First debuting in 1992, the Jaeger LeCoultre Master is a vintage-inspired collection rooted to the 1950s 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 Ultra-Thin ref. 145.8.79.S from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Boasting a stunning, yet simple, silver dial and a stainless steel case that comes in at a perfectly wearable 33mm diameter, this timepiece has everything one would want from JLC, the “watchmaker’s watchmaker.” Boasting sharp dauphine hands along with applied dagger indices and applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock that help fill its dial with appealing details, the ref. 145.8.79.S’s display is reserved, restrained and entirely traditional, as per its mid-century dress watc inspiration. Sporting a flat, yet stepped bezel, gently curving lugs, and just a single crown, the Master Ultra-This is a wonderfully wearable watch that speaks to the collection’s original source of inspiration, the 1950s, while also celebrating JLC’s impressive craftsmanship through its manual-wind cal. 849 movement that is on display behind an exhibition caseback.

A classically-inspired watch that remains understated yet stunning, the Master Ultra-Thin is a horological masterclass as it perfectly enfuses heritage-inspired design with modern watchmaking all which celebrating understated aesthetics.