The headline model of the new Master Control collection features a newly developed movement,Calibre 759, which combines a chronograph with a triple calendar display and a moon-phase.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar Chronograph
Novelty coverage for Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar Chronograph
The Case and Dial
Sized at 40mm x 12.05mm, the Master Control Calendar Chronograph is available in stainless steel or Le Grand Rose gold®. With a balanced dial layout that combines the two classical complications – a triple calendar and a bi-compax chronograph – Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers have made the reading of the displays straightforward and intuitive, despite the complexity of the information shown.
The new master control case has a slimmer visual profile, with more of the caseback sitting into the wrist of the wearer. The center case appears slimmer than before, working together with a sharper gradient bezel and lugs. The overall look is more casual than classic, a design assured with the new Novonapa leather strap that comes with the watch. An alligator strap variant is also available on request.
A triple calendar is a full calendar with Moonphase display. It is the least sophisticated of the three calendar types including the annual calendar and perpetual calendar. The triple calendar requires the most adjustments of the three, for the months with fewer than 31 days.
So the watch has to be manually adjusted five times a year (at the end of February, April, June, September and November). The annual calendar, however, adjusts the date automatically and only requires manual correction once a year (in February with its 28 days). While the perpetual calendar does not require an adjustment for current owner lifespans.
The 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock is balanced by the running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, while the day and month windows in the top part of dial are balanced by the moon-phase and date indicator at 6 o’clock. The entire display is anchored by the central chronograph seconds hand and contained by the pulsometric scale marked around the dial flange.
Looking at the peripheral space on the dial suggests that the movement is sufficiently compact, and a smaller case could be adopted if desired.
The Movement
The new Calibre 759 features a column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch, a moon-phase indicator, and a 65-hour power reserve.
While the caseback look of the movement is not as exciting as the latest iterations from sister brand IWC, with its skeletonized plates, the new Calibre 759 is a fine movement nonetheless. The vertical clutch system with column wheel is pleasant to engage and has a very crisp actuation.
Concluding thoughts
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar Chronograph is arguably the most captivating piece in the new Master Control series. The case is sharper than before in finishing, with more straight edges as opposed to rounded sides. Accompanied with the easily patinated strap, there is a certain sportiness to the otherwise classical watch. While the triple calendar may be seen as a budget calendar, the overall merit to the watch is its versatility.
The watch is priced at S$21,600.
