Jaw
6177
First real test of Master Compressor Dualmatic!
I returned the Master Hometime to Jaeger-LeCoultre today with great reluctance and, perhaps to console me (), they handed me a new White Gold Compressor Dualmatic at around noon today.
The Compressor Memovox (2002, read the launch report here at http://www.thepurists.com/watch/features/jaw/jlcmastercomp/index.html) and Compressor Geographic and Automatic (2003, brief info on Compressor Geographic here at http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=234648&messageid=1072852163) have been very successful. The annual introduction of a new Compressor to expand and enrich this new range is probably not surprising to most JLC observers.
(When not traveling, both hands coincide perfectly, just like a basic automatic watch)
The launch of the affordable Compressor Dualmatic based on the much improved Autotractor movement (click here for more info) is to keep the positive momentum going and to make Compressor products a major pillar of the brand. This could indicate the possibility of more extensive use of the calibre 970 family in the future.
Although the calibre 972 is similar to the Master Hometime movement, the actual watch feels entirely different - Hometime is clean, minimalist and elegant while the Dualmatic looks sporty, rugged and raring to go. In my opinion, The Stainless Steel version with black dial is the sportiest. The Pink Gold case contrasts well with the charcoal grey dial to give an opulent look and the white gold model I am trying, sort of tones down the "loudness" of the watch, which is perfect for my daily wear.
(Self explanatory, the same thing worth pointing out as with Master Hometime, forward and backward hour adjustment and change of date is a breeze, no problem even after repeated forward and backward adjustments, 24 hour indicator refers to HOME time, date is the LOCAL date)
As in Master Hometime, I like the 2 hour hands which overlap perfectly to show only one hour hand when one is not traveling, looking like a basic automatic watch and split into 2 when required, with the bolder looking hand indicating the LOCAL hour (a logical choice).
(The patented Compressor Key system. Each key crown has four joints in all, guaranteeing optimal water-resistance over long term and has several advantages over a normal screw-down crown - (a) to-and-fro movement of the screw thread is inside the case, it is protected from sand, dust and damp and not subjected to deterioration (b) the mechanism is independent of the winding stem connected to the calibre, it is less strenuous on the stem and (c) The uncoupling system avoids any accidental adjustments)
As with all Magali's designs, the Dualmatic is basically asymmetrical and despite the very busy dial, it still has the uncluttered feel and "legible look" of other compressors. A small window opening around 5 o'clock sort of balances out the 24 hour indicator arc.
(Some of Magali's work-in-progress (drawings and such) give insights as to how this brilliant young designer works, thanks to MJLC and Magali for their exclusive gestures)
After trying on the watch for about 8 hours, I must say that I like the heft of the watch, and at 41.5mm diameter, it sits very well on my relatively small wrist. The only minor complaint I have is that the sapphire glass is not antireflective, and at a certain angle under the sun, it tends to reflect a little too much light.
I will be holding on to the watch for at least a week or so, and if any fellow members wish to find out about this watch, please ask. And I hope to make my preview an interactive one.
Specifications:
Movement:
MJLC calibre 972, 28,800vph, 50 hour power reserve, 29 jewels, 230 parts, 6.14mm high
Functions:
- Hour and minute in LOCAL time
- Small seconds
- Date at 3 o'clock linked to LOCAL time
- HOME (or reference) time
- 24 hour indicator linked to HOME (reference) time
- Internal rotating bezel protected against accidental rotation
Adjustment:
1 crown at 4 o'clock to start the watch and adjust home time, LOCAL (or travel) time, 24 hour indicator (at HOME) and date (LOCAL or travel date)
1 crown at 2 o'clock to activate the internal rotating bezel
patented compression keys on both crowns
Dial:
Brilliant black (Steel), charcoal grey (Pink Gold) or slate grey (White Gold), luminescent numerals, 7 luminescent hour-markers
Hands:
Local hours and minute: Trapeze shaped in rhodium-plated brass, openworked, luminescent
Reference or home time : trapeze shaped, white lacquered, openworked
Small seconds : white lacquered brass
Case:
41.5mm diameter, cambered sapphire crystal, hardness No. 9
1000 hour control seal on caseback in 18k gold (all case metals, including steel)
Water resistance to 100M
Metal bracelet available for Stainless Steel and Pink Gold only, new (see photo below for comparison)
(Old Compressor Bracelet)
(New Compressor Bracelet, first used in Dualmatic)
Jaw