Introducing The New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Caliber 948 World-Timer

At the International Meridian Conference of 1884, it was established that the Greenwich Observatory in London, positioned at longitude 0°, would act as the global reference point for time calculations. Each of the 24 major time zones would be defined by 15 degrees of longitude. The worldwide day would start and end at midnight at the Greenwich meridian, with time measured east and west from there—thus the terms Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), ante meridian (am), and post meridian (pm).

Throughout its distinguished history, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been celebrated for its mastery of complications, including timepieces capable of simultaneously displaying multiple time zones. Caliber 948 embodies an artistic representation of universal time, merging a world time display with a flying tourbillon that completes a circuit of the dial in 24 hours—a tribute to Earth's rotation on its axis and its orbit around the Sun.

In 2024, coinciding with the Precision Pioneer exhibition held at Dubai DIFC from 7 to 19, the Maison unveils a fresh interpretation of the Master Grande Tradition Caliber 948. This version features a green enamel dial that celebrates nature's colors and showcases the craftsmanship of the Manufacture's in-house Métiers Rares™ atelier. Encased in 18-carat (750/1000) pink gold, this edition is limited to 20 pieces.

This masterpiece continues the success of the company's recent releases showcased during Watches and Wonders, where the Duomètre collection received acclaim and positive feedback. 

With its sleek design, the Master Grande Tradition case provides an elegant backdrop to the dial's intricacy. Measuring Diameter: 43 mm and Height: 14.13 mm, it comprises over 40 parts. Its convex bezel contrasts with wide bevels on the lugs, while the hollowed-out lug sides infuse dynamic flair. Various surfaces are meticulously microblasted, polished, and satin-brushed to optimize the interplay of light.

To craft the intricate and vibrantly colored dial of the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948, Jaeger-LeCoultre's master artisans from the Métiers Rares™ atelier combined the techniques of enameling, guillochage, and lacquering. Producing a single example of the dial necessitates over 70 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.

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-green 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 green 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 luxury of the pink gold is complemented by a dark green alligator strap that matches the dial. The watch is limited to just 20 pieces, and priced at AED 1,050,000.

For more information please visit JLC official website.