Jaeger-LeCoultre released a pair of classic inspired timepieces at the latest SIHH. Two entry level watches in the Master Control line, the Master Control Date and the Master Control Chronograph Steel. Both watches are easily distinguished by their characteristic sector dial and hollow hands. Not to mention, the striking sky blue numerals.
The Case
The newly minted Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph, the good few pieces which turned heads at SIHH 2017.
The watch is sized at 40 mm, in the same case shape and dimensions as its predecessor. The lugs and pushers are nicely chamfered on the edges and the case components are decorated with the usual brushed and polished surfaces. The crown and pushers are sleek and well designed, well shaped for the function and aesthetically congruous at the same time.
The Dial
The 40 mm watch is cased in stainless steel and set with a unique sector dial.
The two tone sector dial hits all the right spots. From a macro perspective, the light grey tone of the larger ring compliments the subtlety of the pale white periphery and centre ring. Paired with the blue hands and indices the dial looks calm and pleasant. From a micro perspective, each element works carefully and effectively. The font chosen for the tachymeter numerals are different from the numeral font used on the minutes and hours subdial. The AUTOMATIQUE inscription fits aptly and in perfect symmetry with the big 12 and 6. But the show stealer of this timepiece is truly the hands; the skeletonised baton blued hands. A first in the realm of classic timepieces, a seldom seen skeletonized hands and baton hands, a truly unholy consummation; but lovely.
The Movement
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 751G, a selfwinding column wheel chronograph movement, consisting 235 components.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph uses the Calibre 751G, a selfwinding column wheel chronograph movement. It beats at 28,800 vph and consists of 235 individual components. The double barrel movement has a power reserve of 65 hours. A minutes counter at 3 and hour counter at 9, the chronograph is unconventional of bicompax or two subdial chronographs. Traditionally, two subdial chronographs usually use a minutes counter and a running seconds. On this new piece however, you would have to listen to figure out if the watch is running.
Sky blue colored numerals line the dial with matching blue syringe hands and a blue alligator strap.
On the wrist, a noticeably tall bezel and hefty case profile, but nonetheless elegant in design.
This watch is possibly a response to sister brand Vacheron Constantin’s highly successful Cornes de Vache chronograph in a strikingly similar color combination. Although, this interpretation of the beloved chronograph complication is evidently more utilitarian and exudes a characteristic tool-like element in design. As an entry level chronograph complication with an in-house movement, this watch is adequately priced and a sensible piece to own.
Watch is priced at US$8000
Reference 1538530
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 751G
Case
Stainless Steel
Water-resistance : 5 bar
Diameter : 40 mm
Thickness : 12.1 mm
Functions
Hour counter – Chronograph – 30-minute counter – Hour – Minute – Tachometer
Recto Hands
Skeletonised baton hand
Movement
Automatic, self-winding
Pieces inside : 235
Vibrations per hour : 28800
Jewels : 37
Barrel : 2
Height : 5.72 mm
Dial
Silvered, Black transferred numerals
