Overview
In 1992, Jaeger-LeCoultre debuted the vintage-inspired Master Control collection as a tribute to the brand’s unmatched watchmaking heritage. No longer just “the watchmaker’s watchmaker”, the Master Control collection ushered in a new era where JLC once again was dedicated to exceptional watchmaking and production under its own name. Throughout the years the collection has seen a number of horology’s most famous complications including the moonphase indicator, triple calendar, chronograph, world timer, 8 days power reserve, and perpetual calendar. What’s more, each Master Control watch has undergone the brand’s strict “1,000 Hour Control” testing period, during which the movement is cased, rigorously examined beyond COSC certification protocols, and hand-adjusted for accuracy in six positions.
The watch here features a triad of complications harmoniously arranged throughout the dial, highlighted by a réserve de marche (“power reserve”) indicator in the upper left corner. Boasting dauphine hands, dart-style indices, and Arabic numerals at 12 and 9 o’clock, the style is reserved and classically executed. Yet what makes this watch truly special is the warm gray sunburst dial that was limited to the first series of this reference. As indicated by the caseback engraving and medallion, this is a premiére série edition, of which only 100 examples were made during the late 1990s. Later series iterations featured a glossy black dial and a display caseback. With its sleek look and universally wearable 37mm case, this rare Réserve De Marche is a standout from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s neo-vintage catalog.
Specifications
Brand:
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model:
Master Control Réserve De Marche
Reference:
140.8.93
Year:
1990s
Case Number:
No. 38 / 100
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
37 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
9.8 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
43.4 mm
Dial:
Gray
Lume:
Tritium/Super-LumiNova
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
JLC 928/2
Bracelet/Strap:
JLC black alligator strap with signed tang buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows very light wear in the form of a few hairlines and faint marks present. The overall impression is clean. The lugs are thick and well-defined with the original bevels still visible. The caseback is consistent with the rest of the watch and is very well preserved. The brand, model, and serial number engravings remain sharp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The gray dial is in fantastic condition with only micro patina around the edges of the complication cutouts. The polished hands are also excellent with micro wear under a loupe but no major imperfections. The tritium hour markers are a golden shade of yellow and glow briefly when exposed to UV light. The hands are Super-LumiNova units. The sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The JLC alligator strap shows hardly any wear with plenty of life left to give. The JL-signed buckle is in great overall condition. The engraved logo remains crisp and detailed.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, date setting, and power reserve indicator are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
