Overview
In 1992, Jaeger-LeCoultre debuted the vintage-inspired Master Control collection as a tribute to the brand’s unmatched watchmaking heritage. No longer just “the watchmaker’s watchmaker”, the Master Control collection ushered in a new era where the company was once again dedicated to exceptional watchmaking and production under its own name. Throughout the years the collection has seen a number of horology’s most famous complications including the moonphase indicator, triple calendar, chronograph, world timer, 8 days power reserve, and perpetual calendar. What’s more, each Master Control watch has undergone the brand’s strict “1,000 Hour Control” testing period, during which the movement is cased, rigorously examined beyond COSC certification protocols, and hand-adjusted for accuracy in six positions.
The watch here combines the romanticism of the moonphase indicator with the practicality of the triple calendar to create a single stunning timepiece. Boasting dauphine hands, dart-style indices, and Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock, the style of this watch is reserved and classically executed. Yet the radial date and two central apertures contain splashes of red that liven up the dial, giving it just enough flair to capture one’s attention throughout the day. The back of the watch commands another look as well, showing off the impressively finished 891/448 automatic caliber with a 22C gold-tipped rotor that proudly displays the Master Control 1,000 Hours certification. With its sleek look and universally wearable 37mm case, this Master Calendar is a perfect encapsulation of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s beloved watchmaking prowess.
Specifications
Brand:
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model:
Master Control Calendar
Reference:
140.8.98.S
Year:
2001
Case Number:
No. 2279
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
37 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
10.3 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
43.3 mm
Dial:
Silver
Lume:
Super-LumiNova
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
JLC 891/448
Bracelet/Strap:
Watchesmiles taupe Epsom calfskin strap with JLC deployant buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows normal wear with light hairlines and faint scuffs present. The lugs show signs of a light polish in the past, but still remain nice and thick. The lug at 10:30 has a couple tiny nicks near the bottom edge. The caseback is consistent with the rest of the watch, exhibiting a couple small scratches, nicks, and tiny scuffs. The serial number engraving has faded but remains legible upon close inspection. The reference and brand engravings are crisp and deep.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The silver dial is in excellent condition with a small sliver of oxidation at the very edge near 3 o'clock. The polished hands are in pristine condition and the Super-LumiNova across the dial and hands functions and glows consistently. The front sapphire crystal has one tiny scratch between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers. The rear sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The Watchesmiles calfskin strap is lightly used with plenty of life left to give. The JLC deployant buckle works without issue and exhibits normal wear in the form of hairlines and a few micro scuffs. The signature remains legible and detailed. The extra Handdn calkfsin strap is in mint condition with virtually no wear present.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and push buttons are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
