Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme World Chronograph automatic 46 mm Full Set 2014

The story

In the 2000s, to make a chronograph, it was very easy to go and get an ETA movement. This seemingly basic complication and a difficult exercise to build one. But difficulty is no problem for the watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre. So when they set to work on developing a chronograph caliber, they decided to set the bar very high: design a chronograph caliber with a column wheel and a vertical clutch, top of the line in the art of chrono!

With the principle defined, all that remained was to create the movement destined to equip their future extreme chronograph, the Master Compressor Extreme World Chronograph, a veritable "sporting showcase" to be presented at the SIHH in Geneva.

The model

With its Master Compressor Extreme World Chronograph, Jaeger-LeCoultre has probably created the ultimate watch for the refined adventurer: on a cushion of air, it offers a chrono, a calendar, and the time in 24 time zones! The Extreme World and absolutely extreme! A true marvel of Swiss technology

Its 46 mm-diameter steel case is water-resistant to 100 meters and topped by a domed sapphire crystal. There's also an interchangeable bracelet system integrated into the case. In fact, all you have to do is press a pusher specially fitted in the back of the case to proceed with the change of strap and thus permute, according to your needs, from alligator strap, to rubber strap.

The black dial features luminescent hour markers inspired by the Polaris range, for optimum legibility. Last but not least, this model features a unique push-piece solution! Indeed, one of the special features of this model is the presence of two compression pushers, at two and four o'clock, as well as a very "strange" crown screwing system. Indeed, in order to exclude any potential problems that might have arisen from a false maneuver, the engineers designed a system inspired by screw-in pushers, but here they lock with a half-turn, following the red arrows. Very ingenious!

Focusing on the display, the most obvious part of the watch is the chronograph, with a standard layout for the central seconds hand and two sub-dials to track elapsed minutes and hours. The world time complication is controlled by the crown at 10 o'clock, which rotates the reference city to the 6 o'clock position. The most interesting feature of this watch is the linear seconds display on the lower half of the dial, which changes from white to red every 30 seconds, a nice visual effect to indicate the watch's operation. Finally, a date aperture is present at 4:30.

Last detail, the outer case is made of stainless steel, but inside is a titanium case enclosing the movement, separated from the outer case by air cushions, which offer sensitive parts, extreme protection against shocks. Operation is quite simple: excess air is evacuated through a small hole drilled just below the bottom of the stretcher. And to prevent the titanium box from resting on the bottom of the stretcher after a shock, small springs move it back into place, against the top of the steel structure, so that it can cushion the next shock and allow the air cushion to play its part!

The caliber

Within this protective titanium case is the caliber 752. This high-frequency chronograph movement (28,800 vibrations per hour) displays several time zones on a disc controlled by a two-armed hand. It features a 72-hour power reserve obtained by 2 barrels, increasing the range during which the watch operates with optimum precision.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has used a column wheel and vertical clutch to ensure the smoothest possible chronograph release, with instantaneous start of the seconds hand without flickering. In the event of a shock, the vertical clutch reveals all its virtues, because unlike the horizontal device, it in no way causes the chronograph to stop unexpectedly, often a source of misalignment in the measurement of time.

The quest for optimum reliability has also led to the use of several modern technologies. One example is the use of a winder bearing with ceramic balls that require no lubrication. The movement's rate is set by adjusting the inertia of the large balance wheel using four adjustable screws. Not only does precision remain stable over time, it is also less sensitive to the vibrations and shocks of everyday life. Finally, the balance-spring is laser-welded at the ends and comes from A Lange & Sohne. This revolutionary technique ensures the consistency of a definitive setting, and the resulting gain in stability translates into a gain in precision and increased resistance that prevents any alteration of the balance-spring attachments in the event of a shock.

The package

This "Master Compressor" is in good condition with a few visible traces of wear on the case. This watch was purchased for the first time in December 2014 in France, and will be delivered to you Full Set with its case as well as all its papers and documents (warranty, instructions for use and invoice). This watch has been inspected by our watchmakers and as such benefits from our Lepage 10h10 one-year warranty. It is noted that the piece has had a full maintenance service in 2021 and also has a second brown alligator strap with steel folding clasp.