Introducing: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Classic
It’s gifting season, and Jaeger-LeCoultre serves up a tantalizing prospect in the form of the Master Control Classic. Despite the 1950s aesthetic, the “Classic” in the name pays homage to early Master Control watches of the 1990s. This era is becoming a burgeoning nostalgia kick in the watch industry for buyers entering their 50s. Okay, the watches are not only for this age group. However, the ’90s were when people now in their 50s were in their mid-to-late teens. As everyone can agree, that tends to be a stage of life for which we experience nostalgia. Nevertheless, the pared-down style of the Master Control Classic can appeal to all ages. And given the stainless steel case’s 36mm diameter, it is wearable for many wrists. But does the new entry-level timepiece in JLC’s Master Control range drum up enough excitement? Let’s explore.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Classic draws inspiration from a specific reference from 1994. While the current model’s 36mm case diameter may be considered small nowadays, the original had a 34mm diameter. Not tiny, it was certainly suitable for men and women alike. These days, a 36mm case seems to be today’s minimum for a gentleman’s wrist. That said, the winner of Fratello’s Dress Watch Season was the 34mm A. Lange & Söhne 1815, so maybe the scale is shifting downward for appropriate watch diameters. In any case, the new Master Control Classic has proportions that will appeal to a variety of wearers. Adding to its versatility is the silvery-white sunray dial and minimalist design. The dial is refined, bearing 6, 9, and 12 o’clock numerals and a date window at 3 o’clock.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Classic
Even with the date aperture taking the place of a 3 o’clock digit, the steel frame balances nicely with the other quarters. Overall, it’s a simple but nicely considered layout with a luminescent dot at each hour encircled with a black surround. The Master Control originates from the engineering field, where watches such as the Rolex Milgauss and the IWC Ingenieur emphasize clinical legibility. Therefore, the blued central seconds hand contrasts against the silvery base dial. Also, JLC pays attention to detail to ensure the seconds hand slightly overlaps the dial dashes for precise adjustment and accurate reading. The razor-sharp dauphine hour and minute hands complement the triangular indexes and offer a hint of luminescence for low-light conditions. I suppose the only superfluous element is the “Automatique” text above 6 o’clock to remind you of its self-winding capabilities.
However, this script gently balances the Jaeger-LeCoultre name and logo below 12 o’clock without filling too much space. On the reverse of the watch is a solid steel case back featuring a medallion that proudly references the 1,000-hour control certification. The emblem also harks back to early references of the Master Control models from the ’90s. Behind the case back is the latest version of the self-winding caliber 899. This is a reliable mainstay mechanism for Jaeger-LeCoultre and features an ample 70-hour power reserve. Including the sapphire crystal, the watch has an 8.15mm profile. And while the Master Control Classic isn’t part of the Master Ultra Thin collection, it features a perfectly svelte case for all-day wear.
Final specs and pricing
The new Master Control Classic comes on a brown ostrich strap with a stainless steel pin buckle and quick-release spring bars. Even if the watch has a 50m water resistance rating, I would not recommend this strap for aquatic excursions. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Classic is limited to 500 pieces and priced at €9,050 / US$8,950 / £7,600. You can learn more about the watch via Jaeger-LeCoultre’s website here.
