Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor

• One half-turn activates the crown's water resistance
• In-house calibers such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre 757
• Gold, ceramic, and stainless steel cases
• For travelers: second time zone display

The manufacturer offers the Master Compressor watch in a number of diverse variations, such as a chronograph, GMT watch, and world time watch. There's also a diving watch collection, the Master Compressor Diving.

The Master Compressor was named for its special, patented crown system. The technology is notably different from the usual screw-down crown, which needs to be turned multiple times before it's waterproof. Jaeger-LeCoultre's compressor system , on the other hand, only requires one half-turn. When the arrows on the crown are white, the crown is waterproof. The color red indicates that the crown is in the position for setting the time and winding the mechanical movement and is thus not waterproof. Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced this practical feature in 2006. The company also uses it to increase the usability of the round push-pieces on their waterproof chronographs.

The Master Compressor primarily appeals to fans of functional watches who prefer rather conservative designs. However, when it comes to technical details, the Master Compressor is an innovative series in many aspects.

If you're looking for a travel chronograph with an incredibly robust case, then the Compressor Chronograph in charcoal gray ceramic is a perfect choice. The timepiece is practical for travelers because it has a second gray hour hand that displays a second time zone. It works in combination with a day/night display that changes between white and blue. Charcoal gray, white, and dark blue are the dominating colors on this model. You can find this watch under reference number, 205C571; new, it costs around 10,000 euros.

The Master Compressor Geographic (reference number 146.8.83) goes one step further in terms of displaying a second time zone. It has a window at six o'clock with city names representing different time zones. The second time zone is displayed on a subdial with an hour and minutes hand, making the Geographic a world time watch. The timepiece's two crowns, located at two and four o'clock, immediately catch the eye. The upper crown is used to set the time while the lower crown is used to turn the city name disc. The Geographic has a diameter of 42 mm. A stainless steel version in very good condition costs around 6,000 euros. The price for the rarer pink gold version is heavily influenced by its case material; it can cost up to 25,000 euros.

The Master Compressor Chronograph with reference number 146.8.25 has a tachymeter scale on the edge of the dial. This extra feature emphasizes the sporty design of the model series; you can use the scale to measure average speeds. A special edition of the 146.8.25 is dedicated to the Italian motorcycle road racer champion Valentino Rossi. His racing number, 46, is printed in yellow on the dial. The central chronograph seconds hand is also yellow, which stands out against the black and white coloring of the rest of the dial. The Valentino Rossi watch (reference number 175.84.7V) is limited to 746 pieces and thus very appealing to collectors. It currently costs around 6,000 euros.

The Master Compressor Chronograph 2, which has been available since 2010, also has colorful accents. The stainless steel versions have a luminous red central seconds hand and minute counter hand. These hands contrast with the black dial and white elements, such as the main hands and dial inscription. The hour counter is at nine o'clock and the small seconds is at six o'clock. The case measures 42 mm in diameter, making it a good size for most wrists. The Chronograph 2 also features a tachymeter scale . A new stainless steel version (reference number Q1758421) costs around 7,000 euros. With a solid gold case (reference number Q1752421), the price jumps up to 20,000 euros. The two hands that are red on the stainless steel version are white on the gold version.

The Master Compressor is waterproof to 100 m (10 bar), thanks to its special crown system. After buying a watch, however, you should have its waterproofness checked by a professional before using it in the water.

Jaeger-LeCoultre uses in-house calibers in the Master Compressor timepieces. When a movement and the rest of the watch are made in house, the value of the watch increases significantly. Only a few manufacturers have the ability to develop their own calibers.

Furthermore, Jaeger-LeCoultre sets high standards in terms of precision, even higher than those of the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Jaeger-LeCoultre produces movements that deviate -1/+6 seconds a day. To be certified by the COSC, a watch must meet the standards of -4/+6 seconds a day. It's this attention to detail that has earned the company from Le Sentier, Switzerland their excellent reputation. Jaeger-LeCoultre has been around since 1833. One of their most famous watches is the rectangular dress watch the Reverso.