The integrated metal bracelet of the Master Control Chronometer signifies a new era of refined precision.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE | Master Control Chronometer

At Watches & Wonders 2026, JAEGER-LECOULTRE unveiled its new Master Control Chronometer collection, a bold endeavor that marks a new chapter in the storied history of the brand's Master Collection.

Text by Kosaku Waseda

A New Collection Inheriting 80 Years of Innovation

The design philosophy behind the Master Control Chronometer collection draws direct inspiration from the Master Mariner Chronometer, first introduced in 1973.

The integrated metal bracelet was specially designed for the collection, its contrasting polished and brushed finishes creating a subtle interplay of light and shadow. This collection also introduces a new quality assurance seal, "HPG (High-Precision Guarantee)." This certification, which evaluates four elements—altitude, shock, position, and temperature—over three days, follows a more rigorous protocol than before, and all models also hold COSC chronometer certification.

It comprises three models, each equipped with different complications: a date display, a perpetual calendar, and a combination of power reserve and date. While the Date Power Reserve model is exclusively available in stainless steel, the remaining two models can be chosen in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold.

The Master Control Chronometer Date Power Reserve debuts the newly developed Caliber 738. It is housed in a 39mm diameter, 9.2mm thick stainless steel case. The dial is configured as an homage to the 1951 Futurematic, with circular subdials symmetrically arranged at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. The left subdial displays the power reserve, and the right shows the date, with the red section indicating low power and the "31" for the date serving as design highlights. Despite its 4.97mm thickness, Caliber 738 achieves both a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour) and a 70-hour power reserve.

The Master Control Chronometer Perpetual Calendar is a model that consolidates the full calendar display across four subdials. The month and year are at 12 o'clock, the day of the week at 3 o'clock, the date at 9 o'clock, and the moon phase at 6 o'clock. The Caliber 868 movement automatically accounts for the different lengths of each month and leap years, and will continue to operate accurately for up to 2100 without manual adjustment, provided it is wound. Its exceptionally thin 4.72mm movement allows it to be housed in an elegant 39mm diameter, 9.2mm thick case. Available in both stainless steel and pink gold, these models are paired with blue-grey and bronze-toned dials, respectively.

The Master Control Chronometer Date is the model with the most classic proportions in the collection. Its slim case, measuring 38mm in diameter and 8.4mm thick, suits any wrist size. The stainless steel version features a blue-grey gradient dial, while the 18K pink gold version is paired with a bronze-colored dial. It is equipped with the latest automatic Caliber 899, ensuring a 70-hour power reserve. Though simple, this timepiece purely embodies the collection's philosophy.

With a solid design philosophy as its foundation, the collection maintains a sense of unity across its models, regardless of their differing complications. The ability to offer a wide range of timepieces, from complex perpetual calendars to simple date displays, with such high levels of refinement is a testament to JAEGER-LECOULTRE's exceptional technical prowess.

Master Control Chronometer Date Power Reserve
Case | Stainless steel
Case size | 39mm diameter, 9.2mm thick

Dial: Blue-grey sunray-finished gradient, with symmetrically arranged azure-finished subdials

Price | ¥2,992,000 (incl. tax)

Master Control Chronometer Perpetual Calendar
Case | Stainless steel or 18K pink gold
Size | 39mm, 9.2mm thick

Dial | Blue-grey gradient or bronze-colored sunray finish, with opaline and azure finishes on subdials
Caliber | Automatic, Manufacture Caliber 868
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, year, month, day of week, date, moon phase
Power reserve | 70 hours
Water resistance | 5 bar (50 meters)
Strap | Stainless steel or 18K pink gold 3-row tapered integrated bracelet
Buckle | Double

Price | SS ¥8,008,000 (incl. tax), 18KPG ¥14,696,000 (incl. tax) *Reference prices

Master Control Chronometer Date
Case | Stainless steel or 18K pink gold
Size | 38mm diameter, 8.4mm thick

Price | SS ¥2,486,000 (incl. tax), 18KPG ¥9,240,000 (incl. tax)

Contact

JAEGER-LECOULTRE
https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/jp-ja

Frequently Asked Questions About JAEGER-LECOULTRE Watches

Q. What kind of brand is JAEGER-LECOULTRE?

It began in 1833 when Antoine LeCoultre established his first workshop in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland. As one of the few prestigious manufacture houses in the world that produces all movement components in-house, JAEGER-LECOULTRE has developed over 1,200 innovations since its founding and has supplied movements to many renowned watch brands due to its high level of technical expertise. In 1903, French watchmaker Edmond Jaeger met Jacques-David LeCoultre, leading to a collaboration that merged French design with Swiss craftsmanship. The current brand name, "JAEGER-LECOULTRE," was established in 1937. In 1992, the Master series was launched as a line of watches that passed the "Master 1000 Hour Control" certification, and in 2000, the brand became part of the Richemont Group.

Q. How did the "Master Control Chronometer" collection come to be?

The design philosophy of the Master Control Chronometer collection draws direct inspiration from the Master Mariner Chronometer, first introduced in 1973. As a new generation of the collection that inherits 80 years of innovation, it comprises three models equipped with different complications: a date display, a perpetual calendar, and a combination of power reserve and date. While the Date Power Reserve model is exclusively available in stainless steel, the remaining two models can be chosen in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold.

Q. What is HPG (High-Precision Guarantee)?

HPG (High-Precision Guarantee) is a proprietary precision testing and assurance system established by JAEGER-LECOULTRE for its "Master Control Chronometer" series. The tests simulate various conditions encountered during daily wear, including different positions, pressure, temperature fluctuations, and shocks. Furthermore, JAEGER-LECOULTRE's HPG certification is complemented by certification from the chronometer-testing institute COSC, with this dual certification underscoring the pursuit of precision. In essence, HPG is a brand-specific "added guarantee" that meets external official standards (COSC) and imposes additional, unique tests tailored by JAEGER-LECOULTRE for everyday wear. In the context of the "Master Control Chronometer" collection, HPG plays a crucial role as the validation of precision befitting the "Chronometer" designation.