Celebrating 25 Years of the Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Line

Celebrating 25 years of the Master Control line with three new pieces

It has been 25 years since the Master Control collection was first unveiled in 1992. An embodiment of the sophisticated watchmaking tradition carefully cultivated by Jaeger-LeCoultre, it combines the classic aesthetics and technical performance that illustrate the quality of the Manufacture’s movements. Now on the collection’s 25th anniversary, the Manufacture is presenting a new expression of the line’s three emblematic functions, drawing on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s rich legacy of round watches to inspire the Master Control Date, the Master Chronograph, and the Master Geographic. The date, chronograph, and geographic complication constitute functions of everyday utility that have made the Master Control line into a resounding success, and they are pleasingly integrated into this latest incarnation.

Hugues Chatel began his watchmaking studies at an historical watchmaking school in Besançon France. One of his student projects—a skeletonized watch with reverse time indication, a particularly challenging assignment—won a prize in a national competition. He subsequently studied in Switzerland, graduated and completed an apprenticeship in watch restoration with a master watchmaker. Hugues traveled to the US and settled in Marin County, California, where he went to work in a small clock restoration shop. Several years later, after moving to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Hugues opened his own restoration shop, where he took up working on watches—which had always been his real passion—once again. In 1992, he began carrying Jaeger-LeCoultre watches and slowly built his retail business from there. Hugues still performs watch service and repair, but because he enjoys specializing, he limits himself to working on Panerai watches exclusively.