Jaeger-LeCoultre recently unveiled a new iteration of its Master Control Calendar, and we rushed to the New York City boutique to conduct a proper hands-on review immediately—please excuse the protective stickers. When we first handled the watch in person and strapped it on, the first words that came out were “this is so good.”
This isn't a watch that shouts for attention but that whispers sophistication with that subtle nod to vintage sector dials in a modern execution that is simply flawless. Limited to just 500 pieces, this watch continues to show how the Grande Maison evolves its classical complications for contemporary tastes.
Things to Know About the Watch
Cased in a perfectly sized 40 mm stainless steel case, the dial is the star of the show. The two-tone grey dial plays with light in fascinating ways. The grained texture genuinely changes character under different lighting conditions. The lighter grey center section, housing the day and month windows at 12 o'clock, contrasts beautifully with the darker grey hour ring and outer date track.
The grained finish is very refined in person—not aggressive, but creating subtle depth that prevents the dial from feeling flat. White day and month discs with black printing are crisp and instantly legible. The small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock doubles as the moon phase display against a deep blue sky dotted with stars. Tiny red accents on the date hand and hour markers provide just enough contrast without disrupting the dial's sophisticated restraint. The faceted triangular applied markers and the dauphine hands play in symphony with anthracite finishing.
In an era when many brands chase attention with bold colors or oversized cases, Jaeger-LeCoultre's approach continues to feel mature and confident. No wonder we like to say that Jaeger-LeCoultre should be part of the ‘Holy Trinity of Watchmaking’ alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. This isn't a watch that dominates conversations, but it rewards the wearer with subtle details and genuine craftsmanship revealed over time.
One thing we loved about the dial layout is how Jaeger-LeCoultre managed to have a peripheral date indicator that jumps between the 15th and 16th of the month to avoid blocking the bottom part of the dial in a way that there is no obstruction of the moon phase indication on those dates. As a reference to such mechanical feat, you will notice the words in French ‘QUANTIEME à DATE SAUTANTE’—jumping date calendar—at the bottom of the dial.
The finishing is impeccable—polished and brushed surfaces executed with precision. The faceted Dauphine hands provide excellent legibility, and their mixed finishes help them stand out against both light and dark grey dial sections. The black calfskin strap is supple and comfortable immediately, with an interchangeable double folding clasp.
The Movement: Proven Excellence
Powering the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar Two-Tone Grey Dial is the in-house automatic calibre 866 composed of 344 parts and 34 jewels. This movement delivers the complete calendar complication—day, date, month, and moon phases—with lineage stretching to the 1940s and a confident 70-hour power reserve.
Fully visible via the sapphire crystal display case back, one can ensure the care that was taken as far as movement finishing as well as the precision safeguarded by the "1000 Hours Control" certification that has long represented the brand's philosophy of technical rigor paired with stylistic restraint.
On the Wrist & Price
At 40 mm, this Master Control Calendar wears exceptionally well. On my 7.5-inch wrist, it felt perfectly proportioned. The stainless steel case features polished bezels and lug tops that catch light nicely, while brushed case sides prevent it from looking too formal. You can wear this watch to business meetings, casual weekend outings, and a semi-formal dinners. The two-tone grey dial proved remarkably versatile—more contemporary than traditional white or silver dials, yet maintaining enough classical restraint for professional settings.
Meanwhile, the 70-hour power reserve proves genuinely useful. You could remove the watch on Friday evening and pick it back up on Monday morning without the need to reset the calendar—a practical advantage for multi-watch wearers.
At its price point, this Master Control Calendar occupies an interesting market proposition. You're getting an in-house movement from one of Switzerland's most reputable manufactures with a ton of pedigree, a complete calendar complication with excellent finishing, a 500-piece limited edition, and distinctive aesthetics that set it well apart from other watches in this price range.
Sticker Price USD 15,300. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
