Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control "1000 Hours" Ref 140.8.89

About This Watch:

The Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control “1000 Hours” Automatic Ref 140.8.89 is an elegant timepiece that wears beautifully for any occasion.  Its vintage yet modern styling enables it to transition with ease from formal to casual wear.  Named the “1000 Hours” after JLC’s own six-week, 1000-hour series of testing, which is now the standard for all JLC timepieces prior to leaving the factory, the Master Control set a new benchmark for quality control amongst manufacturers. With subtle detailing such as the satin silver sunburst pattern dial and polished case, the JLC Master Control is an excellent example of the quality and craftsmanship that Jaeger LeCoultre is known for.

The History:

Jaeger LeCoultre began it’s start in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre, in Le Sentier Switzerland.  Antoine invented the machine to cut watch pinions and later developed what was considered the world's most accurate measuring instrument, the Millionométre.  In 1903, a challenge was introduced to Swiss watchmakers by Edmond Jaeger to produce an ultra-thin movement, designed by Jaeger successfully.  Antoine LeCoultre’s grandson accepted that challenge and, in 1907, produced the thinnest pocket watch movement, which led to the eventual founding of Jaeger LeCoultre.  

The Watch:

The Master Control Automatic has a 37mm polished stainless steel case with a fixed stainless steel bezel.  The case height measures at a slim 9.4 mm, with a solid screw-down case back secured with four screws and engraved with the Master Control 1000 Hours Emblem in high relief, along with the serial number for the timepiece.  The dial is a satin-silver sunburst pattern, with Arabic-style numerals at the 12, 6, and 9 o’clock positions and a date window at the 3 o’clock position.  The Dauphine-style hour and minute hands are filled with lume with a sweep center seconds hand.  Powered by a JLC Caliber 899/1 movement, the Ref 140.8.89 has a 38-hour power reserve and a water resistance rating of 50 meters.  

The Details:

This Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Automatic is in good condition.  There are wear markings around the bezel and case, visible in the photos, that are consistent with the age of the watch. This timepiece comes with a brown leather strap and the original Jaeger LeCoultre deployant buckle.