mcdill
196
Master Compressor Automatic impressions
Hi all, I haven't posted much here for personal and work-related reasons (so busy!) but from time to time I've asked for your thoughts on the Master Compressor Automatic and various other watches I've had my eye on.
After having completed a lenghty project at work, I decided to reward myself with a watch. That watch happened to be the Master Compressor Automatic. I thought I'd contribute by letting you have my personal (and non technical) impressions of the watch, after about three days of ownership. I have one with the bracelet.
Likes
=====
- The size and shape. I know, many of you guys think 36.8mm is too small but I have a 6" wrist (even smaller depending on the weather) and the size of the Master Compressor Automatic is just right for me. After all, the watch is supposed to be a unisex model. If your wrist is bigger then there are other choices in this sector of watches such as the other models in the Compressor line or the GP Seahawk II etc.
The lugs and bracelet endlinks of the watch are designed so that they don't stick out past your wrist bones. For me, the watch is a very comfortable "wrist hugger". Pencil wrists who want a classy, sporty watch rejoice!
I also like the compressor crowns at 2 and 4 o'clock. They don't jut into the back of my wrist the way "conventional" crowns at 3 o'clock do. In addition, the compressor crowns add a certain degree of individuality to the watch.
- Accuracy. Mine seems to be hovering between -2 to +2 seconds a day, with a tendency to be on the fast side when worn on the wrist. That's fantastic performance in my books.
I hope the watch can maintain this level of accuracy in the long run as I understand that the Calibre 960M used by the Master Compressor Automatic is a very small movement (required in order to keep the diameter at 36.8mm while incorporating the internal bezel and compressor mechanisms). I believe the Calibre 960 is also shared with the Reverso Gran'sport Automatique, the Master Lady (now out of production) and is used by Audemars Piguet in its 34mm Royal Oak Automatic. I have faith in the quality of the movement. Those of you who like non-ETA movements can add a few bonus points here.
- Bracelet. Each side of the "butterfly" clasp has the capability to be extended or retracted by about 4mm without the need for tools. Fine adjustments are therefore possible to cater for changes in weather or wrist size fluctuations during the day. Other manufacturers (e.g. Omega) can learn a thing or two about adjustability from this braceleet.
Dislikes
========
I really don't have any significant dislikes as I knew what I was getting when I bought the watch. Let me try harder to find something to say here...
My watch's date change occurs a little later than I'd like (the actual change occurs at about 12:40am although the date wheel starts turning earlier) but that's just a minor quibble and probably something that can be fixed when the watch gets serviced in the future. I'm not one to stay up at midnight to watch the date change.
The watch is really highly polished and has the potential to look too "bling". (Note that I am used to the brushed metal of various mid-size Omega Seamasters which had been my daily wearers.) Fingerprints appear on the watch too easily for my liking. Oh well, perhaps I should bring a cleaning cloth with me everywhere 
Kind regards
mcdill