For more than 190 years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been renowned for its inventiveness and mastery of watchmaking complications. In 2025, the Manufacture unveils a new interpretation of one of its signature models: the Master Control Calendar, issued in a limited edition of 500 pieces. With its two-tone grey grained dial, this timepiece pays tribute to the sector dials of the 1940s while embracing a modern aesthetic.
A revisited iconic complication
The triple calendar with moon phases – also known as the complete calendar – has been central to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history. In the 1940s, the Maison developed such movements, which were soon adopted by other prestigious watchmakers.
In 1992, the Master Control collection was born, named after the pioneering 1000 Hours Control certification. This rigorous testing protocol set a new benchmark for reliability and precision. Since then, the collection has embodied a perfect balance between timeless elegance and technical rigour, inspired by the classic round watches of the 1950s.
The 2025 Master Control Calendar continues this tradition, combining heritage and innovation.
A two-tone grained dial in shades of grey
The dial is undoubtedly the highlight of this new limited edition. Its grained texture, worked in two shades of grey, enhances readability while offering refined aesthetics.
- At the top, day and month windows stand out clearly.
- At the bottom, the small seconds counter hosts the moon-phase display. Against a deep blue sky scattered with stars, the polished moon reflects the darker tones of the dial.
- Around the outer ring, the date is displayed by a red-tipped hand, adding dynamism and contrast.
This classic layout gains legibility thanks to the contrast of light and dark areas, amplified by the grained texture that interacts with the light.
Calibre 866: technical excellence
At the heart of the watch beats the in-house automatic Calibre 866, a movement that embodies Jaeger-LeCoultre’s technical expertise.
- 70-hour power reserve
- Hours, minutes, seconds, complete calendar and moon-phase indications
- Exclusive jumping date function: once a month, between the 15th and 16th, the date hand leaps 90 degrees to ensure an unobstructed view of the moon-phase display.
This ingenious mechanism highlights the Maison’s dedication to readability, functionality, and design innovation.
A design true to the Master Control spirit
The 40 mm stainless steel case alternates polished and satin finishes, expressing the understated refinement characteristic of the Master Control collection. Faceted Dauphine hands, polished on one side and brushed on the other, interact harmoniously with elongated triangular indexes and Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock.
Fitted with an interchangeable black calfskin strap and a folding clasp, the watch combines comfort, versatility, and elegance.
Heritage meets modernity
With this new Master Control Calendar, Jaeger-LeCoultre once again demonstrates its ability to reinterpret its classics. Inspired by the past yet firmly anchored in the present, this limited edition blends refined design and advanced mechanics.
Limited to 500 pieces, it reflects the Manufacture’s savoir-faire and celebrates the timeless beauty of watchmaking complications.
Discover more about Jaeger-LeCoultre’s universe and explore our collections.
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