The Master Control collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre has been around since 1992, and to mark its 30th anniversary, the Maison is presenting new dials for the Master Control Date and Master Control Calendar. Until now, the two models were only available with silver-grey dials. Now, however, they appear in deep blue with a sunburst finish and come with a matching blue leather strap. Both the Date and the Calendar are limited to 800 pieces each.
Both models have a stainless steel case with a diameter of 40 mm. At 10.95 mm, the more complex Calendar is slightly thicker than the Date with its 8.78 mm. The cases have satin-finished sides and polished, curved lugs. The polished bezel is slim, which gives the dial more space. The Calendar also has pushers to control the complications. Both watches reveal the mechanics through a sapphire crystal case back and are water-resistant to 50 metres.
The new dials are a deep blue and have a sunburst finish. This is only broken up by the paler minute ring, which carries luminous dot indices. The applied numerals and wedge indices that are typical of the collection are also present. In keeping with the colour of the dial, the Manufacture has also adapted the discs of the calendar displays. The writing now appears white on a blue background. Elsewhere, the time is indicated by dauphine hands. The Master Control Date is limited to hours, minutes, seconds and a framed date window.
The Master Control Calendar also shows the day, month and moon phases. It also has a jumping date, whereby the area between the 15th and 16th day is skipped so that the subdial remains free.
Both the Date and the Calendar are equipped with in-house mechanics. Calibre 899AC powers the Date, while its sibling integrates calibre 866AA. Both movements offer automatic winding and a power autonomy of 70 hours. The high quality of the mechanics is also evident in the “1,000 Hours Control” test, which was introduced with the launch of the collection 30 years ago. Here, the watches undergo a 1,000-hour test to ensure the quality and longevity of all components.
The two watches appear on a blue calfskin strap with blue stitching. The strap is secured to the wrist with a folding clasp. Alternatively, the wearer can quick change the strap without the need for tools. Both the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date and the Master Control Calendar are limited to 800 pieces each. The price is 7,650 euros for the former and 12,500 for the latter.
