Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a black sunburst rendition of the Master Control Chronograph Calendar
Borna BošnjakThis Master Control collection was launched in 1992 as a look back at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mid-century creations, but executed in a thoroughly modern way. It contains iconic features like the alarmed Memovox, but also this decidedly classic combination of complications – a chronograph and complete calendar with a moonphase. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar now features a sunburst black dial that contrasts against its red and gold colour scheme, with all the fine touches you can expect from the watchmaker’s watchmaker.
Its black dial sports a rich sunray brushing emanating from the pinion, with additional depth given by the azurage finish sub-dials and the recessed moonphase, with pink gold stars and moon set against a blue backdrop. JLC takes great care in keeping the dial symmetrical despite it displaying a lot of information, printing the surrounds to the rectangular apertures and most of the other indications in gold. The accents in the calendar apertures and pulsometer are in red, giving it just an extra jolt of visual interest.
The Master Control Chronograph Calendar isn’t a new model, also featured in a silver dial execution, though a constant for the collection is the 40mm pink gold case. The square pushers are perfectly reminiscent of the time period, while two hidden pushers nestle on either side of the crown. Its height of 12.05mm is impressive considering it packs in a column wheel chronograph and calendar complication, mounted on a black alligator strap that’s 20mm in width.
The main reason for the (relative) slimness of the case is the JLC calibre 759 – a column wheel chronograph with a complete calendar module. It’s based on the brand’s first-ever automatic chronograph, the calibre 751, that was launched in 2004 with a host of impressive features, the main one being its vertical coupling system. The movement beats at 28,800 vph, and has a 65-hour power reserve. It does sit somewhat small in the caseback, owing to its 25.6mm diameter, but that didn’t stop JLC from making it pretty with Geneva striping and blued screws.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar pricing and availability
The JLC Master Control Chronograph Calendar is available now from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Price: A$52,500
| Brand | Jaeger-LeCoultre |
| Model | Master Control Chronograph Calendar |
| Reference Number | Q413257J |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 12.05mm (T) |
| Case Material | 18k pink gold |
| Water Resistance | 5 bar |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Sunburst black with azurage sub-dials |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Black alligator leather with 18k pink gold pin buckle |
| Movement | JLC Calibre 759, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, moonphase, complete calendar |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$52,500 |