Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Control collection originally made its debut in 1992, some 28 years ago. It was the first of the brand’s collections to benefit from its pioneering ‘1000 Hours Control’ certification which in turn inspired its name.
Now just in time for the recent Watches and Wonders 2020 digital edition, a new interpretation of the classic watch has emerged.
Drawing inspiration from the past and redesigned with the confident spirit of the 21st century, the new Master Control collection is destined become a point of reference in contemporary watchmaking.
All in all, four watches make up the collection: the Master Control Date, the Master Control Calendar, Master Control Geographic and Master Control Chronograph Calendar.
Across the range the new Master Control case exudes a relaxed and understated elegance with satin-brushing on the case-sides, polished bezels, crowns and lugs.
There are refined details to be found with bas-relief engravings on the back bezel and a sapphire crystal-back that reveals the finely decorated movements.
Checking out the dials, there is a streamlined and modern style to it that highlights each model’s complications. The applied indexes lend some refinement to the watch while their elongated triangular shapes are echoed by the Dauphine hands.
Uniting the collection is the sunray brushing that animates the silver-white background. They also feature blue central seconds hands which adds a subtle pop of colour as well as blued subdial hands.
The collection features two case materials- one steel and the other Le Grand Rose gold. This is the first time in the Master Control line that the new pink gold alloy has been applied.
Jaeger-LeCoultre has also paid attention to the straps by employing a soft, matt finish of Novanappa calf leather in tan. Produced by the finest tannery in France, Novanappa gains a distinctive patina over time. The straps also use a Presto Spring lug attachment and a simple clip that allow the straps to be quickly changed without needing any tools.
When the time comes for something formal, you can easily switch the straps out to a classic alligator leather in black and chocolate brown.
At the heart of the new Master Control collection is Jaeger-LeCoutlre’s revised and re-engineered Calibre 899 movement that not only boasts significantly improved reliability but also great long-term performance and long power power reserve that lasts up to 70 hours.
The improvements, which have been incorporated into the entire range of Master Control calibres, include a silicon escapement, a redesigned barrel and various energy-saving enhancements.
A closer look at the Master Control Calendar.
