Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the great beasts of the horological world, elegantly prowling the forefront of watchmaking, both technically and artistically. So when the house celebrates the 25th anniversary of the sophisticated Master Control collection, it does so with style. The original Master Control collection represented the values of effortless, classic watchmaking, pared-back aesthetics, functionality and performance, and the new models embody and progress these principles charmingly.

Three new expressions have been released, featuring the line’s emblematic functions with the Master Control Date, Master Chronograph, and the Master Geographic – providing travellers with a novel way of reading the second time zone – which demonstrate the house’s automatic movements. And they are contained in a round stainless-steel case, its distinctive lines marrying the vintage-inspired with contemporary design.

Each model in this classic collection has a face featuring attractive, but not overpowering, blue accents, from the skeletonised baton hands and blued steel central seconds, to the complications, the minute circle, and even the navy alligator strap. The timepiece has been designed so light plays across its surface: the polished finish on the bezel and lugs contrasts with the satin-brushed case-band, and on the dial, a circular satin-brushed finish in the outer area sets off the opaline finish at the centre with a dual-sector playfulness.

The Master Control collection’s name is inspired by the ‘1,000 Hours Control’, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house certification, and was the first line to benefit. In this series of radical tests to ensure reliability, the timepieces are tested in six positions during a six-week period to reproduce conditions under which they will be worn. These include temperature fluctuations, accidental impacts, power reserve capacity, and water-resistance, ensuring that these models not only look handsome but are also robust. They add a masterful new charisma to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic archetype.

From £4,950; jaeger-lecoultre.com