- Hour, minute, central seconds
- Second time zone
- 24-city disc
- 24-hour indication
CASE
- Stainless steel
- 39 mm in diameter
- Height: 11.7 mm
- Sapphire crystal case-back
- Water resistance: 5 bar
DIAL
- Finish is opaline in the centre and circular satin-brushed around the perimeter
- Circular guilloché on the second time zone counter
HANDS
- Skeletonised baton hands
STRAP
- Blue alligator leather
- Pin buckle in stainless steel
REFERENCE
Suggested retail price € 9.900,- (Timeframe March 2017)
“1000 Hours Control” at the heart of the Master collection for 25 years
Master Control was the first Jaeger-LeCoultre line to benefit from the “1000 Hours Control” in-house certification, which inspired its name. This series of radical tests to ensure that the watches are reliable has since been extended to all of the Grande Maison’s models. Watches are tested in six positions during the six- week testing period, to reproduce the conditions they will be worn under. Temperature variations, accidental impacts, power reserve capacity, water resistance – nothing is left to chance, ensuring the future owner of the piece will be fully satisfied with it.
