With its timeless style, mechanical sophistication and fresh interpretations of watchmaking’s most useful and emblematic complications, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Control collection has been recognised as a modern classic throughout the three decades since it was originally introduced. Its constant evolution is imbued with the Maison’s deep respect for tradition and constant quest for innovation and, in 2023, La Grande Maison introduces an eye-catching new variation to the line: the Master Control Chronograph Calendar in pink gold with a black dial.
Epitomising the Maison’s commitment to watchmaking excellence, the Master Control takes its name from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 1,000-Hour Control Certification and was the first watch collection to undergo this rigorous testing protocol – not just of the movement, but of the cased-up watch – which has since become standard for all Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces.
A Refined and Contemporary Aesthetic Inspired by the Maison’s Rich Heritage
With its harmonious proportions and restrained styling, the Master Control collection draws inspiration from the Maison’s emblematic round watches of the 1950s and ’60s, such as the Memovox and Futurematic. The new Master Control Chronograph Calendar with black dial subtly recalls the coloured watch dials of the mid-20th century, reinterpreting their vintage appeal in confidently contemporary style.
Anchored by the clean, modern lines of the case, myriad refined details highlight the chronograph and calendar displays. The dial is framed by a pulsometric scale marked around the flange (a traditional indication originally developed for physicians to measure patients’ heart rates, and equally relevant for today’s lifestyles), which, in keeping with tradition, is marked in red.
The indications for the two complications – a complete calendar and a bi-compax chronograph – are balanced in a dial layout that is timeless, straightforward and intuitive to read, despite the complexity of the information shown. The finely textured ‘azurage’ finish on these three sub-dials, and the rich blue of the moon-phase indicator, create a subtle and pleasing contrast to the vibrant black of the sunray-brushed dial, which captures and reflects the light with movements of the wearer’s wrist.
Elegant Proportions for the Modern Sophisticate
With its 40-millimetre diameter, outwardly sloping bezel and dynamically curved lugs, the pink gold Master Control case exudes a relaxed and understated elegance. A black alligator leather strap adds allure to the pink gold case, honouring a classically elegant aesthetic that has been appreciated for many generations.
Technical Complexity Expressed Through Mechanical Elegance
A fine example of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s technically sophisticated and mechanically elegant watchmaking, the Master Control Chronograph Calendar is powered by the automatic Calibre 759. An integrated chronograph movement with a 65-hour power reserve, it features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism with vertical clutch, allied to a triple calendar with moon-phase display.
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