The Manual Wind: Jaeger LeCoultre Master Calendar Meteorite

By Ian Schwam January 21, 2015

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Like the rims of a car or stitching on clothing, one detail can change the complete personality of an item. The same applies for a timepiece. A change in metal, strap, and even more so, in dial, can take a classic watch and make it totally new. As one of the new watches hitting the runway at the 2015 SIHH, Jaeger LeCoultre has done just that with one of its most classic timepieces; the Master Calendar.

Offered in rose gold and steel, this 39mm timepiece has been remodeled with two exquisite dials made of meteorite. The Master Calendar, annual calendar moon phase, has been a part of the JLC lineup for decades. Being offered in different sizes and metals throughout the years, the meteorite dial is a first. Adding an exotic element to an otherwise straight forward plain yet complicated timepiece, the dial totally changes the personality of this piece. Cut from fallen meteorites, these dials often take many slices, up to 20, to find a slice of meteorite good enough for a dial. No two dials are the same.

Under the dial lies an in-house caliber JLC movement with a 43 hour power reserve. Jaeger LeCoultre is one of the largest movement manufacturers and provide movements for many other brands within the Richemont Group as well as for their own timepieces.

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Dark meteorite paired with a rose gold case, markers and hands make for an outstanding contrast. Light meteorite with a steel case, markers, and hands make for less contrast with fine detail. Priced accordingly, $24,300 in rose gold and $11,300 in steel, this new introduction from Jaeger LeCoutlre is a fine upgrade and will certainly be one of the many standouts of the 2015 SIHH watch fair in Geneva.

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Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

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the manual wind longines heritage 1918 long1918c

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the manual wind iwc big pilot heritage limited edition iwcbp1

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