Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most reputed names in the horological industry. The Manufacture follows the classic standard of watchmaking as a tribute to the founders. Yet, innovation is in the spirit of the brand.
In this wide array of horological masterpieces that the brand crafts, there are signature collections that have withstood the test of time. One of the simplest and elegant of these is the Master collection. This is one of the brand’s signature lines that specifically focuses on the most relevant parts of the timepieces.
The Master Grand Tradition, the Master Ultra-Thin and the Master Control are the three highlights of this collection. This 2017 the manufacture celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Master Control collection.
In a nod to the deep heritage of the brand the designs have vintage inspiration. However, they have been executed in a manner that adds a very contemporary touch to them. There are a few design elements that bind all the three timepieces together: the two-tone silvered dials and the black transferred numerals behind the sapphire crystal. The only hour marker numerals to appear on all three watches are 12 and 9. These hour markers rest on a black ring, with other hour indexes, on the inner part of the dial. The collection has been executed in stainless steel and all the watches are water resistant to 50m.
One of the other conspicuous features is the striking blue accents on the dial. The blued hands add to the sophistication of the watch. The seconds hand is shaped like a fencing sword while the hour and minute hands are ‘skeletonised’ or hollowed in the centre. The deep blue leather straps continue the blue enigma. Like any other Jaeger-LeCoultre, these too have undergone rigorous testing of their accuracy, performance, and durability for 1000 hours each, in various positions.
The Master Control Date is the most basic of the new Master Control timepieces. It offers at a glance a simple indication of hours, minutes and seconds, through the central hands. The date can be viewed through an aperture at three o’clock. This watch is housed in a 39 mm case and bears the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899/1 movement offering a power reserve of 38 hours. The bezel of the Date is wider than those of the two other Master Control 2017 pieces.
The Master Control Chronograph is larger than the other two watches. It is in a 40 mm case. The chronograph push-pieces flanking the crown control the central seconds hand and the 30-minue counter, seen on the dial at three o’clock. The sub-dial at nine o’clock is for the small seconds hand, while the edge all around the dial features a tachometer scale. This watch also features an automatic mechanical movement, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 751G that offers an impressive 65-hour power reserve.
The Master Control Geographic, offers a display of an additional time zone. The wearer can select this from the window at six o’clock, using the additional crown. The dial presents the disc of the time zone selection very aesthetically, without interfering much with the design. The sub-dial at six o’clock shows the time in the second time zone selected by the wearer. This watch has a 39 mm case and is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 939B/1 movement featuring a power reserve of 40 hours.
At its 25th anniversary, the Master Control collection once again reasserts the fact that classic watches are indeed evergreen.