Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm

14.12.2007 14:36 Uhr

The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912 features two additional functions that globetrotters had hitherto dreamed of in vain: world time, in order to get their bearings instantly amid the maze of time zones; and an alarm mechanism endowed with unusual properties and that drew upon the full force of expertise within the Manufacture.

The latest newcomer to the Master Compressor line embodies the entire Extreme universe of which it displays the now famous characteristics. The conception of the extraordinary patented two-part case fulfils the highest performance demands: its case is connected to its support by an original system that absorbs shocks to an unprecedented degree and enables the movement to pursue its task smoothly and accurately. This paragon of precision is teamed with an interchangeable wristband and distinguished by peerless sturdiness and reliability.

An extraordinary heavy-duty movement

The new 36.2-mm diameter automatic movement, Calibre 912, is one of the most imposing of its generation. It is naturally equipped with the latest technical feats stemming from Jaeger- LeCoultre’s ongoing research: a variable-inertia balance fitted with adjusting screws on the outer rim; unidirectional winding; as well as an oscillating weight with ball-bearings in ceramics – a high-tech offering the invaluable advantage of requiring no maintenance or lubrication. As the ultimate proof of its extraordinary sturdiness, the original alarm mechanism of the Jaeger- LeCoultre Calibre 912 is subjected to the implacable trial of the striker test.

Innovative and functional innovations for the alarm function

The distinctive conception of the Master Compressor Extreme’s shock-absorbing case called for in-depth research on the acoustic qualities of the alarm, leading to the creation of a state-of-theart gong. Instead of the traditional gong fixed to the back of the case, a closed and angled circular gong surrounds the movement and is secured to the case middle by two pins. It is struck by the hammer at a precise point near this point of attachment. The geometry has been specifically revised so as to optimise the qualities of the sound emitted. Finally, a special secret alloy has been used to produce it. These innovations guarantee a powerful and harmonious tone endowed with consistently identical intensity and characteristics, whether the watch is on or off the wrist.

The alarm function comprises another remarkable new feature: a double pushpiece enabling the owner to decide whether to start or stop the alarm function. To achieve this, the watchmakers of the Manufacture have developed a shift system enabling one to control its operation at will: simply pressing on the lower part of the double-sided pushpiece prevents the alarm from striking, whereas the same action on the upper part ensures its immediate activation. Engineers had to demonstrate the full measure of the ingenuity in successfully fitting this system around the city crown at 12 o’clock.

Reflecting these inner technical innovations, the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm watch is distinguished by an original display of the alarm time by means of two juxtaposed discs that

appear through a perfectly readable window at 9 o’clock. The positioning of the hour disc is followed by the minute one, thus enabling the user to select any time in five-minute intervals.

The watch dial also carries a date window at 3 o’clock with fast adjustment integrated into the alarm function crown, a first on the Memovox alarm movement.

Instant reading of the 24 time zones

World time display becomes an indispensable function when setting off to the four corners of the world. The 24 time zones may be read off by means of the city disc and the rotating 24hour ring.

Crafted from steel and grade 5 titanium

The Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm comes with a steel support and a satin-brushed grade 5 titanium case. The aluminium city crown at 10 o’clock is clad in a distinctive red colour achieved by anodic oxidation (also known as eloxage). The dial plays on black and red contrasts. Thanks to the ingenious patented interchangeable wristband system integrated within the case middle, the black alligator leather strap can be removed in no time at all and replaced by a rugged rubber one.

Clearly cut out for daring accomplishments, the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm unites for the very first time all the qualities that are indispensable to adventurers of the extreme, for whom borders are only a distant memory.

Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm '46' Defying extreme trajectories

While Valentino Rossi undoubtedly recognises a kindred spirit in Jaeger-LeCoultre, the reverse is also true. Otherwise, how could this intrepid adrenalin-driven 28 year-old seventime world champion have established genuine affinities with the Manufacture established for 174 years in the peaceful Vallée de Joux?

The origins of today’s attainments

For Valentino Rossi, number 46 is far more than a lucky number. “It was the number my father Graziano wore when he was a driver. It single-handedly represents my childhood dream of becoming a driver too”. Quite obviously, the prince of motor-cycling could have chosen to have a number 1 boldly painted on his speed machine in tribute to his multiple victories, but he has always preferred to keep the 46 that has followed him ever since his early days and now carries a magical dimension. In his view, 46 is much more than just a lucky number: it symbolises solid roots within a family tradition; and the fulfilment of a plan driven by an ambition that is not merely his own, but also testifies to the vibrant strength of a legacy of daring and courage. All these qualities explain the mutual attraction between the famous motorcycle driver and Jaeger- LeCoultre, and indeed reveal the very essence of a Manufacture characterised extraordinary creativity – itself based on exceptional skills and know-how patiently accumulated by successive generations of watchmakers.

The world of Valentino Rossi

The glowing yellow colour emblematic of his career and his achievements proudly lights up the limited edition in brushed grade 5 titanium. It enlivens the night-time part of the 24-hour disc, the arrow tip of the seconds hand, the famous luminescent number 46 that enjoys pride of place on the dial – and even the interchangeable strap system enabling one to swap black alligator leather for a resolutely “Valentino” yellow rubber version. On the city disc, in tribute to a driver who is already a legend in his times, certain cities generally representing specific time zones have been replaced by those of the great motor-racing circuits, such as Laguna Seca, Sepang, Mugello and Donington. Imposingly sized at 46.3 mm in diameter, the Master Compresor Exteme is issued in two limited series with a distinctive brushed finish: 246 in pink gold/grade 5 titanium and 946 in titanium. Both feature the characteristic black aluminium city crown, and the black-lacquered lucky number and Valentino Rossi signature engraved on the case-back.

The performances and the spirit of the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm ‘46’ embody the philosophy of a unique champion. Like Valentino Rossi, this watch makes light of established norms to set new records in spheres destined to remain permanently off limits…

Master Compressor Chronograph '46'

Entirely dedicated to speed, the automatic chronograph – powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 751C – carries the indelible imprint of records. Its exceptionally reliable movement comprises a tachometric function enabling one to read off the speed at which a distance is covered, by means of the (obviously yellow!) chronograph second hand. Its unique and slightly aggressive look is highlighted by the remarkable design of the hour and 30-minute counters of the uncompromisingly accurate chronograph. The various indications appear in white against a black

background or vice versa, like the date shown in a window at 6 o’clock. Located on the ring surrounding the black dial with its high-tech stippled motif, the tachometric scale featuring sophisticated aesthetics marks off the progress of speed through a play on colour that naturally culminates in the yellow shade standing for peerless performances. Measuring 41.5 mm in diameter and equipped with the characteristic compression pushpieces, the case of the Master Compressor Chronograph ‘46’ is crafted in satin-brushed steel. Clearly cut out for sporting accomplishments, it also carries number 46 in luminescent yellow against its black dial, as well as the black-lacquered number 46 and engraved Valentino Rossi signature on the case-back. Water-resistant to 100 metres and fitted with a black alligator leather strap, this chronograph born to conquer is issued in a limited edition of 746.

When the exceptional becomes a must

Valentino Rossi and the watches in the Master Compressor line do not conform to customary rules. Each in their own way symbolises two forms of excellence, moving ever closer to perfection in their constant determination to rise to the ultimate challenge, whether in sport or in horological innovation. Valentino Rossi puts it this way: “Extreme means the limit everyone attempts to reach when they have to give the most of themselves or of their machine”. This conviction is shared by Jaeger-LeCoultre, which is constantly pushing the limits of precision, sturdiness and reliability. Exactly like the racing champion whose genius consists in choosing the extreme trajectory in order to gain victory, flirting with the borders of the impossible in an extraordinary fusion between man and technology.

Valentino Rossi: The motorcycling prodigy

While Valentino Rossi himself needs no introduction, it is doubtless worthwhile recapping on a few stages in his exceptional sporting career. At the age of 28, he is one of the greatest motorcycle drivers of all time. He has won the world championship title seven times and is the only one to have done so in four different categories: 125 cm3, 250 cm3, 500 cm3 (one victory each) and Moto GP (4 victories). Born in Urbino in 1979, he won the Italian 125 cm3 championship in 1995, and the world title in this category two years later. The following year, he moved up to 250 cm3 and also won the world championship. In 2000, he began racing on the 500 cm3 circuit and, after one year of training, won the world title in 2001. In 2002, Moto GP replaced the 500 cm3 category and Valentino Rossi immediately asserted himself by winning the title in 2003 and keeping it in 2004 and 2005. An immensely generous person by nature and radiating a pleasant demeanour that has earned him fantastic popularity the world over, Valentino Rossi also shows nerves of steel when it comes to earning a new trophy to enrich his unique track record in the world of motorcycle racing.

Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm and Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm '46'

Technical characteristics

Movement:

• mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand • 28,800 vibrations per hour • 45-hour power reserve • 315 parts • 28 jewels • 7.8 mm thick • metal oscillating weight Functions:

• hour, minute • seconds • date • world time: city disc combined with a 24-hour flange • alarm with double hour and minute display Dial:

Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm

• black, with circular-grained decoration for the model in grade 5 titanium • alarm indication and date: grey, white transferred numerals • luminescent numerals and hour-markers • 24-hour ring: two-tone red/grey Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm '46'

• black • alarm indication and date: grey, white transferred numerals • luminescent numerals and hour-markers • 24-hour ring: two-tone yellow/white, or gold-coloured/white • titanium model: yellow transferred luminescent 46 number in the dial centre Hands:

• local hour and minute hands: trapeze-shaped gold-plated or rhodium-plated brass, openworked, luminescent • others: gold-plated or rhodium-plated brass

Crowns:

• 1 crown at 2 o’clock for the alarm function and rapid date correction in the other direction • 1 crown at 4 o’clock to start the watch. Crown equipped with a compression key • 1 crown at 10 o’clock to display world time, in red or black anodised aluminium • 1 double-sided pushpiece at 10 o’clock to start/stop the alarm

Case:

• ø 46.3 mm • satin-brushed grade 5 titanium, polished steel support • shock-absorbing system • cambered sapphire crystal, hardness N°9 • interchangeable strap change system integrated within the case middle • water-resistant to 100 metres • ‘46’ models : -satin-brushed grade 5 titanium, support in satin-brushed titanium or in satin-brushed 18carat pink gold - black-lacquered engraved number ‘46’ and engraved Valentino Rossi signature on the case-back

Straps/bracelet:

• black alligator leather with white stitching and double folding clasp in satin-brushed steel or satin-brushed pink gold • black or yellow rubber (for the titanium “46” model) with small buckle; second strap delivered with the watch • steel bracelet, dual-axis links, exclusive fast-fit clasp enabling 2 x 4 mm fine adjustment References: