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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar
This model, which doesn't seem to get a lot of the recognition it deserves imo, has been reviewed by amanico in September 2020, year of its introduction within the refreshed Master Control collection.
Since then, as amanico wished, a blue and a black dial have been added to the original silver one.
The case is 40 x 12.05 mm and the watch is powered by caliber 759, equipped with a self-winding system and a column wheel-actuated vertical clutch chronograph on the caseback side of the movement, and a full calendar module on the dial side of it, with date, day, month, moon phases, and two additional subdials (for running seconds and the 30-minute counter of the chronograph).
To follow up on the recent very interesting thread by eklektik concerning 'the Jaeger-LeCoultre problem', I would say that, for me, this model embodies some of the real strengths of Jaeger-LeCoultre as well as some of the things which I personally think this brand could improve: I love the design, fitting a very elegant yet dynamic 1950's inspired aesthetic into a contemporary case. Amanico called it 'an instant classic' and I couldn't agree more. The pulsometer scale makes it a 'doctor's watch' rather than a racing inspired one and that's perfectly fine. But here's what I wish would be improved:
- I wish the calendar was an annual one and not a 'simple' triple calendar (but the price would probably be different).
- I wish the decoration of the rotor and caliber wasn't as 'standard', looking like any other model from the brand.
I think such improvements could make this watch as attractive as a Patek Philippe. Just my personal feeling, concerning a model and a brand I unfortunately don't know very well: so, please, feel very free to disagree!
Best,
Emmanuel
A/ STEEL
1/ Silver dial
a/ Leather strap, ref. Q4138420 (referenced as Q413843J since 2021)
credit: time and watches
b/ Bracelet, ref. Q413812J (referenced as Q413813J since 2021)
credit: a blog to watch & monochrome (last photo)
2/ Blue dial
a/ Leather strap, ref. Q4138480 (still referenced this way on JLC's website)
credit: idwx
b/ Bracelet, ref. Q4138480 (still referenced this way on JLC's website)
credit: Tiago Mota on Linkedin (he's Sales Advisor at David Rosas, Portugal) & vintage watch co
B/ ROSE GOLD
1/ Silver dial, ref. Q4132520 (referenced as Q413253J since 2021)
credit: Sjx (1-2) & Cortina Watch (3-4)
2/ Black dial, ref. Q413257J (other live pics by jrwong23 can be seen here)
credit: the marin vault
Tim Mosso's review of ref. Q4138420
Tim Mosso's review of the ref. Q4132520
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar
This model, which doesn't seem to get a lot of the recognition it deserves imo, has been reviewed by amanico in September 2020 , year of its introduction within the refreshed Master Control collection. Since then, as amanico wished, a blue and a black dia...
Great
post and callback to previous posts. I agree that this has such an instant classic look and such potential. Problem continues the price point. Love the blue dial, but can wait until the price falls to where it should be on the secondary to pick one up. Sh...
But a Rolex with such an open case back and set of complications
would be much more expensive than the entry-level Rolex. And it seems to me that the retail price asked (€19k for steel and strap), though a bit high, isn't completely mad. Thanks for your comment. Best, Emmanuel
I think it's a great watch -- one of JLC's best in recent years.
I agree with your points, a more special movement would be nice, but since JLC won't do that, they should just provide a solid caseback. The gold rotor is nice but otherwise the movement itself is quite utilitarian to look at. I'm fine with the calendar, ...
I agree with you concerning the utilitarian look of the rotor
and the idea of a solid case back. As for the 12h chrono, it makes sense with a vertical clutch (but I'm not sure if I would use it). Thanks for your input. Best, Emmanuel
Absolutely, this one would deserve a separate thread.
The jumping date is a great feature. Best.
This Polaris chronograph has a larger case
(42 x 13.39 mm) and a different caliber (761). The Master Control seems to be better proportioned. But the bracelet looks pretty similar to the one of the Master Control. So what you felt isn’t great news… Thanks for your input. Best, Emmanuel
I think the blue dial on leather looks best
JLC are under appreciated in general at least as far as giving them credit for their movements and whilst they do make some very good looking watches they are at a high price point compared to what else is available. But as always just buying what you lik...
I would personally choose one of the rose gold versions,
but the blue dial on strap looks very nice too, indeed. Best, Emmanuel
Agree completely with your ideas re improvement,
but still a very very nice piece. The first time I saw one was at the boutique. I was happy to see the calendar plus chronograph, which was new for them. It was the white dial. Always like a pulsations dial. The blue dial is a stunner, but when I went to ...
I'm sorry to hear that the black dial is disappointing, as I find it very attractive on photos.
And I agree that the Master Control Calendar is very nice too. I think (know?) I would choose one the rose gold versions, but that's just me and it's pure speculation! Best, Emmanuel