Jaeger-LeCoultre has long been renowned for its expertise in crafting intricate complications, and world timers have been a part of their repertoire for nearly a century. The Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 is not just a timepiece, it’s a captivating work of art. This world timer features a flying tourbillon that completes a full rotation of the dial every 24 hours, symbolizing Earth’s rotation. In 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils a new rendition adorned with a mesmerizing green enamel dial, showcasing the talents of their in-house Métiers Rares™ atelier. This masterpiece is limited to only 20 pieces.
The concept of time zones, like all timekeeping, has astronomical origins. Our 24-hour day is dictated by Earth’s rotation. However, standardized time zones are a relatively recent invention, driven by the need for global coordination. In the 19th century, with the rise of railways, maintaining consistent schedules became crucial. The International Meridian Conference of 1884 established Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) as the global reference point, dividing the world into 24 time zones, each spanning 15 degrees of longitude.
The captivatingly intricate dial of the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 is a testament to the artistry of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares™ artisans. Champlevé, an ancient enamelling technique, is used to create the continents, with multiple layers of enamel meticulously applied and fired. Lacquering adds further depth and richness. Crafting a single dial takes over 70 hours of meticulous work.
The 25.5mm dial is a miniature masterpiece. A map of the world, crafted from 18ct gold and adorned with champlevé enamel, takes center stage. Unlike traditional flat maps, this one floats above the dial on a domed pink gold structure representing the Northern Hemisphere’s longitudes and latitudes. Beneath this dome, the dial plate is decorated with blue-green lacquer, resembling the ocean’s movement.
City names, set on a green opaline ring, represent the world’s time zones. A unique feature is the flying tourbillon, visible through an aperture, completing a revolution every 24 hours, mimicking Earth’s rotation. This, in turn, synchronizes the domed map and city ring, ensuring the correct time is displayed for each location.
The Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 marks the first time a world-time complication is paired with a flying tourbillon. This patented Jaeger-LeCoultre innovation completes a full rotation every 24 hours. The automatic Calibre 948, with 388 components, is a testament to the Manufacture’s technical prowess. Despite its complexity, user-friendliness is prioritized. The crown synchronizes all time zones, and local time can be adjusted by simply moving the hour hand in one-hour jumps.
The watch’s case, with its pure lines and refined proportions, perfectly complements the intricate dial. The 18-carat pink gold case features contrasting finishes and polished surfaces that play with light. A dark green alligator strap completes the aesthetic, echoing the hues of the dial.
The Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948 with its magnificent green dial is a compelling fusion of artistic expression and sophisticated mechanics. It embodies Jaeger-LeCoultre’s unwavering commitment to innovation while respecting tradition.
