Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual: Laughs at Leap Years (VIDEO)

Calendar watches have been a grand tradition of Jaeger-LeCoultre since the late 1930s, and this Master Perpetual is a contemporary heir to that legacy.

With a 37mm 18-karat white gold case, an exquisite “half-hunter” case back, and a remarkably complete perpetual calendar display, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual blends high horology with everyday practicality.

A perpetual calendar is one of the four “cardinal complications” that comprise the “grand complication” quartet. Along with the rattrapante (split chronograph), minute repeater, and tourbillon, the perpetual calendar taxes a watchmaker’s ability to the limit. In many craft watchmaking traditions, the construction of such a device was considered to be the culminating feat prior to a journeyman attaining Master Watchmaker status.

Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced its first wristwatch perpetual calendar in the Grand Reveil of 1989, and it launched its now famous “Master 1000 Hours Control” in 1992. With the Master Perpetual, JLC combines the perpetual calendar and the Master Control process to create the ultimate wearable complication.

The white gold case is 37mm in diameter, and if the 2015 SIHH and Baselworld trade shows are any guide, the 37-39mm men’s formal watch is making a comeback… with a vengeance. Jaeger-LeCoultre includes a striking matte silver dial that is darker, richer, and more complex than the standard silver employed on their steel pieces. Shifting light elicits flashes of argent, chrome, violet, and gold; dynamic is the word.

The rich dial of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual provides a grand stage for the main event: the perpetual calendar and moon phase. JLC uses the perpetual calendar module developed by legendary IWC complications maestro Kurt Klaus, and it allows the user to advance all indications in synch using a single corrector on the case flank. The day, date, month, and moon phase cannot move out of correct synchronization by accident.

Want more? You got it; the perpetual calendar module includes a display of the current year, decade, and moon phase (itself accurate to 122+ years).

Still hungry for complications? Jaeger-LeCoultre features a “danger zone” indicator just above that junction of the hands. When the calendar changeover is engaged, the small aperture above the dial’s center fills with a “no go” red to warn against changing the calendar during that period.

Turn the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual around, and the image of the Master 1000 Hours control medallion greets you in polished white gold. Here comes the good part; the case back swings open, pocket watch style, and reveals the caliber 889/440-2 automatic movement. With circular cotes de Geneve, a 22-karat gold winding rotor, gorgeous cobalt heat blued screws, and tight main plate perlage, this is a vista worthy of a solid-gold veil.

See this outstanding Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual with comprehensive JLC factory accessories in high resolution images on www.watchuwant.com