Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar – Attainable Luxury

When it comes to choosing a classic dress watch Jaeger-LeCoultre is always top of my list. The brand’s reputation for quality in all aspects of watchmaking has been carefully cultivated over the last two centuries, making it arguably one of the most recognisable and therefore most desirable luxury watch brands in the world. It is for this reason, and many more, that I often suggest the brand to friends and associates when asked for recommendations. It is also for this same reason however, that they often have the perception that the brand must be simply too far out of their price range to even contemplate.

Certainly there is some truth to that perception; JLC after all can lay claim to the enviable title of being the creator of some of the more complicated pieces of Haute Horlogerie the watch world has seen, such as the Duometre à Spherotourbillon. It is this same expertise however, that also allows the brand to make other, exceptionally high-quality pieces that don’t necessarily have exceptionally high price tags attached. Today, I have chosen an enduring classic, the Master Calendar, to illustrate that point.

The Master Calendar

At US$10,200 the Master Calendar cannot be considered cheap by any stretch of the imagination, and nor should it be, however it can be considered reasonable relative to other offerings on the market. In fact, I would even go as far to say that it represents quite good value for money, when you consider what you get in exchange. Presented in a 40mm stainless steel case the Master Calendar is powered by the JLC Calibre 924 mechanical automatic movement. The refined dial is well laid-out and in addition to displaying the time features an elegant moon-phase complication at 6 o’clock, day and month indications through apertures at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively, and the date shown on the outer ring. Balancing out the moon-phase is a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock.

The Master Calendar is presented on an Alligator leather strap and really is suited to all occasions.

The Master Grande Ultra Thin
Of course if you’re looking for something even more refined than you can’t go past JLC’s Master Grande Ultra Thin (shown above). At just US$8,200 in stainless steel with a Swiss Made automatic movement this versatile watch is the perfect anchor piece for any budding collection and is another instant classic that will suit almost any set of circumstances.

Please note that both pieces are also available on stainless steel bracelets for even more versatility.

The Final Word
Top quality, excellent craftsmanship and reasonable pricing, what more is there to say?

For more information please visit the official Jaeger-LeCoultre website: www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

Tags: Calendar, Jaeger-LeCoultre, luxury, Swiss Made, ultra-thin, watches

Category: Watch Reviews