Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date 'Sector Dial'

There are anniversary watches that celebrate the past by reproducing it, and then there are those that understand what made the past so good in the first place. This Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date belongs firmly in the latter camp.

Introduced in 2017 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Master Control collection, this special edition looked to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mid-century watches for inspiration. Its 39mm stainless steel case is paired with a beautifully restrained two-tone sector dial, combining a silvery central field with a circular brushed outer section divided by crisp black tracks. Oversized Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12 give the watch a slightly more casual character, while flashes of blue along the minute track provide an unexpectedly modern accent.

The details are especially good. Skeletonized syringe-style hour and minute hands keep the dial open and airy, a slender central seconds hand adds another graphic element, and the framed date aperture at 3:00 is neatly incorporated into the sector layout. The result feels unmistakably vintage-inspired without tipping into reproduction territory.

Inside is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s automatic Calibre 899/1, an appropriately refined movement from a manufacture whose reputation was built as much upon movement making as watchmaking. The watch is paired with a leather strap and deployant clasp and is accompanied by its original warranty card from the 2010s.

Perhaps the greatest strength of this Master Control is its versatility. The sector dial has enough visual interest to distinguish it from the usual silver-dial dress watch, while the 39mm steel case makes it remarkably easy to wear.

It’s a modern Jaeger-LeCoultre with its eyes firmly on the 1950s—and one of the most successful interpretations of the sector-dial revival.

Few watchmaking concerns are as storied as Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though the maison is not technically a member of the “Holy Trinity” of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, one could easily make the argument that it should be: After all, it was JLC that supplied movements to Patek from the beginning of the 20th century through the early 30s.

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.

But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.

From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.