Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control 2020
Watches & Wonders has officially begun and to celebrate the occasion let’s jump right back in to covering some new timely releases. First up we zoomed in on the Jaeger-LeCoulter and their updated “Master Control” collection for 2020. This line-up consists of 3 new options, all in the same case with differing complications. The “Master Control” collection was originally introduced, back in 1992. At the time they were the first JLC timepieces to feature the pioneering ‘1000 Hours Control’ certification, which is where its moniker derived from. It was developed to guarantee perfect execution and the highest level of precision, which would later be applied across their whole catalog. Since its debut the “Master Control” has been constantly tweaked and relaunched, with subtle nuances.
All three of these new releases come in the same 40mm case made out of stainless-steel with a transparent case back, which allows to view the inner workings of the mechanical movement. Design wise the case has preserved its classic contours. The bezel has been made slightly thinner in this update, allowing for a more open dial and slender look. A modification that is barely noticeable, but present.
It also comes equipped with the standard setting-crown, decorated with a “JL” engraved logo. A heightened sense of depth to its features is brought forth by combining a brushed finished case, with a contrasting polished bezel and lugs. All topped by a sapphire crystal with an antiglare treatment. Water-resistance on these watches can reach up to 50 meters (164 feet).
Time is also exhibited on an identical silvered grey dial with an elegant sunray-brushed finish, for all three options. But, the added complications of each version distinctly set them apart from one another. First up lets focus on the simplest model, which is the “Master Control Date”.
It has been adorned with steel-applied hour index markers and the Arabic numerals: 6, 9 and 12. While circling around the periphery of the dial is a series of subtle minute index markers, with small dotted indices for every 5-minute increment. It also features a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position and a blue seconds hand, for an added touch of color.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date
The “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date” (Ref#: Q4018420) is powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 899AC (new generation) with 35 jewels and 28,000 Vph. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 70 hours, when fully wound.
MSRP: $6,700.00 USD
Next we have the “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar” with the same steel appliqué hour index markers, but the Arabic numerals: 3, 9 and 12.
Besides the previous mentioned ring of minute index markings, further out on this model nearing the bezel is a ring counting down the 31 days of the month.
In the upper half of the dial we encounter a double-window for the weekday and current month; while on the lower-half is a sub-seconds dial with a blue sky star-lit decorated moonphase.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar
The “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar” (Ref#: 4148420) is powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 866AA with 34 jewels, 353 components and 28,800 Vph. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 70 hours, when fully wound.
MSRP: $11,000 USD
Next in line is the “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar” which gets further complicated. The case has the extra rectangular pushers to operate the chronograph functions.
It features three sub-dials: a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock; a sub-seconds at 9 o’clock; and a calendar with a blue sky star-lit decorated moonphase in its midst.
In the upper half of the dial we encounter a double-window for the weekday and current month. While the periphery of the dial is a ring for the “30 pulsations” countdown. For an extra touch of color here JLC has made the sub-hands and chronograph in blue.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar
The “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar” (Ref#: 4138420) is powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 759 with 47 jewels, 356 parts and 28,800 Vph. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 65 hours, when fully wound.
All these models come attached to a brown leather strap, secured to the wrist by a stainless-steel buckle. For more up to date information visit the official Jaeger-LeCoultre website here, or click on each models title throughout the article for direct links.
MSRP: $14,500.00 USD
