In With The New
Jaeger-LeCoultre updates its Master Control Geographic with an upgraded movement, but that’s not the whole story
TITANIUM SCREWS
Lightweight and resilient, titanium also boasts double the strength-toweight ratio of steel. It is also more eco-friendly to produce
SILICON ESCAPEMENT
The revamped Calibre 939 has a silicon escapement for greater resistance
against temperature changes, magnetism as well as wear and tear
LARGER MAINSPRING BARREL
The increase in barrel size allows a longer and stronger mainspring to be fi ed, which allows the movement to have a
substantially longer power reserve.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION is one of the hallmarks of horology. Whether it’s a new hairspring material or a unique escapement design, watchmakers are duty-bound to head in the same direction as the very thing their devices capture.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is demonstrating its appreciation of this with an upgraded movement for its Master Control Geographic. The maison has re-engineered the Calibre 939 inside it for improved reliability, power reserve and long-term performance. Changes to the movement include a silicon escapement accompanied by titanium screws and new lubricating oils designed to further minimise friction, thereby improving efficiency while reducing long-term deterioration. A larger mainspring barrel also brings the Master Control Geographic’s power reserve up to to 70 hours, over the previous generation’s 38 hours.
The Master Control Geographic is also now available in a new pink gold alloy case, named “Le Grand Rose Gold”. Making its debut in the Master Control collection for 2020, Le Grand Rose Gold boasts the addition of palladium to its proprietary formula, which allows the alloy to resist oxidation and thus preserve its radiant hue. This variant of rose gold will be used across the maison’s line-up.
A new leather strap ‒ Novonappa calf leather ‒ will likewise accompany the Master Control Geographic . Sourced from a French tannery, Novonappa is a vegetable tanned leather which features a soft, matte finish that complements the casual quality of the Master
Control Geographic’s aesthetic. Novonappa straps also come with a Presto Spring lug attachment and a simple clip for removing and refitting the deployant buckle. Because of this, swapping straps can be quickly achieved without the need for a specialised tool.
For its dial, the new Master Control Geographic retains a familiar layout. A sub-dial at six o’clock tracks a second time zone, which also comes with a day/night indicator and an aperture at the bottom that displays the city name relating to the second time zone. This feature allows the wearer to set the second time by location as opposed to the time difference. Two additional sub-dials at 10 and two o’clock display the power reserve and date respectively. Heat-blued dauphine hands provide improved legibility against the silver sunray-brushed dial. Meanwhile, the applied indices flush perfectly with the curve where the convex flange meets the dial.
The Master Control Geographic’s case has also undergone a few notable changes. Satin-brushed case sides now accompany the polished bezel, crowns and lugs, while other refinements include bas-relief engravings and a sapphire case back. As with all of JaegerLeCoultre’s timepieces, the Master Control Geographic is certifed under its in-house 1,000-hour chronometer test for reliability and precision. All in all, the new Master Control Geographic is a keen reflection of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ability to innovate while maintaining the highest level of respect for its traditions. AM