Description

Updated Jul 11, 2006

Want a watch that can emotionally engage you and set your imagination to other points on the globe? Any Jaeger "Geographic" will do, but the Master Compressor gets the nod. Sometimes a chunkier watch with "complications" is more interesting and fun. But it has to be tasteful, cleverly engineered, impeccably crafted and a pleasure to use and see. A serious watch that will hold your interest, tangible with working sounds and silky texture in every control. Always start with Jaeger-LeCoultre when looking for such a watch. Known best for the iconic Reverso, Jaeger is one of a tiny coterie of watchmakers who make the whole watch, movement to crown. In the trade, Jaeger is considered the watchmaker's watchmaker. Sometime, at least one watch you own should come from a company that is more than a case designer for movements bought elsewhere. Only a few qualify. Jaeger-LeCoultre heads the list.

The Master Compressor watches have innovative seals at the controls for robust water resistance. Available in varying levels of complication, from simple date and time to full chronograph, all the Master Compressors share restrained style, assertive form, clear legibility, and smooth automatic movements. Mine is the Master Compressor Geographic, showing a second time selectable from around the world, each time zone represented by a landmark city in the visible crescent below 6 o'clock. Hot and want to feel cooler? Set the 2nd zone for Anchorage. Need some tranquility? Dial in Samoa. Whether your tastes run to chronographs or basic functions, there's a Master Compressor to telegraph your judgment on quality and lasting satisfaction. You can buy on the web but give your local dealer a chance too. Look carefully at warranty policies from online sellers. (via Jaeger LeCoultre)