via JLC: A prototype of the latest Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Tides of Time

The timepiece is a "Tides of Time" edition of the fascinating Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm model. Symbolising the "Tides of Time" partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Herald Tribune, this timepiece associates two of the Manufacture's emblematic complications: a highly readable Memovox alarm function and the world time system, the simultaneous display of the time in 24 time zones.

TIDES OF TIME

Three of the cities on the outer world time dial ring have been replaced by three natural sites appearing on the World Heritage list benefiting from a dedicated preservation programme supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre (Scandola in France, Galapagos in Ecuador, and Tubbataha in Philippines).

The conception of the extraordinary patent-filed two-part case fulfils the highest performance demands: the 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, by protecting it from vibrations and impacts during use in extreme conditions.

Thanks to the ingenious patented interchangable wristband system integrated within the case middle, the straps can be removed in no time at all and replaced by another one.

The 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 feature 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, 45-hour power reserve.

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-the-art gong. Instead of the traditional gong fixed to the back of the case, the gong actually 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 also been specifically revised so as to optimise the qualities of the sound emitted.

The alarm function comprises a double pushpiece enabling the owner to decide whether to start or stop the alarm function.

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.

MOVEMENT

• Automatic
  
• Pieces number: 315
  
• Vibrations per hour: 28800
  
• Power-reserve: 45 Hours
  
• Jewels: 23
  
• Barrel: 2
  
• Height: 7.78 mm
  

FUNCTIONS

• Hour - Minute
  
• Seconds
  
• Date
  
• World time indication simultaneously indicating the time in all 24 time zones.
  
• Alarm with double hour and minute display.
  
• Alarm function on/off selector.
  

CASE

• Stainless steel (support) / Titanium (case)
  
• Case-back engraved PROTO 
  

Omega Hour Vision

Charriol Actor XXL Automatic Chronograph

DESIGNED UNCONVENTIONALLY with unusually large dimensions, the Actor series of watches deviates from the traditional vertical school of design. With its strong predisposition for fancy, whimsical silhouettes, Charriol gives the tried-and-tested tonneau, rectangular, and square case a new twist by stretching it—horizontally. Bracelet straps are likewise expanded width-wise, and just like their namesake, they can assume a new identity (they are actually interchangeable).

Charriol’s latest Actor, the XXL Automatic Chronograph is quite the looker. True to its thespian heritage, the XXL Automatic Chronograph conceals nothing from the public eye—both the oscillating self-winding movement (seen through the sapphire caseback) and the case’s side screws are visible to all and sundry. Its robust square case also comes with a unique knob-like crown (Charriol calls it a “shackle crown”). That’s not even the best part. Seen on the dial’s sleek silvered surface are three overlapping chronograph counters (12 hours at 6 o’clock, 30 minutes at 9 o’clock, and small seconds at 3 o’clock). These geometric sub-dials are bordered by a daunting Roman “XII” at 12 o’clock, and applied angular hour indexes are set around the periphery.

A crocodile leather in dark brown fastened by a pushpiece folding clasp complements the XXL Automatic Chronograph’s stainless steel square case.

Exposed side screws and a shackle crown make Charriol’s Actor XXL Automatic Chronograph memorably unique.

Series: Actor
Functions: Chronograph
(12 hours + 30 minutes + small seconds), date, hours, minutes, seconds
Case: Stainless steel, 
Ø 42mm
Movement: Self-winding
Water Resistance: 50m
Bracelet Strap: Brown crocodile leather fastened by a pushpiece folding clasp

MSRP: USD 4,800 .--

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Chronograph GMT Navy SEALs

[ via JLC ]

This is an authentically technical, demanding and rare diving instrument. Rare because very few watches combine chronograph functions and a dual time-zone display with day/night indication – especially within the context of a diver’s watch that strictly complies with the stringent NIHS (norms relating to its anti-magnetic, photoluminescent, water- and shock-resistance properties). Indeed, these standards are even surpassed by the Master Compressor Diving Chronograph GMT Navy SEALs, which is watertight to a depth of 100 metres, whereas the NIHS calls for “just” 100 metres. 

This 1000-metre performance is achieved by the limited series of 1500 in grade 5 titanium of the Master Compressor Diving Chronograph GMT Navy SEALs, while the 18-carat pink gold version in a limited edition amounts to 300 metres – an impressive record for this precious metal. 

A new mechanical automatic movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 757, powers this demanding 46.3 mm-diameter instrument complete with a steel-frame ceramic diving bezel, compression key crown and pushpieces equipped with compression wing-nuts and mastermoulded in black rubber; as well as a cambered sapphire crystal (hardness no. 9) and screw-down case-back engraved with the Navy SEALs emblem. 

The functions are arranged in a powerful, ultra-legible manner on its black dial stamped with luminescent numerals and hour-markers. Two trapeze-shaped skeletonized and luminescent hands point to the hours and minutes. The chrono-graph functions are indicated by two central hour and seconds hands along with a 30-minute counter, while the dial also shows the date, a movement operating indicator on a luminescent black and white disc, as well as a 12-hour dual timezone display with complementary day/night indication. 

Movement: 

mechanical automatic JLC Calibre 757, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand 

28,800 vibrations per hour 

65-hour power reserve 

285 parts 

41 jewels 

5.65 mm thick 

Functions: 

hours, minutes, date 

chronograph, 30-minute counter, central seconds hand 

movement operating indicator 

second time zone with day/night indication 

Dial: 

black, with stamped, luminescent hour-markers and numerals 

date: white, transferred against a black background 

movement operating indicator: black and white luminescent disc 

Hands: 

hours and minutes: trapeze-shaped, openworked, luminescent 

others: steel or brass, rhodium-plated or white 

Crown: 

1 black rubber-moulded crown at 3 o’clock equipped with a compression key, for starting the watch, adjusting the hours, minutes and date, as well as adjusting the second time zone 

2 black rubber-moulded pushpieces at 2 and 4 o’clock equipped with compress wing-nuts, for the chronograph functions 

Case: 

Ø 46.3 mm in grade 5 titanium, or in 18-carat pink gold, with ceramic diving bezel (steel frame) 

Navy SEALs engraving on the case-back 

cambered sapphire crystal, hardness n° 9 

screw-down case-back 

water-resistant to 100 atm for the grade 5 titanium version and to 30 atm for the 18-carat pink gold version. 

Wristbands : 

Vintage leather, overmoulded rubber or articulated rubber. The watch also comes with an alternative wristband, a diving strap in black Cordura® with a rip-and-grip strip. 

References: 

Pink gold, limited series of 500 

on leather strap: Q1782470 

on articulated rubber wristband: Q178277 

on rubber-moulded wristband: Q1782670 

Grade 5 titanium, limited series of 1500 

on leather strap: Q178T470 

on articulated rubber wristband: Q178T677 

on rubber-moulded wristband: Q178T670 

on titanium bracelet: Q178T170 

Armand Nicolet M02 collection

The M02 collection is Armand Nicolet milestone in its cutting-edge research into watch making technology and expert craftsmanship, an example of the perfect balance it has achieved between formal innovation and historical tradition.  Despite the classic formality of their lines, M02 watches acquires a personality of their own. This means that it can meet the demands of important wrists and provide the perfect fit desired by customers who are increasingly attentive to every detail. The technology and the choice of materials have been conceived for relaxed and informal daily use, that makes the Armand Nicolet watch an important item always appropriate.

Model: 9144A-AG-P914MR2

Model: 7144A-AG-P914MR2

Model: 7142B-NR-P914NR2

Model: 7141A-NR-P914NR2

Model: 7141A-AG-P914MR2

Model: 9140A-AG-P140MRC2

Model: 7148A-NR-P914NR2

Model: 7148A-AG-P914MR2

Model: 7146A-NR-P914NR2

Model: 7146A-AG-P914MR2

Model: 9140A-NR-P9140NR2

Armand Nicolet L07 Venus collection LE

The new Armand Nicolet Limited Edition has taken up a new challenge and joined the exclusive world of chronographs. Following the original series equipped with small seconds functions, Armand Nicolet L07 has been created in a new chronograph version. 

The new Armand Nicolet L07 watch is united in a limited edition of 140 pieces. The timepiece reveals an amazing range of color combinations of its dials and straps. Twenty pieces have incorporated the prominent movement VENUS 175 with column wheel, while the rest of 120 pieces are equipped with the VENUS 188 with 'navettes' system.

This collection has overcome the brand's tradition of developing only very finely decorated movements, the beauty of which is revealed through transparent case backs in sapphire crystal and dial openings.

The plate and the bridges of the movements are worth special attention - they are fully decorated with a new motif called 'Cote de Nicolet' by Armand Nicolet. First, the surface of the plate and bridges acquires perfect polishing. During the next stage, the plate and bridges are manually decorated with help of a special tool with an ivory point. The tool is used for scraping the surface, thus creating nice lines every 2 mm. 

The pattern has been inspired by the decoration applied in the 1930s only on high-end movements developed during that period. All the work performed on the movement recuperates the signature hand-craftsmanship of Armand Nicolet. The heads of the screws are so flat that if to look at them from a front view, they seem to be black, due to the ideal light reflection. 

The balance wheel has incorporated the counter-weight system. The movement, with a 18000-vibrations per hour beat, offers 32-hour power reserve. The same as the Limited Editions introduced earlier, the movement is provided with the engraving of the limited number on the frame opening on the dial. 

The Armand Nicolet L07 watch goes in a special wood case, accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity. With the value destined to increase over the years, the timepiece has been created for collectors who highly appreciate not only the excellence of the watch's mechanical execution, but also the smart investment ahead in time.

Model: 7647A-GL-P964GRT2

Available in 10 pieces.

Mechanical manual winding movement with Chronograph functions.

Calibre Venus 175

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated sapphire crystal and see-through screwed back.

Case and Buckle: 18 Kt white gold 

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: 43mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Nickel

Strap: Grey Big Scales Alligator

Buckle: tang

Model: 9649A-NR-P964NRT2

Available in 35 pieces

Mechanical manual winding movement with Chronograph functions.

Calibre Venus 188

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated sapphire crystal and see-through screwed back.

Case and Buckle: Stainless steel 316L & 18 Kt rose gold bezel

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: 43mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Black

Strap: Black Big Scales Alligator

Buckle: tang

Model: 7649A-NR-P964NRT2

Available in 10 pieces.

Mechanical manual winding movement with Chronograph functions.

Calibre Venus 188

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated sapphire crystal and see-through screwed back.

Case and Buckle: 18 Kt rose gold 

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: 43mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Black

Strap: Black Big Scales Alligator

Buckle: tang

Model: 7649A-AG-P964MRT2

Available in 10 pieces.

Mechanical manual winding movement with Chronograph functions.

Calibre Venus 188

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated sapphire crystal and see-through screwed back.

Case and Buckle: 18 Kt rose gold 

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: 43mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Silvered

Strap: Brown Big Scales Alligator

Buckle: tang

Armand Nicolet TM7 Tonneau collection

TM7 Big Date Chronograph collection 

Model: 9638A-NR-P968NRT3

Model: 9638A-AS-P968MRT3

Automatic Movement with Big Date and Chronograph functions.

Calibre AN 4500/2824

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated curved sapphire crystal on top and see through back fixed by 8 screws. 

Case and Buckle: Stainless steel 316L

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: height 52mm, width 38mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Silvered with indexes in 5N

Strap: Brown Alligator

Buckle: deploy

Armand Nicolet TM7 Tonneau collection

TM7 Chronograph collection 

Model: 9634A-NR-P968NRT3

Model: 9634A-AS-P968MRT3

Automatic Movement with Chronograph functions.

Calibre AN 2020/2824

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated curved sapphire crystal on top and see through back fixed by 8 screws. 

Case and Buckle: Stainless steel 316L

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: height 52mm, width 38mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Silvered with indexes in 5N

Strap: Brown Alligator

Buckle: deploy

Armand Nicolet TM7 Tonneau collection

TM7 Complete calendar collection 

Model: 9632A-AS-P968MRT3

Model: 9632A-NR-P968NRT3

Mechanical Automatic Movement with Complete Calendar functions.

Calibre AN 9311/2824

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated curved sapphire crystal on top and see through back fixed by 8 screws. 

Case and Buckle: Stainless steel 316L

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: height 52mm, width 38mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Black

Strap: Black Alligator

Buckle: deploy

Armand Nicolet TM7 Tonneau collection

TM7 Collection Day & Date issue

Model: 9630A-AS-P968MRT3

Model: 9630A-NR-P968NRT3

Mechanical Automatic Movement with Day / Date functions.

Calibre AN 2834

Guillochè decorated dial with applied indexes and diamond cut dots.

Case with antiglare treated curved sapphire crystal on top and see through back fixed by 8 screws. 

Case and Buckle: Stainless steel 316L

Water resistance:5 ATM

Diameter: height 52mm, width 38mm

Thickness: 13mm

Dial: Black

Strap: Black Alligator

Buckle: deploy

Edox Grand Ocean Decentrique Date Automatic

Here is another new Edox watch for 2009, the Grand Ocean Decentrique Date Automatic. If you aren't sure about the "decentrique" part of the name, just see how the face itself is "decentered." Yes, putting the suffix "ique" on just about anything gives you the ability to charge a 10-20% premium when selling it. Its a marketing fact (no its not actually).  Sarcasm aside, the watch is pretty nice, and gives me the hopes of owning a styling asymmetrical faced watch that I might actually be able to afford someday (you hear that Audemars Piguet Millenary collection?). Actually, the Audemars Piguet watch is not decentered but rather has two elliptical dials that create the appearance of being asymmetric while the watch face is still centered.

The Grand Ocean Decentrique has beautifully constructed case in 45mm comprised of a mix of rubber, PVD coated and un coated rose gold plated steel. It is certainly the type of watch that makes a statement. There is also the inherent sportiness to the watch. Having the rubber strap, combined with the 100 meters of water resistance surely gives you confidence when throwing it around, right?

The dial has the watch face set low and to the right, with a crescent mood of Roman numerals enveloping the face from the left. The watch dial is encompassed by a brushed rose gold colored ring that has two screws holding it in place, further enhancing the sporty look. I am not in love with the hands (save for the seconds hand with its prominent red tip), but they do the job, and are up for interpretation. That appear to be too classically derived for such a modern and sport watch. Powering the watch is a smaller sizer ETA 2004.1 automatic movement.

This is most stupid and useless date indicator.

Now I don't need pocket calculator to make sure

8-1 = 9 

Price is a pretty reasonable $2,800 (minus your messed up date discount)

Ebel Unveils 1911 Tekton AFC Ajax Automatic Chronograph

The case of the Ebel 1911 Tekton AFC Ajax Automatic Chronograph watch measures 48.50mm in diameter and is crafted from brushed stainless steel. The hexagonal bezel of watch is crafted from black rubber and accentuates the intricate nature of the multi-level silver dial. 

The dial features red flange and distinctive chronograph functions. The combination of red and white has been inspired by the design of the Ajax jersey. The case construction incorporates a screw-down crown and rubberized chronograph push-pieces. The timepiece is 200-meter water-resistant.

The sapphire crystal transparent case back allows true watch lovers admire the beauty of themanufacture Ebel 245 caliber that demonstrates a football-shaped winding mass. The exclusive automatic chronograph caliber provides precision timekeeping guaranteed by prestigious COSC chronometer certification. 

The movement incorporates a one-of-a-kind mechanism devised for measuring the 45-minute intervals of match half-times, and extra times. The rotating disc visible at 6 o'clock on the dial is responsible for measuring elapsed hours, in accord with the 45-minute periods. The Ebel 245 caliber also provides a date display, which may be adjusted rapidly when it is necessary. 

The 1911 Tekton AFC Ajax Automatic Chronograph watch will be available in a limited edition of 150 numbered pieces. The first 15 pre-released pieces are available exclusively at Dutch retailer Gassan Diamonds. 

[via Watches infoniac]

BALL Watch Company - Conductor Transcendent

The Ball solution to reading time in the dark is the Self Powered Micro Gas Lights (3H). The 3H micro gas lights glow up to 100 times brighter than luminous paints for up to 25 years, they do not require charging from any outside light source or power source. The encapsulated tritium gas poses no risk to the wearer over the life of the watch

Models:

NM1068D-L1J-BK, NM1068D-L1J-WH,

NM1068D-S1J-BK, NM1068D-S1J-WH 

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date 

Case:

Stainless Steel, Diameter: 35.5 mm x 47.5 mm, Height: 13.5 mm

Bezel: Plain

Glass: TV Screen Sapphire, Curved Sapphire Case Back 

Crown: Screwed type

3H Gas Light:

15 Micro Gas Tubes on Hour, Minute, Second Hands and Dial for Night Reading Capability

Movement: Automatic Calibre ETA 2892-2 

Bracelet:

Crocodile Leather Strap with Pin Buckle or Stainless Steel with Folding Clasp

Water Resistant: 50 m / 165 ft.

Shock Resistant: Withstand 5,000Gs Shock Test

Dial: Black and White

BALL Watch Company - Conductor Classic

The Ball solution to reading time in the dark is the Self Powered Micro Gas Lights (3H). The 3H micro gas lights glow up to 100 times brighter than luminous paints for up to 25 years, they do not require charging from any outside light source or power source. The encapsulated tritium gas poses no risk to the wearer over the life of the watch

Models:

NM1068D-LJ-BK, NM1068D-LJ-WH,

NM1068D-SJ-BK, NM1068D-SJ-WH 

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date 

Case:

Stainless Steel, Diameter: 35.5 mm x 47.5 mm, Height: 12.5 mm

Bezel: Plain

Glass: TV Screen Sapphire, Curved Sapphire Case Back 

Crown: Screwed type

3H Gas Light:

16 Micro Gas Tubes on Hour, Minute, Second Hands and Dial for Night Reading Capability

Movement: Automatic Calibre ETA 2892-2 

Bracelet:

Crocodile Leather Strap with Pin Buckle or Stainless Steel with Folding Clasp

Water Resistant: 50 m / 165 ft.

Shock Resistant: Withstand 5,000Gs Shock Test

Dial: Black and White

BALL Watch Company - Conductor Arabic Limited Edition

Models:

NM1068D-LAJ-BK, NM1068D-LAJ-GO, NM1068D-LAJ-WH,

NM1068D-SAJ-BK, NM1068D-SAJ-GO, NM1068D-SAJ-WH

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date 

Case: Stainless Steel, Diameter: 35.5 mm x 47.5 mm, Height: 13.2 mm

Bezel: Plain

Glass: TV Screen Sapphire, Curved Sapphire Case Back 

Crown: Screwed type

3H Gas Light: 24 Micro Gas Tubes on Hour, Minute, Second Hands and Dial for Night Reading Capability

Movement: Automatic Calibre ETA 2892-2 

Bracelet: Crocodile Leather Strap with Pin Buckle or Stainless Steel with Folding Clasp

Water Resistant: 50 m / 165 ft.

Shock Resistant: Withstand 5,000Gs Shock Test

Dial: Black, Gold, and White

LIMITED EDITION 1920 PIECES ONLY

BALL Watch Company - Conductor Power Reserve Limited Edition

The Ball Watch Company has been known for its precise railroad watches. This Ball Conductor Power Reserve Limited Edition is is one of only 333 distributed worldwide.

It is in a 47mm (including the lugs) 35.7mm x 15mm polished SS tonneau shaped case with display back secured by four fine screws, water resistant to 50 meters. It has a sapphire crystal and signed screw down crown. The black dial has white gold arrowhead markers, power reserve at six, second timezone at twelve, and quickset date at three. This watch is on a signed brown crocodile strap with tang type buckle.

The cal ETA 9065 automatic movement is accurate to three seconds per day

Collectible, only 333 were made

MSRP USD 3,000.--

Images courtesy of THE WATCHSELLER, LLC

BALL Watch Company - Conductor Chronograph Limited Edition

ref: CM1068D-LJ-BK  

The Ball solution to reading time in the dark is the Self Powered Micro Gas Lights (3H). The 3H micro gas lights glow up to 100 times brighter than luminous paints for up to 25 years, they do not require charging from any outside light source or power source. The encapsulated tritium gas poses no risk to the wearer over the life of the watch!

The Ball Watch Company has been known for its precise railroad watches. This Ball Conductor Limited Edition Automatic Chronograph (ref CM1068D-LJ-BK) is is one of only 1920 distributed worldwide. It is in a 50mm (including the lugs) x 38.6mm x 17.8mm polished SS tonneau shaped case with display back secured by four fine screws, water resistant to 50 meters. It has a domed sapphire crystal and signed screw down crown. The black dial has baton markers and quickset day and date at three. This watch is on a signed brown crocodile strap with tang type buckle, with only minor stretching of one hole as evidence that it has ever been worn. This watch is in near mint condition, without a significant scratch or other mark that I can detect. The cal ETA Valjoux cal 7750 25 jewel automatic movement is accurate to one second per day, and the chronograph functions precisely.

Model: CM1068D-LJ-BK, CM1068D-LJ-WH, CM1068D-SJ-BK, CM1068D-SJ-WH 

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day, Date, 12 Hour Chronograph 

Case: Stainless Steel, Diameter: 38.5 mm x 51 mm, Height: 16.8 mm

Bezel: Plain

Glass: TV Screen Sapphire, Curved Sapphire Case Back 

Crown: Screwed type

3H Gas Light: 18 Micro Gas Tubes on Hour, Minute, Second Hands and Dial for Night Reading Capability

Bracelet: Crocodile Leather Strap with Pin Buckle or Stainless Steel with Folding Clasp

Water Resistant: 50 m / 165 ft.

Shock Resistant: Withstand 5,000Gs Shock Test

Dial: Black and White

Real photo:

LIMITED EDITION (1920 were made only)

MSRP: USD 3,000.--