BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
The Master Grande Tradition collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre is a testimony to the Swiss brand’s watchmaking expertise. Unveiled during the Watches and Wonder 2022 event, the latest addition to this collection comes in the form of the Master Grande calibre 948, a watch that represents an artistic and unique take on the Worldtimer complication.
Keeping track of time across different cities throughout the world at the same time is not something new, but the Master Grande Calibre 948 brings forth a visually enticing and refreshing take on the concept. On the technical front, Jaeger-LeCoultre has used the calibre 948, a mechanical tour de force that is equipped with a flying tourbillon and comprises 388 components. The flying Tourbillon not only rotates on its axis to keep track of the seconds, but it also makes a complete rotation of the dial in 24 hours, reciprocating the rotation of the earth on its axis and allowing it to keep track of time across different cities of the world. The movement is exceptionally finished. For instance, the bridge on which the caliber’s oscillating weight is mounted is engraved and represents a planisphere seen from the North Pole, echoing the dial of the timepiece.
Speaking of the dial, as I just mentioned above, it’s a visual delight and beautifully complements the complex mechanism of the movement. To begin with, the dial features a layered design that gives it a nice three-dimensionality. At the base, we have a plate with a blue lacquered wavy guilloche pattern that represents the oceans. Placed on top is a skeletonized plate that houses the world map which has been created by master artisans of the Manufacture’s Métiers Rares. To create the colorful world relief, the outline of the continents is first cut from a sheet of white gold and is then decorated with champlevé enamel. Surrounding the world map is another rotatable chapter ring with cities printed in white. Then comes a fixed chapter ring with applied hour markings, and finally, on the outer periphery is the sloped minute chapter ring.
Like the rest of the watch, the case is also executed to a high standard. Crafted from white gold, the case measures 43mm in diameter and has a thickness of around 14mm. It comprises 80 parts and features a nice mix of micro-blasted, polished, and satin-brushed surfaces. One interesting design detail on the case is the hollowed-out sides which add to the visual appeal of the watch. The case is water-resistant to 50 meters.
The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande calibre 948 comes attached to a high-quality blue alligator strap. The watch is limited to just 20 pieces, and the price is yet to be announced. Visit Jaeger-LeCoultre here.
