Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar Ref. Q413257J

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Date, now available in red and black Eye-catching retro-inspired design.

Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) has just launched a new color option for the Master Control Chronograph Date watch. The latest version features a black dial with red and gold accents, a stark contrast to the original model, which featured a conservative silver dial.

Released two years ago, the Master Control Chrono-Date has an unsurprising silver dial that fits well with the retro-inspired design, but lacks glamour. Fortunately, JLC has solved this problem with a high-contrast palette that still has a proper retro feel, but is more eye-catching.

Vintage watches with black and red dials are uncommon, but they do exist. This combination is attractive, but not the most practical, as red text on a black dial can be difficult to read due to the low contrast between the two colours. This is especially true for calendar indications, while the pulsating scale on the periphery can be unreadable in low light. But still, despite the lesser legitimacy, the attractiveness of the dial certainly makes it an eye-catcher.

Aside from the color, this watch is identical to the original, so it has the same advantages, such as a solid, old-fashioned design, and disadvantages, such as the mix of French and English on the dial.

A more refined retro-inspired design
The dial is metallic black with a sunray-brushed finish, continuing the design of earlier models, with subdials at three, six and nine for the minute counter, date and moon phases, and running seconds, respectively. The rest of the dial has been updated to match the black finish, pulsating markers, and red day and month displays.

It comes in an 18K rose gold case with the same dimensions as earlier models, 40mm in diameter and 12.05mm in height. The case sides are satin-brushed and the polished flat bezel showcases an elegant combination of finishes.

Inside is calibration. 759, an in-house movement that incorporates all the hallmarks of a modern high-end movement, including a column wheel, vertical clutch and balance without hairspring. The finish is industrial but well executed and the open back offers stunning views.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar Ref. Q413257J

Diameter: 40 mm Height: 12.05 mm Material: 18k rose gold Crystal: Sapphire Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. 759 Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, triple calendar with moon phases, and chronograph with 30-minute counter Winding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) Power reserve: 65 hours

Strap: Alligator leather strap with folding clasp