Introducing Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948

Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a new interpretation of the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948, first launched last year, now featuring a striking blue enamel dial set in an 18K (750/1000) pink gold case. A uniquely artistic expression of world timer function, the Calibre 948 combines a world-time display with a flying tourbillon that completes a full rotation of the dial every 24 hours, an elegant allusion to Earth’s rotation on its axis and its orbit around the Sun. The creation showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house Métiers Rares™ atelier.

With its sleek silhouette, the Master Grande Tradition case forms an elegant backdrop for the dial’s intricate architecture. Measuring 43 mm in diameter and 14.13 mm in height, it is composed of over 40 components. The convex bezel contrasts with wide bevels on the lugs, while the hollowed sides of the lugs lend the design a dynamic character. A combination of microblasted, polished, and satin-brushed finishes enhances the interplay of light across the surfaces.

 At the heart of the dial lies a depiction of the world as viewed from the North Pole. The outlines of the continents are meticulously crafted from a fine 18ct gold plate and adorned with champlevé enamel. However, unlike the conventional flat representation, this map is elevated above the main dial on a domed skeleton of pink gold, intricately molded to resemble the longitudes and latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. This intricate and delicate dome, masterfully created through laser-cutting precision, introduces lightness and depth to the dial while subtly alluding to the intricacies of time measurement.

Beneath this dome, symbolizing the oceans, the dial plate is adorned with translucent blue lacquer applied over a wavy guilloche pattern, evoking the motion of the sea.

As with traditional world timers, each time zone is denoted by the name of a city, encircling the central dial on a blue opaline ring. Surrounding the city ring are two concentric fixed rings: the inner one indicating the 24 hours, with applied rectangular indexes and laser-engraved numerals, and the outer one featuring the minute track, laser-engraved on a dark green lacquer background that complements the map and ocean hues. Adjacent to the map, a circular aperture reveals the flying tourbillon, completing a rotation every 60 seconds. As the tourbillon completes a full revolution every 24 hours, the domed map and city ring rotate synchronously, mirroring the Earth's rotation. Thus, the correct time for each city is constantly displayed by the corresponding hour on the city ring.

When Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced Calibre 948, it marked the first instance of combining a world-time complication with a flying tourbillon. Furthermore, the Universal Tourbillon, patented by Jaeger-LeCoultre, completes a full circuit of the dial every 24 hours, aligning with the duration of a mean solar day. Comprising 388 components, this automatic movement serves as a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s technical prowess, as it was conceived, developed, and entirely manufactured within the company.

Despite its intricate nature, Calibre 948 has been engineered to ensure user-friendliness: the time can be set using the crown, which synchronizes all time zones globally. Upon reaching a new destination, local time is adjusted with the same crown, moving solely the hour hand in one-hour increments forward or backward, while maintaining the accuracy of minutes and seconds. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 VPH (4Hz) and provides a power reserve of 48 hours.

The Jaeger LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 features a dark blue alligator strap that matches the dial. The watch is limited to just 20 pieces, and the price is available upon request.

For more information please visit JLC official website.