The Perfect Men's Watch: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control might not just be the best JLC watch, but the perfect men's watch. Drawing from JLC's remarkable history, this is a watch which redefined what accuracy was for a mechanical watch and which became, for Jaeger-LeCoultre, a true design classic.
In 2020, JLC have updated the line and brought it back to where it should always have been as the perfect men's watch.
#jaegerlecoultre #mastercontrol #bestmenswatch #watchchronicler
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[@patrickjean-philippe7679]

I love the JLC style of understated timeless elegance, discretion yet with superlative horology hidden within. To me JLC oozes class.

[@darranhanson]

You’re preaching to the choir. I purchased an MC Calendar - for me, a perfect blend of elegance and practical function (I find the chronograph busy and less practical). The calfskin strap is a rich counterpoint to the dial and case. But I also have the stainless bracelet, which is a stunning alternative look.

[@walkerb1734]

I wear a JLC Geophysic 1958 limited edition as my daily wear. It has never let me down and seems right at home in almost every situation. It’s robust, water resistant to 100m, elegant, and downright beautiful. Love JLC!

[@Bob_In_Thailand]

I purchased a Master Control Hometime in it's first release back in 2005 with the new autotractor movement and ceramic ball bearings and I still wear it today. I absoltely love this watch, the silver satin dial is something special, the hands are perfect one side polished and the other side of the hand brushed really gives it a 3 dimensional look. It has a second hour hand hidden when not using it as a dual time. The movement is nicely decoratred and is deserved of a see through case.

[@watchinout1897]

Excellent review, especially the JLC history leading up to the new 2020 releases. I just got the master control calendar and could not be any happier with it. I ordered without ever actually getting hands on it...let me just say the online pictures don't do it justice!!

[@watchgeek6712]

I own a previous version of the Master Control Geographic, 38mm case size. I believe the Master Control series to be the best collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre. I admire the Reverso but I am not a fan of square/rectangular watch cases.

[@JogieGlenMait]

You are right. This is one of the best looking daily wear watch that I’ve seen.

[@jameshoward9700]

Great overview of the new MC range. I like them (and JLC) very much but think that 40mm is a mis-step. Surely, the trend for understated, classy watches is toward smaller pieces? 38/39mm would be more like it. Glashutte Original and Omega also have this problem - ranges looking a bit naughties in size. I predict non-pilot/dive/chronograph watches of 40mm+ will date badly through the '20s...

[@christoskyriakis6472]

It depends on your wrist size. If you have a 7+ inch wrist then this size is perfect.

[@roberth.8807]

Have tried this watch on and I agree. 40mm is too big for this style. 38/39mm would have suited it better.

[@jameshoward9700]

@@christoskyriakis6472 Totally take your point Christos, but I'm talking aesthetic balance (and market trends), not fit. A watch is more than a pair of trousers! I feel a smart watch (not sport) should sit smaller on the wrist and I'm sure the market will move this way. Remember, dress watches used to be 34-37mm. 39/40mm was for sports watches. Personally, on my 73/4" wrist, 40mm (even 45mm for divers) is great for a sport watch but inelegant/outre for smart pieces such as these JLCs. For those big lads with 8" wrists, then yeah 40mm is great, but wrists that large are unusual!

[@corner559]

Completely disagree. I think 40mm is perfect.

[@midod5115]

@@corner559Agree!

[@rickyz6993]

Bold yet elegant, quietly understated yet undeniably influential

[@Rodrigoarrais]

Love the 2017 sector dial. Classic

[@yerbluez8400]

The chronograph calendar in rose gold is superb.

[@rlinhares]

I came here after falling in love with the Master Class by JLC. I'm glad I did because this is another awesome channel.

[@ewhyte8059]

Like the Porsche 911 series the Master Control line is subtlety evolving.The Memovox alarm actually sounds like what you would expect from an alarm. I’ve handled a date version at length (38 mm case) and it’s definitely in the top 10 of my next preowned watch. It’s a great candidate for swapping out the original leather strap for a stingray, ostrich skin or sharkskin strap et cetera. Nice drool inducing footage and as always crisp and brisk paced narrative. 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽👏👏🏼👏🏻 PS ALM(I digress)👀

[@Superdada]

What a stunning video and presentation. Well done sir.

[@magicmike7066]

I absolutely love these new models! I’ve actually been debating forgoing on the new Batman to get this master calendar!

[@ewhyte8059]

Go for it. Pull the trigger on the master calendar, it’s beautifully balanced dial is a testament to the complexity of the sumptuously decorated movement visible through the back.You distinguish yourself from the herd with this timepiece, while Rolex owners if they know anything about horology will have to look up to what you would be wearing from what they are wearing and any of the holy Trinity timepiece wearers have to look across in time honoured respect. Not even knowing you ,as an enthusiast it’s a no brainer. Not to mention you have more room to try straps made of ostrich skin, sharkskin, snakeskin, stingray et al. Enjoy 😉

[@hambone988ubet]

I hope you decide to get one. They are really good looking, however, I am going to wait a few years to buy used!

[@davidb9531]

@@hambone988ubet wise jlc certainly don't hold value like rolex

[@jkjkjk100]

@@davidb9531 it really is a shame though. Rolex is good but JLC is high haute horology. I think JLC master control is subtle not as flash as well known rolex. I think both have their time and place... JLC master calendar is way more complex than batman, so it would be a good piece to keep unless you can afford a perpetual.

[@midod5115]

@@hambone988ubetDid you ever pick one up yet?

[@NOLASkaGuitarist]

I remember breaking an old fossil watch way back as a college kid from playing racquetball with it, it really is brutal on watches as it's common to strike the watch with the side of the racquet and I eventually shattered the crystal.

[@vaughanatkinson8421]

The collection is superb, no other way to describe it!

[@winstonr.chapman731]

The Master Control in 34mm on a bracelet is one of the most elegant watches ever made.

[@robbertblok5612]

Not for girls at all but for confident gentlemen. Anything bigger than 38 is for for insecure wannabees.

[@bking12762]

@akhenatuh Ask Muhammad Ali about that...

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

The MC chronograph with mecaquartz in 34mm was also great, and judging by the price of used ones a lot of people agree

[@Newbie49]

Very well done Sir. That's a good review, learned a lot. Thanks.

[@b.luijkx8511]

Thanks appreciate you’re view on te JLC 👍👌

[@fpostolache]

There's no such thing as a perfect watch, just a matter of taste

[@user-cy2tu2my3z]

what a great video.

[@Bob_In_Thailand]

I purchased and still own a Master Control Hometime first issue in 2005, and it still is my favorite watch in my collection. I enjoy it more then my Rolex Day Date and Omega SMP. The silver sunburst dial is silky smooth, the handset is beautiful satin on one side and polished on the other giving a very 3-dimensional look. I like the hidden 2nd hour hand. that works alongside the Day night indicator. Great watch

[@charlesiswatching5287]

This watch would look some much better on a alligator leather strap.

[@thephysicaltherapycentre7422]

Nice work!

[@stevefox8605]

Prefer the sector dialed versions myself, & really dislike the 3 o'clock date window which for me spoils an otherwise beautiful watch. Cheers 👍🏻

[@nenadfranic9240]

Great video,especially given the recent video here on YT stating:"JLC's got a problem".I don't think so.The problem is mine - JLC is out of my reach.

[@mcclechinois3721]

The background music is a bit loud for your soft narrative. 70 hrs of power reserve is much better than the 40 hrs. Love the new chrono/calendar

[@ref6122]

I agree these new Master Control Models are close to perfect.Timeless design, versatile, relatively accessible watches from a brand just under holy trinity level.

[@LlyleHunter]

I think they’re beautiful. However it appears that JLC has recently discontinued their beautiful Geophysic True Second which I thought was an exquisite contemporary luxury watch.

[@jonathananandappa8375]

I completely agree! I see this complaint often- an analysis of the internet would suggest that the True Second is more beloved than any Polaris watch- which makes me wonder why JLC bet on the Polaris line

[@heinrich3427]

I always liked but never loved the MCs. I never liked the case, especially the sides and there was too much polish. The updates for 2020 are perfect. Love the Calendar and hope I'll be able to try one in the metal.

[@HiddenWen]

Great video to learn the pronunciations of all these watch brands.

[@Farmhouse1967]

Good afternoon. I totally agree with your thoughts, most certainly on my wish list... Best wishes.

[@nick5701]

Incredible videos. Keen up the good work.

[@charlesokeefe8413]

Hello. Could you do a review of the sector dial JLC. I think it might be a limited edition. Blue hands. awesome looking piece! want to buy one but can't find any on chrono24 or other favorite sites.

[@johngallop8581]

Please turn off the background music. Your voice and the pictures are all we need. Great video nonetheless!

[@spyknife]

Watches look stunning. Especially in the brown strap. However at 6k rrp you would lose half your money if you had to re sell the watch in the future. They are too common and easily available if you got the cash.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Only suckers pay RRP on a JLC, all these are available at 25% discount

[@pandora8478]

Excellent vid but music a tad too loud.

[@kristensorensen2219]

#968👍🤔I wonder what the sellers maybe who get the new watch that is from a production years before. Not every expensive watch gets sold at MSRP or more the year made. Where do these watches go?!!

[@jeeperspeepers8323]

Great video. Great voice. Please reduce the volume of the background music. Thank you.

[@DerekMitchell]

Please compare the JLC MC date with the Omega deVille Tresor.

[@authurspivey8214]

Question from a newbie. Looking to buy a nice business watch. I saw the jaeger master control with blue numbers. And a different dial called maybe a “sector dial”. Is this a limited edition? How many made? Could you review it. Not much out there but I love how this watch looks.

[@Rodrigoarrais]

Hodinkee has a video on the sector dial date

[@asegal4677]

I think you overdid your praise for the MC. I own numerous JLCs among them the 37mm MC from the 1990's and for me it is a good watch but not great. Build quality of JLCs (particularly on the dials) in my view is middle of the road and not comparable to say VC, AP or PP or even Rolex. Also, I think almost the entire MC line is too large. My favorite of them all is the 1990's MC Master Geographic in 38mm which is a sensible size for that particular design.

[@enriqueali]

At 38.5 mm in diameter for many of their offerings, A. Lange & Soehne gets it right. At 40 mm for these updated models, JLC doesn't.

[@abigsplash]

What is the watch at 3.43? Thank you 👍

[@paynemax3825]

0:34 Which Rolex model is this? Ref. number? Thanks!

[@josemarcosmacalupumartinez6405]

Sería un buen obsequio,para alguien especial

[@matthewbell9517]

They could've matched it with a nice alligator strap.

[@jkjkjk100]

Yeah the calf leather is a disappointment but, there’s quick release. So i believe alligator strap is an additional couple hundred bucks

[@leotsang6796]

Okay

[@tippykaffu4047]

I really love the design of the new JLC master control and I never really liked the JLC Master Control or even most JLC before.

[@russellharris5072]

Ignoring the facts that A)I don't believe in spending that much for a watch and B )I could never afford it anyway,the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duoface Q38484AF is the one luxury watch I admire purely based on it's design.It is simply exquisite.........................

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

Totally agree with the title.

[@davidb9531]

Interesting how much value there is here for high level horology compared to being sucked into the Rolex bubble. I recently almost purchased a sector dial for £3800 which is insane value. If only the wife realised the value it would be sitting on my wrist now

[@daledickinson1055]

Stunning watches .

[@wataki_watcheswatakiwatche3160]

Love the video. Very precise. Love this model, and also think it represents great value for what is a timeless classic. #watakiwatches

[@ZCT808]

I was a little disappointed when I finally got to see these at my AD. They are a bit small. The strap is a bit small and unattractive in that color. The decision to use ultra thin fonts, a silver dial, silver hands, limited lume, and other design choices make quickly reading the time problematic, especially if your vision isn't 100%. Ironically, I feel the design skews toward the older man, yet the older man may not actually be able to read it! There is no doubt it is an excellent watch, but between the scary depreciation, and poor legibility, I had to pass.

[@zuogehaoren]

my wallet disagrees

[@authurspivey8214]

Great review, but you sound like you are coughing up something at the end of Every “Le Coutre”. I guess the French are sick a lot. Maybe why they lost every war.

[@JohnSmith-qg3jb]

Shockingly designed. Outdated, unbalanced font not matching the overall aesthetic. Mismatched coloring. A poor imitation of the seamaster.