Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Dual Time 'Tourbillon'

If you know, you know.

The Complication, The Grandeur, The Watchmaker of Watchmakers…

Amongst the pieces we came through, there are understated and sophisticated pieces; there are apparent and attention-seeking pieces, then there are pieces which exudes a presence to be one-of-a-kind. Today we offer one of the most complicated reference from Jaeger LeCoultre’s Master Control Series which we believe to stand alone with its ever-propelling display - The notable ‘Dual Time Tourbillon’.

Recognized as arguably one of the most under the radar horological house, Jaeger LeCoultre carries an exclusivity between heritage aesthetics, design and execution of mechanical movements. Long before the Maison started to manufacture its infamous ‘Reverso’ line-up debut, Edmund Jaeger and Jacques David LeCoultre have fostered a long-standing relationship with Louis Cartier and Patek Philippe’s family which contributed to multiple movement and silhouette collaborations, including manufacture of parts for these exclusive houses. The partners have constantly remained under the radar and took faith within a deep respect for manufacturing in-house mainspring, gear train, balance wheels and parts while focusing on an ‘inside-out’ approach to watchmaking, prioritising from the internal towards the externals. The deep root in Le Sentier has perhaps favoured this collaboration to be resourceful and powerful due to its access to natural resources for production and ideal weather for watchmaking production in the attic of the workshop during its winter seasons. 

The concept of the Tourbillon is initially executed by Abraham Louis Breguet, whom I believe to be if not, one of the greatest watchmakers over the last century. Sure, the Reference 3350 & 3357 have earnt its iconic status amongst collectors and auction houses, it is only through its classical pelage and engraving techniques along with delicate movement positioning where the Master Control Tourbillon takes cue from. The signature Calibre 978 Tourbillon’s escapement and balance wheel are mounted on an ever-rotating cage to eliminate marginal errors of poise, giving a a uniform weight across the vertical and horizontal balance axis of a wristwatch. 

The modern issue of the Master Control Tourbillon features a central dial with clean-cut tourbillon placement at six, reflecting an iconic approach with an independent exhibition case-back, all sealed within a warm rose-gold like tonality. The out-size date with red arrow hands is an interesting reflection of early Le-Coultre calendars which I believe to be more balanced in comparison to the usual Cyclop-Lens Display Date for sport pieces. The piece has been freshly serviced by JLC with additional tang deployant buckles and 2 extra straps to pair. The attention to detail, complication and execution of this piece presents to me as an extremely collectible dress watch which proudly seals the best for value, with the recent offering from JLC Master Ultra Thin which demands more than 140K AUD, this is an absolute steal so to speak. The piece is carefully looked after with JLC service papers outlining its scope of works. The beauty is perhaps the singular expression to the Tourbillon where the movement axis constantly rotates upon the wrist. The 43mm case wears slightly smaller and I think it’s quite wearable as a Tourbillon. An absolute treat to any bystanders’ eyes and collector’s box.

When it comes to a piece in this state, there really isn’t many words to describe the beauty, depth and presence. I’ll let the photographs do the talking and we will leave the piece to speak for its own esteem.