Masterful
JAEGER-LECOULTRE’S NEW MASTER CONTROL COLLECTION
For the last 30 years, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Control collection has been defined by technical rigor and stylistic restraint. Its constant evolution has been imbued with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s deep respect for tradition and constant quest for innovation. They recently relaunched the entire collection, drawing inspiration from the classic round watches of the 1950s while adding a dash of 21st-century flair. Rather than paying homage to a single historic reference, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a range of timepieces featuring some of the brand’s most emblematic complications. The new Master Control collection features a host of complications including the classic date, the triple calendar, the legendary Geographic, and for the first time, a chronograph with a triple calendar display and moonphase.
TIMELESS DESIGN WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST
Reflecting a modern interpretation of its classic design, every element of the Master Control collection has been restyled. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers have harnessed and modernized the design to create a refined yet entirely contemporary aesthetic. With its 40mm diameter, outwardly sloping bezel and dynamically curved lugs, the new Master Control case exudes a relaxed and understated elegance. The satin-brushed sides of the case are complemented by a polished bezel, crowns and lugs to complete its stunning case design.
On the dials, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers reinterpreted the classical codes into a streamlined and modern style while highlighting the complications of each model. The applied indexes add refinement—their elongated triangular shape is echoed by the Dauphine hands. Uniting the collection, a sunray-brushed finish animates the silvery-white dial, while a blue central seconds hand adds a subtle pop of color. With its refined appearance and clean design, the new collection remains timeless yet absolutely contemporary.
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- MASTER CONTROL DATE
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- MASTER CONTROL GEOGRAPHIC
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- MASTER CONTROL CALENDAR
NEW MATERIALS & MOVEMENTS
The versatility of the new collection is underlined by the choice of two case materials– stainless steel and a new pink gold alloy called Le Grand Rose Gold. Seen for the first time in this new collection, Le Grand Rose Gold has a remarkable sheen and depth of color. The addition of palladium to the metal’s proprietary formula guards against oxidation and ensures that the radiant color will not fade over the years. The straps have also been re-worked for the new collection. To complement the timeless informality of the steel cases, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers have chosen the soft, matte finish of Novonappa calf leather in tan. Produced by the finest tannery in France, through a vegetable-based tanning process that retains the natural variations of the hides, Novonappa develops a distinctive patina over time. Classic alligator leather in black or chocolate brown lends a more formal allure to the Le Grand Rose Gold cases, which can also be fitted with a Novonappa strap. Thanks to a Presto Spring lug attachment and a simple clip for removing and refitting the deployant buckle, the straps can be quickly changed without the need for any tool.
1,000 HOURS CONTROL
When launched in 1992, the Master Control line was the first of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collections to benefit from its pioneering “1,000 Hours Control” certification, which inspired the collection’s name. A demanding process that tests the entire cased-up watch (not just its movement), the certification has continually evolved in response to technological advances to remain one of the watch industry’s most stringent testing protocols.
With its heritage and long history of technical innovation, the relaunch of the Master Control collection is not simply an aesthetic update. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers have comprehensively revised and re-engineered Calibre 899, the high-performing movement in the Master Control collection, with the goal of improving reliability, power reserve and long-term performance. The improvements, which have been incorporated into the entire range of Master Control movements, include a silicon escapement, a redesigned barrel and various energy-saving enhancements. Like all Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces, the Master Control watches carry an eight-year warranty in addition to the 1,000 Hours Control certification.
Inspired by the past and redesigned in the confident spirit of the 21st century, the new Master Control collection combines the creativity and technical prowess of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Blending timeless style with the relaxed elegance of modern urban living, this collection is destined to become a point of reference in contemporary watchmaking.
