ith 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.

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. Creating a dynamic contrast with the black dial, the red is repeated on each of the three sub-dials and in the day and month windows, drawing the eye to this valuable information.

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 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock is balanced by the running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, while the day and month windows in the upper section of the dial are balanced by the circular moon-phase and date indicator at 6 o’clock. 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. Legibility is further enhanced by the contrast between the warm pink gold tone of the Dauphine hands and applied trapezoidal indexes.

With its 40-millimetre diameter, outwardly sloping bezel and dynamically curved lugs, the pink gold Master Control case exudes a relaxed and understated elegance. Satin-brushing on the case-sides and lugs is complemented by the polished bezel, crowns and lug bevels. Refined details abound, including bas-relief engravings on the back bezel and a sapphire crystal case-back to reveal the finely finished and decorated movements. Enhancing this timeless style, rectangular chronograph pushers add a purposeful, modern air to the well-proportioned 12.05mm thick case. A black alligator leather strap adds allure to the pink gold case, honouring a classically elegant aesthetic that has been appreciated for many generations.

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.

The fine finishing, visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, includes Côtes de Genève, blued screws, and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s emblematic open-worked gold rotor bearing the ‘JL’ motif. Like all of the Maison’s calibres, the movement was entirely designed, produced, finished and assembled within its own Manufacture at Le Sentier, in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

MASTER CONTROL CHRONOGRAPH CALENDAR

Case: Pink Gold 750/1000 (18 carats)

Dimensions: diameter 40 mm; thickness 12.05 mm

Calibre: Automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 759

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, day, date, month, moon phases, chronograph with 30- minute counter and pulsometer

Power Reserve: 65 hours

Water resistance: 5 bar

Dial: Black sunray-brushed

Strap: Black alligator

Reference: Q413257J