Jaeger-LeCoultre Goes Old School with its Master Control Chronograph Calendar

The Master Control collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre was first launched in 1992 and was the first series to undergo an extensive ‘1000 Hours Control’ testing. This involved a thorough assessment of the timepiece’s movement, both before and after casing, and an evaluation of the capabilities of the watch expected to be worn every day. The latest iteration to join the collection is the Master Control Chronograph Calendar (Ref. Q413257J) with a black dial.

Black has always been looked at as a sleek and flattering, not to mention enigmatic, colour. There are many who associate black with authority, seriousness, confidence, intelligence, glamour, and luxury. Being a neutral colour, it syncs well with any outfit. Most designers use the colour to create a sense of negative space, serving as a filler and a staple of minimalism. For the new timepiece, Jaeger-LeCoultre has reinterpreted an old-school approach, lending the chronograph a vintage yet contemporary look.

The 40 mm timepiece comes in a pink gold case. Other components in pink gold are the integrated, curved lugs, a polished and outwardly sloping bezel, the crown, and the rectangular chronograph pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock. The timepiece also comes with a dual complication — a complete calendar and a bi-compax chronograph. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar watch features a black sunray dial, with a pink gold Arabic 12 o’clock and trapezoidal hour markers. 

The outer periphery of the watch has a pulsometric scale, which is marked in red. This colour can also be found on the three ‘azurage’ finished subdials and the day and month windows. The dial has a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, a seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and the day of the week and month windows at 12 o’clock. At 6 o’clock, there is a circular moon phase and date indicator. The watch gets enlarged dauphine hour and minute hands, and a central seconds in pink gold. Powering the watch is the automatic, self-winding Calibre 759 with 65 hours of power reserve.

This calibre is based on Jaeger-LeCoultre 751, featuring a column-wheel chronograph mechanism with a vertical clutch, which is further allied with a triple calendar with a moon phase display. Turning the watch over showcases the sapphire crystal caseback with Côtes de Genève decorations and the pink gold oscillating weight,  bearing the ‘JL’ motif. The watch is finished on a black alligator leather strap.

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