Jaeger-LeCoultre brings contemporary allure to one of its classical, signature complications with a new interpretation of the Master Control Calendar.
The grained dial 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.
The classical triple calendar – day, date, month, and moon-phase – remains one of watchmaking’s most balanced complications. In this new execution, the grained two-tone dial heightens both clarity and depth. Light and dark grey sections neatly frame each display: day and month at 12, moon-phase within the small seconds at 6, and the date on the outer track.
The textures and alternating tones play beautifully with the light, giving each indication its own space. A blue starry sky with polished moon anchors the display, while discreet red accents on the date scale and hand enliven the layout.
Signature Master Control details remain: applied triangular markers with Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 9; faceted Dauphine hands with brushed and polished surfaces; and a case whose mix of brushed flanks and polished bezel/lugs delivers refined understatement in 40 mm.
At the heart of the Master Control Calendar is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s manufacture Calibre 866, a self-winding movement with 70 hours of power reserve. Alongside hours, minutes, seconds, triple calendar, and moon-phase, it introduces a distinctive evolution of the peripheral date display: the jumping date hand.
To preserve an unobstructed view of the moon-phase, the red-tipped hand performs a rapid 90-degree leap between the 15th and 16th, bypassing the display in a single motion. This subtle complication, unique to Jaeger-LeCoultre, is a functional refinement that collectors will appreciate for both its ingenuity and discretion.
With this reference, the Master Control collection continues the Maison’s tradition of technical nuance and restrained design — a classical calendar reinterpreted with thoughtful modernity.
Technical Specifications:
MASTER CONTROL CALENDAR
Case: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 40 mm x 10.95 mm
Calibre: Self-winding Manufacture Calibre 866
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, month, day, date, moon-phase
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Dial: Two-tone grey grained
Water resistance: 5 bar
Strap: Black calfskin, interchangeable
Buckle: Interchangeable double folding clasp
Reference: Q4148450
Limited Edition: 500 pieces
Price: RRP £13,900.00
For more information please visit Jaeger-LeCoultre