We are suckers for complete calendars as they are one of the most fascinating complications without having to go for the whole nine yards and getting a Perpetual Calendar. If you like to know what day you are living in and have the month, day, date and moon phase on your wrist, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar in stainless steel is the best value for your money and a fascinating timepiece with wonderful wrist presence.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar in stainless steel ref. 1558420 is fitted with a nice and thin —10.6mm thick— case measuring 39mm in diameter and a silvered sunray-brushed dial. The dial features rhodium-plated hour-markers, Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 9, a moon-phase aperture with overlaid running seconds at 6 o'clock, two small apertures above the central pinion indicating the day and the month, a date chapter ring around the perimeter of the dial with hand indicator with red 'lunette' end and the number 31 also highlighted in red, dauphine hands with luminescent material —something we absolutely love about this watch as that is a rare feature on these type of complications— and lastly, luminous dots at 12, 9, 6 and 3 o'clock.
The Dial
The dial is not only beautiful but very well balanced and extremely easy to read. Unlike other complete calendars we have reviewed, the dial configuration and layout is just perfect. The red elements in the dial also provide a beautifully contrasting touch and a real treat to the eyes.
The Movement
The beating heart inside this timepiece is the very accurate automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 866 with 305 parts, 32 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 43 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The beautifully finished calibre just as with most Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces, is visible via the display case back.
The Case
To ease the adjustment of the calendar functions and the moon-phase, this watch is fitted with three push-piece correctors on the case band. Unfortunately the day of the week needs to be adjusted via the winding crown and synchronized accordingly. This is perhaps the only downside to this great watch but definitely not a deal breaker.
On the Wrist & Pricing
This elegant timepiece is perfectly suited to be worn with your most elegant attire or even with casual clothes. The Master Calendar is fitted with a black alligator strap with deployant buckle. The strap is very comfortable but somewhat short. On a 7-7.25" wrist size, the buckle had to be adjusted on the second hole from the very end, leaving very little room for adjustment for those with a wrist larger than 7.5". Other than the issue with the length of the strap, the watch has formidable wrist presence with an extremely well-balanced overall design. This watch wears true to its size and sits very nicely on the wrist without protruding at all.
If you are ready to get your first complication, look no further because with Jaeger-LeCoultre you really get the best value for your money with superior craftsmanship, rich history and unparalleled elegance. This watch is also available in 18K pink gold.
Sticker Price $10,300 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
