BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
The golden era of watchmaking produced a number of historically significant collections from various watch brands, and one of these is the Master Control line from Jaeger LeCoultre, which was launched in 1992 with the goal of capturing the essence of the iconic styles of the time. 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of Master Control and Jaeger LeCoultre has just introduced two new models in the Master Control collection, a modern interpretation of the Master Control line, Master Control Date and Master Control Calendar.
Master Control Date Ref. Q4018480 is a classic time and date only model, featuring a silky blue sunray-brushed dial with faceted dauphine hands and dart-shaped indices. The only numerals on the dials are at 12 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock. To provide some contrasting legibility, the minute track which extends towards the dial’s perimeter, is displayed in a lighter tone than the rest of the dial. The markings and the trademark luminous dots appear every hour on the minute track and the hour and minute hands have a thin line of lume applied in the middle. A date window sits at 3 o’clock position and it has the same color as in the minute track. The dial is encased in a 40mm x 8.78mm stainless steel case with brushed case flanks and polished bezel and lugs.
Master Control Calendar Ref. Q4148480 has the same finishing and dial color as in the date model, however, the calendar model has certain key distinctions in the dial setup. In addition to the peripheral date ring, the jumping date indicator makes a welcome return with the Master Control Calendar. The date hand takes a 90° jump from the 15th to the 16th of each month to prevent the moon phase display from being obscured; this is essential to keep the date hand from obstructing the moon phase display, which is located at 6 o’clock. The two rectangular indications for day and month are rendered in white-on-blue just above the dauphine hands. The calendar model resides in a 40mm x 10.95mm stainless steel case.
The automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899AC powers the time and date model, Calibre 866AA powers the calendar model. Both variants include a blue calfskin strap with folding buckle and are water-resistant to 50 meters. They also have a 70-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency. Master Control Date and Master Control Calendar are limited to 800 pieces each. The Ref. Q4018480 costs EUR 9,100, while the Ref. Q4148480 costs EUR 13,700.
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