Extremely sporty yet relatively elegant, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic ref. 205C571 is one of the latest additions to the Master Compressor collection from JLC. In an interesting combination of charcoal grey, light grey, white, blue and black, the watch is very nicely crafted in a matte black ceramic case measuring 46 mm in diameter and 14.27 in thickness. Somewhat light in weight but extremely sturdy thanks to the unparalleled hardness of its ceramic case, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic seems to be perfectly suited for an intense day exploring the Costa Rican rain forest or for a gala evening at the Met in New York.
Fitted with a black Trieste cloth strap with blue contrast stitching somewhat similar to that on the new JLC Master Memovox Boutique Edition —we reviewed here—, the JLC Master Compressor Chronograph is ready to accompany you on sea, air or land thanks to its 12-hour chronograph and second time zone function.
The Dial
In a perfect color combination against its black ceramic case, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic is fitted with a matte charcoal grey dial with white applied trapezium-shaped markers, light grey subdials —more off-white looking in person—, blue accents and skeletonized blue hands with superluminova.
The surface of the dial is slightly grainy with recessed subdials at 9 o'clock for the 12-hour chrono register, at 3 o'clock for the 30-minute chrono register and at 6 o'clock for the running seconds.
With a somewhat busy dial, the watch also features a day/night indicator aperture right underneath the JLC transferred logo and the second time zone is indicated by a light grey openworked hand.
The date can be read in an aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock. The vivid blue hue of the hands and accents on the dial reinforces the watch’s sporting vocation, while the luminescent hour-markers are very easy to read in the dark. While unfortunately we didn't take a lume shot for this hands-on review, we can assure you that the lume is nice and bright, just don't expect Panerai level lume.
The Case, Pushers & Crown
A material that is both lightweight and extremely strong, ceramic also gives the model a matte very sporty and stealthy look. With its 46 mm case, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic wears big but not clunky. To add yet another interesting layer of color contrast, the watch features titanium rectangular chrono pushers and a crown equipped with a compression key patented by Jaeger‑LeCoultre that guarantees the 100 meters of water resistance. The screw-down crown features a blue safety indicator that will show you if the crown has inadvertently been left unscrewed. Both the crown and pushers have a bead blasted matte finish and complement the watch nicely.
The Movement
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic is powered by the in-house automatic JLC calibre 757 composed of 300 parts and equipped with two barrels and 45 jewels. When fully wound, the movement provides a power reserve of 65 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. While the chronograph is not a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, this movement is one of the finest automatic movements out there. In order to stay in line with its tool watch design and remain true to the robustness of the Master Compressor collection, the JLC Master Compressor Chrono is fitted with a solid case back rather than a display case back.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic ref. 205C571 wears true to its size with robust wrist presence. A perfect companion whether you decide to dress up for a special occasion or simply wear the watch as it is meant to be, with its color scheme, this watch can play during the day or the night. A strikingly beautiful dial color that you don't see very often nowadays. As we've said it before, for the money, JLC gives you the most watch of all brands out there. Pedigree, quality, precision, accuracy and looks, all in one helluva watch.
Sticker Price $13,000 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
