Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Line: A Deep Dive into Dial Details

amanico · 2020-05-01T00:04:56Z

Explore Jaeger-LeCoultre's new Master Control line with close-up dial details. Discover the sunburst finish, hand legibility, and design nuances of the Date, Calendar, Géographique, and Chronograph Calendar models.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

26 replies2994 views5 photos

Amanico's detailed photo essay offers an invaluable close-up look at the dials of Jaeger-LeCoultre's new Master Control line. His meticulous examination highlights the subtle design elements and finishing techniques that define these contemporary references. This article serves as an essential resource for understanding the aesthetic evolution and intricate craftsmanship within JLC's core collection.

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I posted an article on the new Master Control line, last week. today I suggest we have a closer look on the dials.

I had the idea to isolate the dials and to focus on them, to show the sunburst finish and some other details.

Indeed, when you look at the pictures I posted last week, you don't see these details very well. As well on the Masthead photo of this post.

Let's start with the Master Control Date.

Here you see the brushed Dauphine Hands, contrasting with the polished applied 12, or the long and slim applied triangle indices. You can also notice the more centered 12 and 6. AND, last but not least, the sunburst dial.

Same observation for the Master Control Calendar, with some extra details, such as the 31 of the date in red, the JL logo shaped date pointer, the delicious new moon phase, and the circular finish of the moon phase sub dial.

Without forgetting the date which jumps from the 15th to the 16th!

Of course the Master Control Géographique borrows the same elements of design, but adds the new 3 / 9 / 12 applied hour markers, the long triangle indices which " spouse " the convex minute markers, the redesigned power reserve and half blue night and day indicator, and the reshaped cities window.

And last but not least, the new star of the collection, the Master Chronograph Calendar, with its superb balanced dial. A detail which may have escaped to you, the circular decoration of the pulsometer ring.

The small touches of red and blue give some pleasant life to this dial.

I really appreciate the work made by Jaeger Lecoultre on these dials.No doubt that they will age quite well.

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

Jaeger-LeCoultre employs a dual finish on the hands, featuring both brushed and polished facets. This technique enhances legibility, particularly when silver hands are set against a silver sunburst dial, a detail consistent with earlier Master models from the 2000s.
While the new Master Control line showcases strong execution, a previous JLC release, the Polaris line, left some collectors disappointed due to perceived cost-cutting and mass-production aesthetics.
There's a desire for JLC to explore more diverse dial colors, similar to the forest green from Glashütte Original or new Omega Aqua Terra green, or even a blue dial akin to the JLC MUT with power reserve, to further enhance the collection's appeal.
The dual finishing on the hands significantly improves legibility against the sunburst silver dial, demonstrating Jaeger-LeCoultre's attention to functional design details.
The Master Chronograph Calendar, in particular, has generated significant interest among collectors, with many eager to experience it in person at an authorized dealer.

The Discussion

damianp

May 1, 2020

Well, this new line up is what JLC does best. Let‘s hope it‘s just as good on the wrist.

I have to say that I was quite disappointed by their Polaris line up. While the idea was good and I liked the first pictures, I‘ve been disappointed by the execution. It felt less well made than their usual releases, like being made with cost cutting and mass production in mind.

amanico

May 1, 2020

The 50th Anniversary looks good to me, as well as the Polaris Geographique World Time. [nt]

Reuven Malter

May 1, 2020

Again, a great watch, maybe just a bit sober. I think there are more and more

Fancy but timeless dial colors on the market - like the forrest green from GO or the new Omega AT green, that would be too much here, but they could still do a little bit more. I could very well think of a blue dial like the JLC Mut with power reserve already has.

amanico

May 1, 2020

I am patiently waiting for some black dialed versions, here, especially the Geographique and the Chrono Calendar, to tell you all. Why not a short blue version as well? [nt]

VinnieD

May 1, 2020

A dark dialled chrono would be top

Thanks for the "deep dive" into these wonderful dials. Looks like JLC keeps doing their dual finish on the hands: here half brushed, half polished. This should improve legibility of silver hands on silver dial.

amanico

May 1, 2020

You mean by darkening a bit the hands? That would not be a bad idea, but won't it remove a bit of elegance? As for black dials, go, JLC, go! [nt]