Jaeger-LeCoultre are well known for their sports watches, in particular their Deep Sea model of which I am a fan. Now we have a new limited edition sports model just presented at the SIHH 2014. Its part of the Master Compressor line which apart from their large cases and fairly spartan look also have in common the compressor crown.
For those seeking a new watch and being both sport enthusiast and global traveller usually you have a choice between a chronograph watch or one with a dual time or GMT function with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic you have a combination of the two as well as its special patented safety feature: the compression key and features a ceramic case.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic – Dial
The dial has a simple monochrome design with a splash of red for the seconds hand and of course it features the Compressor signature 12 o’clock marker and hands. Excellent readability for each item of information is ensured by indications that stand out clearly against the semi-matt black dial. Pointing to the markers arranged around the dial are two openworked luminescent hour and minute hands.
Jaeger-LeCoultre have created a hierarchical order of information, there is a distinct red chronograph seconds hand that stands out while the second time-zone hand which is done filigree-style stays purposely in the background but maintains readability.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic – Dial
Jaeger-LeCoultre have developed a concept called Home Time/Travel Time which allows easy adjustment when travelling, only the hour hand moves, so as not to change the watch’s other settings. The skeletonised 24-hour GMT hand does not move and continues to display the time in the home time zone. A day/night indication compliments this displayed through a window just below the Jaeger-LeCoultre signature.
Positioned at 9 and 3 o’clock are the chronograph hour and minute counters respectively. While in the lower part of the dial at the 6 o’clock position is a small seconds indicator and between the 4 and 5 o’clock sites the date display.
Apparently Jaeger-LeCoultre followed a design principle of the “aesthetic stems from functionality” in order to combine the multiple functions and put them in a clear-cut arrangement to allow for easier readability and interpretation of information.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic – Case
The Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic watch has a large 46-millimetre diameter case and Jaeger-LeCoultre have used high-tech ceramic for the material due to its scratch resistance, it is finished in matte black with matching satin-brushed steel pushpieces and compression key crown.
JLC Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic
The Master Compressor Ceramic watch is fitted with the patented compression key, like all Master Compressor timepieces in order to guarantee water resistance . When this key is given a single half-turn it effectively overcompresses one of the crown’s four toric gaskets and locks it in a security position that prevents any accidental handling.
When it is locked there is a white indicator while it is open and ready to use for winding or setting when its red. The red in the crown compliments the red used in the dial for the chronograph seconds hand and the piece comes on a Trieste leather strap secured with a pin buckle. The compression key crown helps it achieve its water resistant to 100 meters rating.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic – Movement
Inside the ceramic case is the in-house made automatic Calibre 757 known to be a reliable workhorse, due to the multiple functions no less than 300 parts are required to drive it . It has a 65-hour power reserve thanks to two barrels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 757
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic – Conclusion
Considering this watch features a chronograph and a GMT it could appeal to sporting enthusiasts who do a lot of travelling, or more likely people who like imposing sport watches with the Jaeger-LeCoultre style and quality. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic is issued in a 500-piece limited edition and retails for approximately $15,000.
More resources about the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph available on ABTW (Hands-On)
