Precision Meets Elegance On The New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar
3 min read
Jaeger-LeCoultre brings contemporary allure to one of its classical, signature complications with a new interpretation of the Master Control Calender. Offered in two shades of grey pays a subtle homage to the sector dials of the mid-20th century, while offering a contemporary interpretation of a classic design. Powered by Calibre 866, the new model will be offered in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Renowned for the triple calendar moon-phase movements that it developed in the 1940s, and that were adopted by several other leading Maisons, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced a new version of the complication in 2020 as part of the relaunched Master Control collection.
50 years after creating its first triple calendar movements, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the Master Control Collection in 1992, naming it after its pioneering ‘1000 Hours Control’ certification. The certification protocol, which set a new standard at the time by testing the entire cased-up watch, has continually evolved in response to technological advances. The Collection also established its own aesthetic codes, defined by technical rigour and stylistic restraint, reinterpreting the classic round watches of the 1950s to create a timeless yet contemporary elegance.
The classical triple calendar complication – also known as a complete calendar – shows the day, date, month, and moon-phases, with the days and months in the upper half of the dial, the moon-phase in the lower part and the dates marked around the periphery, indicated by a hand.
The two-tone effect of the new grained dial creates a visually compelling and highly legible version of this classical layout, with indications divided into distinct sections defined by alternating shades of light and dark grey. In the lighter-toned centre, the day and month windows are positioned at the top, with black decal indications on white discs. In the lower part of the central area, the moon phase display is contained within the small seconds sub-dial. Set against a blue sky dotted with stars, the polished moon subtly reflects the dark grey hue of the ring displaying the hours. Outside the hour circle, the minutes chapter ring is light grey, while the outermost circle displays the date against a dark grey background. The contrast between the light and dark greys is amplified by the way the grained texture of the dial absorbs and reflects the light differently, according to the shade of grey.
Small flashes of red on the date indications around the dial and on the date hand add a discreet touch of contrast. The new dial retains all the other design codes of the Master Control collection: the elongated triangular applied indexes, complemented by Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 9; the faceted Dauphine hands, polished on one side and brushed on the other; and the finely balanced, classical layout of the indications. Completing the signature aesthetic, the 40 mm Master Control case features refined finishes – polished on the bezel and the top of the lugs, and finely brushed along the sides, exuding a relaxed and understated elegance.
Equipped with the Manufacture’s calendar movement Calibre 866, the Master Control Calendar displays hours, minutes, seconds, complete calendar and moon-phase indications. The high-performance self-winding movement offers a power reserve of 70 hours. Calibre 866 introduces an original and fascinating new variation to the traditional format of dates marked around the outer periphery and indicated by a hand. In homage to the beauty of the moon-phase, the date hand is fitted with a rapid-gliding feature, signalled by red arrows on the date ring. Once a month, between the 15th and the 16th, the red-tipped date hand leaps swiftly across the 90 degrees that separate the two dates, ensuring that the moon-phase display is never obscured.
With the Master Control Calendar, Jaeger-LeCoultre builds upon its legacy of innovation and accomplishment in a continuing evolution of technical expertise and creative design. The new dial pays homage to one of the Maison’s signature complications, reimagining its aesthetic for the 21st century.
