Introduction
First debuting in 1992, the Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control is a vintage-inspired collection rooted to the 1950’s aesthetic of old with elegant dials, refined constructions and brilliantly executed movements – all benchmarks of JLC’s talents as a watchmaker. Offered here we have the Master Control Perpetual Calendar ref. 140.3.80 from the early 2000s with a stunning black dial and an 18kt white gold case that comes in at a perfectly wearable 37mm in diameter. Boasting applied dagger indices and four sunken subdials, the ref. 140.3.80’s display carries genuine depth that is themn aided by its use of three apertures for three of its complications, one being its year indicator inside of the month subdial at 12 o’clock, the next being its moonphase indicator in the subdial at 6 o’clock and the last is the aperture just above the central pinion that shows when the perpetual calendar is safe to be set. It is white when it is safe and red (between 9pm & 3am) when the perpetual calendar should not be adjusted. Correct until March 1st 2100 and needing to be set only once every 122 years, the ref. 140.8.30’s automatic cal. 889/440/2 ensures that this timepiece is made to last. Mounted on a leather strap and secured using a deployant clasp, the Master Control is an understated and classical design and this example is a wonderfully preserved celebration of the entire collection.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Travel Pouch
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Jaeger LeCoultre
Dimensions
37mm x 10.2mm
Model
Master Control Perpetual Calendar
Movement
Automatic cal. 889/440/2
Reference
140.3.80
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2000
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt white gold
Included
Watch and JLC travel pouch
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a beautiful black dial to stand out against its 18kt white gold case, this Master Control's display is elegant and refined everywhere you look and filled with nice details such as its partially skeletonized hands ensuring the wearer can always see the aperture at the central pinion and whether it is safe to set the perpetual calendar function or not.
THE CONSTRUCTION
A lot of watch in a not-so-big package, the ref. 140.8.30's 37mm 18kt white gold case ensures that it wears elegantly on the wrist even though it is jam-packed with watchmaking. Even its hinged caseback cover doesn't stop this timepiece from being effortlessly elegant.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case has some wear visible along the edges and surface, but is generally clean and free from damage. The officer style caseback engravings are fully legible, as are the gold hallmarks inside the caseback. Watch comes on a worn original strap with deployant buckle. The consignor notes that the movement was overhauled in June of 2023, but no paperwork is included.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Just exactly why JLC are the "Watchmaker's watchmaker" it is timepieces like the Master Control Perpetual Calendar that highlights JLC's incredible talents in watchmaking, watch design and artisanal execution.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
