The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar is a wristwatch that combines the traditional design of a round case with decorations and finishes worthy of a luxury watch. It also incorporates an automatic chronograph movement and undergoes a 1000-hour quality inspection, making it a timepiece that has inherited tradition while also incorporating numerous innovations.
The Ref. Q4138180 is a two-tone model with a deep blue dial and a light blue minute scale. The dial has a sunburst finish. The Master Control Chronograph Calendar itself was first announced in 2020, and this model is a color variation that was released in 2024. Automatic movement (Cal. 759). 36 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 65 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 12.05mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 2,992,000 yen (tax included).
Jaeger-LeCoultre: Photographs by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Translation by Yoshie Okamoto
Edited by Yousuke Ohashi (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
The Master Control Chronograph Calendar, born from tradition and innovation
The renowned Jaeger-LeCoultre, nicknamed "Watchmaker's Watchmaker," is a brand that proudly bears the name and prides itself on its unparalleled heritage and excellence. Based in Switzerland's Vallée de Joux, the brand is inspired by the majestic landscapes of the Jura Mountains and driven by a deep-rooted spirit of innovation, striving every day to master the very essence of Fine Watchmaking. Watchmakers, engineers, designers and artisans work closely together to create exceptional timepieces.
Since its founding in 1833, the brand has held over 430 patents and developed over 1300 movements. Its achievements range from minute repeaters, tourbillons, and other complications that are considered the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking, to its unique decorative techniques known as Métiers Rares™. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre's meticulous and innovative timepieces have made it an essential brand for watch enthusiasts. The iconic Reverso is one of the world's most recognizable watches and forms the core of the brand. The Duomètre, updated in 2024, and the exquisite Master collection symbolize the breadth of the brand's repertoire.
The history of Jaeger-LeCoultre is marked by a number of groundbreaking innovations. In 1833, Antoine LeCoultre established a workshop to manufacture high-precision watches. In 1844, he developed the millionometer, the first measuring instrument capable of measuring to the micron level. In 1847, he invented the keyless crown-winding watch, setting standards for watchmaking early on.
In 1903, French watchmaker Edmond Jaeger approached the company about commercializing the thin movement he had invented. Jacques-David LeCoultre, the third generation of the company, successfully met the challenge, leading to masterpieces such as the world's thinnest pocket watch, which was released in 1907. Due to the success of this partnership, the brand name was changed to Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1937.
Master Control Chronograph Calendar
The Master Control Chronograph Calendar is a testament to the brand's pinnacle of horological expertise. This model seamlessly combines the timeless elegance and technical sophistication of the Master Control collection. Having set new standards for over 30 years, this collection embodies the brand's deep connection to its heritage and its relentless pursuit of innovation.
The Master Control collection was the first to pass the Master Control test, a rigorous 1000-hour quality inspection that the brand calls the "1000-hour control," far exceeding the standards of the Swiss Official Chronometer. Today, this test is carried out on all Jaeger-LeCoultre products and has become a symbol of the brand's promise of quality to its customers. Even in the 21st century, the Master Control continues to embody a respect for mechanical watchmaking and its legendary complications.
The Master Control Chronograph Calendar was launched in 2020. It is a timeless watch with refined proportions. Its design pays homage to legendary watches from the 1950s and 60s, such as the Memovox and Futurematic. The clear case lines and refined details effectively complement the chronograph and calendar on the dial. The watch features key design codes of the Master Control, such as dauphine hands and Arabic numerals, and is enhanced with arrow-shaped hour markers.
The 40mm diameter, 12.05mm thick stainless steel case exudes simple elegance. Details such as the satin-brushed case sides, polished bezel and crown, and dynamically curved lugs give the watch a sophisticated look, while the rectangular chronograph pushers add a contemporary touch to the timeless style.
The movement, Cal. 759, developed and manufactured in-house by Jaeger-LeCoultre, incorporates a vertical clutch for power connection and a column wheel for chronograph control. It also features a triple calendar and moon phase display. With a power reserve of approximately 65 hours, this movement, combining elegance and technical sophistication, can be viewed through the sapphire crystal case back. Its Côtes de Genève decoration, tempered blue screws, and gold rotor embossed with the "JL" emblem are truly a feast for the eyes. Developed, manufactured, finished, and assembled at the Manufacture in Le Sentier, in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, it represents the highest level of craftsmanship.
New deep blue dial
In 2024, a stainless steel model with a deep blue dial was released as a color variation. The deep blue dial, with its striking sunray finish, is sure to catch the eye. The 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, the small seconds at 9 o'clock, the day and month display at 12 o'clock, and the moon phase and hand-style date display at 6 o'clock all correspond to each other, creating a harmonious look. The dial is framed by a pulsometer, a device used by doctors to measure heart rate, a traditional detail that remains important even today.
The Master Control Chronograph Calendar features an interchangeable system that allows you to easily change the strap. Models with stainless steel bracelets also come with a luxurious blue calf leather strap, so you can change it to suit the occasion.
Let's take a look at other color variations released in recent years. A model with a pink gold case and black dial was released in 2023. It is a watch that reinterprets the colorful dials of the 20th century with a vintage feel. Although the dial is black, the day of the week, month, and some of the numerals on the subdial are accentuated by red accents.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Master Control in 2022, a model with a silver-gray dial and blue accents will be released. In response to growing demand for robust and versatile watches for everyday use, a stainless steel bracelet with an interchangeable system will also be added to the lineup for the first time. Each of these variations reflects the brand's attitude of constantly evolving without losing its classic DNA. Their clear and refined aesthetic responds to the demand for a timeless and versatile watch.
