Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic - The Details Make The Design.
Jaeger-LeCoultre have just launched a new edition of their Master Geographic with a refreshed dial and a slimmer bezel. This is a dual time zone watch in the traditional sense, reminiscent of a time when a journey was to be enjoyed, not endured, when long haul actually took a long time - an era when your suitcase had drawers and hanging compartments for your finery.
It takes skillful design to create a watch dial which provides 2 time zone indications, 24 world locations, a date dial and a power reserve display whilst remaining unfussy, elegant and readable. Jaeger-LeCoultre have the knack. At first glance the new Master Geographic is a beautiful piece, but as Charles Eames said "The details are not the details. They make the design" ...... wisdom that not only applies to the creation of furniture but also to almost everything else - including timepieces.
At 39mm across the case size is both vintage and on trend for the demand for smaller case sizes in the dress watch category. The sunburst decorated silvered dial displays local time using the central hour, minute and seconds hand, the latter so long it almost appears to reach out over the very edge of the dial. A second time zone dial is at 6 o'clock and a disc aperture on the lower dial displays 24 time zone locations. Using the crown at 10 o'clock the disc revealing these city locations can be advanced, as it does so, the hours of the second time zone subdial follow accordingly - a complication simplified for the user.
A Pointer date ... always an eye-pleasing feature ... is located at 2 o'clock with a retrograde power reserve at 10 o'clock. Alongside the second time zone dial is a small day/night indicator. This is a detailed multi-layered dial, each of the displays are recessed, yet it is one which remains functional and practical. Inside is the hand-finished 939A Automatic Calibre with 43 hours of power reserve.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic is available in two editions, a steel case version presented on a matt black alligator strap, and an 18 carat pink gold version presented on a matt brown alligator strap.
Related Articles
Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin “Tribute to 1931″
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox International Colette Edition
Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX5 World Chronograph