Jaeger-LeCoultre Silver Replica Watches Wholesale, High Quality Jaeger-LeCoultre Silver Replica Watches

Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic Silver Dial Automatic Men's Watch Q8018420

Why I was very satisfied with the fashionable look and pizzaz of the watch. It was feminine yet with up-to-date elegance. Couldn't wait to show it off!

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by HELMI BEN KHELIFA, From USA East Rockaway

Jaeger LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Silver Dial 18kt Rose Gold Ladies Watch Q3442120

Such a nice deal!

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Anna German, From Canada Richmond Hill

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Compressor GMT Black Dial 18kt Rose Gold Leather Men's Watch Q1732441

This is the second time I bought this Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. Unfortunately, the first time was through a department store at a higher price. When I had a special occasion come up again for a gentleman friend, I purchased it again at this site - what a deal! The diamonds really sparkle on the balck face and overall, people have been complementing him on it. He loves it very mcuh.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Juan Oseguera, From United States Thousand Oaks

While the brand from the Vallee de Joux does not systematically set record prices in auction rooms, it is nonetheless acknowledged by professionals and collectors alike as one of the most solid pillars of Fine Watchmaking. Thanks to its exemplary communication strategy and above all to its history and the infallible quality of its products, Jaeger-LeCoultre has become a brand with a heart that with disconcerting ease manages to combine huge popular success with the unanimous respect shown by the greatest specalists.
The fantastic qualitative unity shown by the manufacture in its management, communication, the aesthetic of its watches, the intelligence of its innovations, and of course the excellence of its movements, have forged its success - and will thus lead us to be a little more fussy than usual in this Test Bench. The object of this study is the Master Reserve de Marche Ultra Thin presented at the SIHH 2012.

Exterior elements

The now almost 20-year old Master Control collection has established a quality label as well as a classic style that is timeless yet progressive. The case dimensions of this ultra-thin power-reserve seem to hark back to a bygone age when watches could still count off the hours with elegance and discretion, and succeeded in finding their place beneath a shirt sleeve. Such is the first impression felt when actually picking up this timepiece. A soft sense of nostalgia for the heyday of Fine Watchmaking as our parents or even our grandparents knew it, combined with a modern watch that is reassuring in terms of the pleasure to be experienced from wearing it over the coming decades. Once again, its successful design lies more in the proportions of the case rather than in its specific dimensions. 39 mm in diameter and 10 mm thick : measurements that might seem outdated today, since modern watches claiming to be ultra-thin often feature large diameters. The size chosen by Jaeger-LeCoultre makes it an extremely discreet and yet radiantly elegant watch. The pink gold version entrusted to us for the testing bench features a lacquered ivory-toned dial enhanced by the collection's signature hour-markers and dauphine hands. It single-handedly embodies one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's most remarkable qualities. It is extremely simple, classical and not particularly original in technical or aesthetic terms, and yet whether one is a newcomer to the field or a seasoned specialist, it exudes a sense of quality and success that is immediately and intuitively perceptible. The strap also radiates quality in the clean-cut edges of its fullgrain alligator leather and its supple feel that invites admiration and appreciation. Since this is an ultra-thin model, it is quite naturally fitted with a pin buckle.

Movement

You don't change a winning team, and we would certainly have held it against Jaeger-LeCoultre if it were to have done so, since this manufacture-made movement doubtlessy represents one of the finest automatic calibres ever produced. So yes, it is well known and has already been used by Jaeger-LeCoultre. It has also appeared in watches by some of the other most prestigious names in Fine Watchmaking - a fact that in itself eloquently confirms the performances of this exceptional calibre. The legendary Calibre 889 served as a basis for this Calibre 938, which appeared right from the early days of this collection.

Although very thin, this movement was not referred to at that time as ultra-thin, since the Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers were capable of creating and producing automatic watches that were distinctly thinner. The dimensions might even be described as almost standard, except that in this instance there is also an automatic winding system and a module displaying the power reserve, small seconds and a pointer-type date indication. The decoration has remained as standard (Côtes de Geneve) at it is perfect. There would be no point in going into further details, since everything essential has already been said about this movement (including in this column).

Tests

Our tests seem pretty lightweight compared with those that each Master Control watch has to endure before emerging from the factory. This 1000-hour control conducted with the movement fully cased-up makes it probably one of the finest quality labels to date. We nonetheless verified the performances of this calibre. Firstly, the automatic winding mechanism, which is undoubtedly one of the best ever made (at least in this writer's opinion). The reduction is perfect so as to ensure that the spring is wound almost effortlessly and as quickly as possible. The 22-carat gold oscillating weight segment and the magnifi cent reverser enabling winding in both direction defi nitely play a role. A mere few hours of wear in office-type conditions is enough to make the power-reserve hand display a fully charged 42-hour autonomy level.
The rates achieved could serve as a benchmark for the various precision timing authorities. The amplitudes measured after 0 and 24 hours remained within a range between 268° (vertical position after 24 hours) and 288° (horizontal position 0 hours). The rate results were even more stupendous and quite simply unprecedented in the appraisals described in this column to date. Taking the measurements as a whole, the maximum variation was a mere 4 seconds, and each of the measurements was within the range of +2 to +6 seconds a day. Although we were expecting excellent chronometric precision, yours truly was tempted to doubt his measuring equipment, and from the second day onward, all measurements were backed by another timing machine - leading to the same results. If you're looking for a watch with a movement that is beautiful, accurate and reliable, the Master Control 1000 Hours label is a genuine guarantee !

Conclusion

As was mentioned in the introduction, when it comes to the best, one is naturally more demanding. Over the ten or so days spent with this watch, every single detail was tirelessly examined. Rarely had a watch as a whole achieved such excellent results and induced such a feeling. So in fact the only slight disappointment is to note that Jaeger-LeCoultre is presenting as a new release a watch that was launched almost 20 years ago in the same collection and which has been revamped - but this is common practice that should not cause off ence, even though this miniature marvel is in fact a true classic.

Jaeger-LeCoultre revient dans le dernier episode de la trilogie Batman, The Dark Knight Rises, qui sort le 25 juillet en France. Dans le film, le personnage de Bruce Wayne, celebre industriel milliardaire et philanthrope, porte la Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date.
Creee en 1931, l'emblematique montre suisse Reverso sera une fois de plus a l'affiche dans le dernier volet de la trilogie Batman signee Christopher Nolan. La Reverso est immediatement reconnaissable par son boîtier reversible unique, constitue de plus de 50 composants.

Une serie Reverso Grande Taille en edition limitee fut produite dix-sept ans auparavant avec un fond personnalise du logo Batman grave et laque. Conçue pour resister aux chocs violents, cette montre est de retour dans The Dark Knight Rises, devoilant l'embleme Batman uniquement lorsque le boîtier est retourne.
Aujourd'hui, Jaeger-LeCoultre salue l'epilogue de la trilogie du chevalier noir avec un modele Reverso personnalise : il s'agit d'une edition speciale de la Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 en acier, avec l'embleme mythique de la chauve-souris laque et grave sur le fond.
En juillet, Jaeger-LeCoultre devoilera le modele dans ses boutiques de Geneve, Londres, Los Angeles et Hong-Kong a l'attention des fans de la saga et des amateurs de la marque horlogere.

La collection Reverso possede une histoire singuliere. En 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre decide de developper une montre particulierement sophistiquee a l'usage des joueurs de polo : une montre dont le cadran peut se mettre a l'abri des chocs, tout en offrant aux regards un fond grave personnalise. Depuis, la Reverso est devenu un objet que chaque possesseur a la possibilite de rendre unique en la personnalisant. Protegee par un brevet, la Reverso a evolue au cours de ces 80 dernieres annees, se declinant sous de nouveaux cadrans, de nouvelles tailles et des complications inedites. Aujourd'hui, porter une Reverso signifie entrer dans un monde exclusif, un univers de perfection technique et de raffinement esthetique.

WORLDTEMPUS - 22 November 2012

I'm not sure what's more exciting: the 500-square-meter Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique on Place Vendôme - a retail location par excellence - or the new Duometre Unique Travel Time introduced in honor of the exquisite shop's official opening.
Despite the current overload of boutique opening news announced by prestigious brands around the world these days, I would advise you to at least have a look at this one before you pass judgment. This exceptional space represents not only the largest Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique in the world, but also the largest boutique on Place Vendôme, often lauded as the world's premier retail destination. As Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO Jerôme Lambert said, "Luxury needs an address on Vendôme; either you are there or you are not." Jaeger-LeCoultre was able to secure house number 9 in addition to house number 7 (where the boutique was already located) in order to make the increase in space. The building is from the seventeenth century and was designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart - Louis XIV's favorite architect, who responsible for baroque buildings in Paris such as the Invalides and the magnificent extensions of Versailles.

As the flagship store, this Jaeger-LeCoultre shop is kept stocked with all of the complicated delicacies that collectors and connoisseurs long to see. Even if it is not possible for the visitor to necessarily take one of the highly limited, collectible, complicated editions right home, he or she will at least have the ability to inspect it personally, try it on, and learn about its functions. Since reopening, the friendly, multilingual, knowledgeable staff reports has served close to 300 people per day. "There has been better traffic since the boutique was enlarged," Lambert added.
Watch for the occasion
Spectacularly, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced a new addition to the Duometre line in honor of the reopening, which took place on Tuesday evening and was attended by brand ambassador Diane Kruger and actress Jaeger-LeCoultre fan Catherine Deneuve along with a number of local French personalities.

If ever there was a movement predestined to be used in a dual-time-zone watch, it is without doubt the dual wing design of the Duometre line. "The dual wing style has opened new doors for us," Lambert continued.
For the first time on a world time watch, the wearer can adjust the travel time zone to the nearest minute, thus allowing travelers to adjust the time-zone display to all continents and countries, regardless of the oddity of the time difference: a full hour, a half hour, or even a quarter hour. If the wearer is in his or her own time zone, the second time zone can obviously be set to any personal time to the nearest minue - which makes it uniquely the wearer's own choice, and gives him or her "the liberty to create," as Lambert said.

Available solely in a 100-piece limited edition in a 42 x 13.65 mm white gold case, the finely grained, silver-colored dial boasts a large globe in relief at the 6 o'clock position and two red numerals at 7 and 9 o'clock (jump hour), which pay tribute to the address of Jaeger-LeCoultre's Vendôme boutique. This timepiece will only be available for purchase at the Paris boutique.

Pre-registration is open now for online bidding to be held March 12-15, 2012

Within the framework of its partnership with the International Herald Tribune and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Jaeger-LeCoultre announces its 4th annual online auction of a unique watch. The proceeds from the sale will be entirely donated to the protection of an exceptional marine site in the Philippines that is part of the  UNESCO World Heritage Marine Programme.

This year the proceeds of the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph sale will be donated to the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines that features a spectacular landscape with its underground river that emerges directly into the sea. The area represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full "mountain-to-the-sea" ecosystem and protects some of the most significant forests in Asia. The  proceeds from the auction will contribute to acquiring the equipment and materials that will assist the site with a regular monitoring programme toward evaluating the state of conservation of its exceptional marine value.

The prototype N°1 of the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph is a fully functional original timepiece hand-crafted by watchmakers of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. 

Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, located in the Vallee de Joux, Switzerland, attaches a great importance to preserving the exceptional natural environment of its production site and to contributing to environmental projects internationally. Jaeger-LeCoultre is in its 4th year of  partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre to help protect and safeguard outstanding marine sites that require specific immediate intervention. To increase public awareness of this environmental cause, Jaeger-LeCoultre joined forces with the International Herald Tribune to create the "Tides of Time" newspaper section that highlights exceptional marine sites throughout the year. 

Online watch auctions conducted since 2009 have already enabled Jaeger-LeCoultre to contribute to the protection of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines, India's Sundarbans National Park, and Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Colombia.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph

From 1950s Jaeger-LeCoultre provided the first explorers of the marine depths - whether driven by scientific goals or by a thirst for discovery - with a timepiece that exceeded their demands. Through the different versions introduced until the early 1970s, the Memovox Deep Sea became one of the rare watchmaking creations to leave an indelible imprint on its era. In 2012 the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre offers the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph, a remarkable reinterpretation of a legendary watch.  

The latest creation from the Grande Maison in the Vallee de Joux is bound to thrill devotees of legendary models wishing to pay tribute to a longstanding tradition of innovation in the most diverse disciplines, yet without foregoing the comfort and reliability ensured by the latest generation of Jaeger-LeCoultre calibers.

The stainless steel case of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph is inspired by the design codes of an iconic creation, the back bears the same engraved motif as the historical model, depicting a frogman surrounded by bubbles. This watch driven by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 751G incorporates the latest developments stemming from Jaeger-LeCoultre's ongoing research. The embossed black calfskin leather strap looks exactly like the one fitted on the original.

The art of making time stand still, of sublimating the moment, of giving life to a work that is unique because it is fashioned by the human hand. The art of revealing an artist's unique vision of time. Film-maker, watchmaker, actor, gemsetter… each artist is an artisan of emotions. Every year Jaeger-LeCoultre pays tribute to the talent of these creators of wonderment.

From August 31st to September 10th, 2011 on the occasion of the 68th Venice International Film Festival organized by the Biennale di Venezia, the famous "Mostra" which Jaeger-LeCoultre has been sponsoring for seven consecutive years, the brand will unveil its own dream cast of exceptional watchmaking creations.

As a loyal sponsor of the Venetian festival since 2005, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be actively involved in all the highlights of the event, adorning the stars with its finest creations and presenting a personalized Reverso watch to the winners: three unique models will thus reward the Best Actress and Best Actor of the year, as well as the Best Film, the Golden Lion Award. The watches will feature a lacquered engraving depicting a lion, the symbol of Venice, handcrafted in accordance with the finest traditions, and bear the inscription "68. Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica".

Reverso for Emergency - Jaeger-LeCoultre helps the Salam Centre

The Reverso was created in 1931 upon the request of British officers based in India who wanted a watch that could withstand hard blows during polo matches. Today, in 2011, Reverso celebrates its 80th anniversary, and, on the occasion of the 68th Venice Film Festival, Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to carry on further its concept of protecting the movement which is at the heart of the mechanical watch and rendering importance to it by supporting a charitable action: Reverso for Emergency, Jaeger-LeCoultre Helps the Salam Centre.

The Film Festival lasts for ten starry nights, and, thanks to the support of the celebrities who will walk the red carpet, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be financing ten operations at the Salam Centre, the centre for heart surgery opened by "Emergency" Association in Khartoum, Sudan, for children and adults suffering from heart diseases. Since 2007, the Salam Centre has been offering highly specialized assistance to patients suffering from cardiac pathologies who would not otherwise get a chance to be operated free of charge.

A Reverso with the symbol of the Salam Centre in lacquer: a red heart.

A hand on the heart, that of the artist, on the red carpet of the Festival, as a symbol of personal support for the Salam Centre project.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award

Finally, this year's "Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award" will honour Al Pacino, the exceptional personality presenting his third movie in Venice, after previously distinguishing Takeshi Kitano in 2007, Agnes Varda and Abbas Kirostami in 2008, Sylvester Stallone in 2009 and Indian film director Mani Ratnam in 2010.

WORLDTEMPUS - 17 June 2011

For more than twenty years, Janek Deleskiewicz has shared his life between Paris ("where I brew my ideas"), the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture in Le Sentier, where he today directs the creation department, and the place called Rocheray, located on the shores of Lake Joux, where he stays at the little hotel located there. Naturally, this is where Veloptuous Times makes a stop to better understand the creativity that characterizes Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Worldtempus: How does your creation department work?
Janek Deleskiewicz: It is composed of designers whose priorities are to concentrate on the aesthetics of the watch and other creators who work under a certain technical aspect to look for the best way to integrate new materials, for example. This department has close relationships with the general direction of the company and the different technical offices. The obligation of each new model is to correspond to the era in which it was created while appealing to the public. It needs to integrate the patrimony of the brand, which is rich and important.

What are the aesthetic codes inherent to Jaeger-LeCoultre?
For sure the rectangular shape and the Reverso system of the reversible case. Otherwise, Roman numerals are utilized in an exceptional manner. Historically, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always preferred Arabic numerals or indices to mark the hours. The legibility remains excellent either way, and can offer a maximum of comfort in reading the watch. Graphic research goes in this direction as opposed to an expressionist way, for example. Beyond this precise point, every watch should be conceived so as to be utilitarian and so that its wearer can operate it in the most simple way possible, with comfort being the prime element.

What are the complications most en vogue at the moment?
Our society is becoming ever more mobile. Very often when traveling, it is the second time zone that is by far the most convenient, and alarms are very common as the moment as well. From a stylistic point of view, the tendency is going toward minimalism, eliminating all information that is indispensible. The models displaying only the hours and the minutes are currently the most present on the market, for example.

What is your next challenge in watchmaking?
To realize a beautiful watch that is round and feminine. The rectangular Duetto already incorporated a beautiful advance in this direction, but it needs to be translated into this universal shape. To create such a watch is going to also fit in well with the habits of the watchmakers at home in the Vallee de Joux, who have always looked to make the most complicated and technical calibers, but prioritizing the gents.

VELOPTUOUS TIMES - dossier

Precision and reliability in time measurement for every situation: those are the core subjects of any watch taken aboard an expedition that is going to set out for an exploration of the boundaries of the world. During its whole history of 177 years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has dedicated itself to pushing precision and reliability to the highest possible levels in horology.

With this expertise, the Manufacture in Switzerland's Le Sentier is launching the new Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic, a mechanical Chronograph with GMTfunction, especially developed for use in the most extreme environments. This model is a rightful heir to one of the manufacture's emblematic watches, the 1958 Chronometre Geophysic. As such, it has an undeniable link with the Master Compressor line, which in the house of Jaeger-LeCoultre stands for die-hard-sports watches with innovative functions and thoroughly tested mechanisms - outfitted with state of the art technology, the latest in materials science and watchmaking development.

The new model unites sporting spirit with technical prowess for a resolutely extreme design, with a maximum of comfort and ergonomics and the right technology to keep the highest possible precision and reliability. Several new ideas and inventions make the watch the primary choice for when the going gets tough: An easy to use function selector regulated through the crown, a patented digital patented jumping digital minutes counter for easy readability and a clearly visible power reserve and a GMT-function make this chronograph a step forward in the development of horology for real life usage - anywhere.

All this is housed within a rugged watch case with external chassis, made of the light and extremely resistant TiVan15 titanium alloy and outfitted with a scratchproof high tech zirconium ceramic bezel. Specially designed, easy to use push buttons guarantee failure free use even when wearing gloves and an innovative interchangeable strap system with double pin buckle makes changing straps fast, easy and safe.

To test their ambitious project, Jaeger-LeCoultre has sent the Master Compressor Extreme LAB2 Tribute to Geophysic out into the wild with a mountaineering expedition called "Expedition Geophysic" to conquer a virgin peak in the Himalayas, which has been christened the Mount Antoine LeCoultre.

Throughout its history the company has proven its mastery of watchmaking, as a science as well as an artful craft.

Precise and easy handling
The Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic with its second time zone has to be a trustworthy companion during months out in the field with no chances taken that could adversely affect its timekeeping. For this reason, the watchmakers of the manufacture have come up with some features that simplify its handling whilst at the same time guaranteeing utmost precision. In order to keep the movement running, even when time or date has to be set, they developed a function selector in combination with an extra, manually engaged, stop seconds button.

This system makes pulling the crown superfluous and therefore protects the watch from possible intrusions of dust and dirt for the crown stays in the same position at all times. Because of this construction, it was technically impossible - and unnecessary - to secure the crown with a Compressor-screw. Instead it is protected by the two chronograph pushers at the sides and sealed with a double gasket system.

Seconds stop
While the time is being set via the function selector, the seconds hand doesn't stop so that it cannot affect the precision of the watch. If however the watch has to be set to a timing signal, the user simply operates the slider located on the left side of the case. By sliding it up and then pressing it, the seconds hand stops and upon releasing starts again. This double sliding-pushing function prevents the slider from being activated accidentally.

Power Reserve
The functions of any wristwatch rely of course on the power supplied to the movement. The winding barrel of the Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic provides 60 hours of constant energy to drive the watch movement. Nevertheless, for perfect reliability the user must be able to quickly view the state of the power reserve level so that the watch's timing will not be negatively affected.

The state of the power reserve can be observed through a newly patented, intuitive and clearly visible semicircular radial power reserve indication surrounding the upper half of the dial. If the power reserve nears its end, the red color will fill the half circle. After winding, it re-initiates to black - clearly indicating the state of the winding barrel. The designers chose this unique and large display to allow for one glance monitoring of the state of the movement even under inclement weather conditions or use in twilight.

Digital Stop Minute Counter 
In long-term timekeeping during endurance activities - such as mountaineers timing their ascending-plan - the stop-minutes counter is at least as important as the stop seconds hand. For better readability at a glance, the designers decided on the following layout of the dial: At 12 o'clock a window shows a patented jumping digital minute counter for clear readability of the chronograph function. It works on the basis of an instant jumping mechanism that is activated precisely at the point the seconds hand passes the zero-mark. The central stop-seconds hand shows the seconds passing in a traditional way. Whereas the chronograph's hour counter runs in the same sub dial as does the small permanent seconds - as indicator for a properly working movement.

Sturdy design for easy and reliable usage
The Master Compressor Extreme LAB2 Tribute to Geophysic is a chronograph combining sporting spirit and technical prowess into a resolutely extreme design, with a maximum of comfort, readability and ergonomics. High tech materials and daring shapes combined with the sandwich structure of the case, transforming the watch into a state-of-the-art timing instrument.

The black zirconium ceramic bezel together with the sapphire glass forms an almost indestructible upper section. For the casing the designers came up with a bipartite carrier construction for the Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic in which an outer carrier holds the bracelet and simultaneously forms the frame for the inner watchcase that houses the movement itself. This system delivers a maximum of sturdiness combined with a minimum of weight; which is especially true since the watchmakers chose an exceptional titanium alloy called TiVan15 as the case material. In this alloy made of titanium and Vanadium extraordinary physical resistance to tension, torsion and scratches is improved by 15% compared to traditional titanium alloy. The case-construction itself exudes a sporty no-nonsense look befitting its use under all kinds of tough environments.

Pushbutton construction
This casing solution - inspired by the Master Compressor Extreme LAB - delivers maximum ergonomics. An innovative pushbutton construction makes sure that the watch can be easily handled in any situation. For this reason, the pushbuttons themselves are protected by large L shaped metal arms, which are fixed at one point in the case close to the crown, thus forming a large contact surface for better ergonomics and simultaneously providing superior protection for the crown with its built in function pusher. The front areas of the pushers are covered with rubber pads to ensure slip-free usage in any weather condition - even with thick mountaineering-gloves on.

The open worked dial allows one to admire a clear view of the movement's structure through the sapphire crystal, while the movement part's black PVD-coating provides a high contrast with the luminous indexes and newly designed skeleton hands for a maximum of readability in any situation.

The movement
The newly developed Calibre 780 reflects the mastery of Jaeger-LeCoultre's watchmaking in full bloom. Even with the complexity of 569 parts, it remains a precise and reliable movement with chronograph and GMT functions in which the latest of the manufacture's developments have been incorporated. With its range of application in mind, sports and exploration, the watch is built to resist extreme conditions - from the boiling heat of hot deserts to icy storms on high mountains - thereby delivering the highest possible levels of precision and reliability.

For the watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre such a development does mean more than just big casing and thick sapphire glass: The experts decided on creating a check list on how to tackle the issue of ruggedness from the very interior of the movement.

Chronograph function
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 780 is a chronograph with its function regulated by a column wheel, where precise start- and stop functions are guaranteed through a vertical clutch system. As it is specially designed for long-term measurement of events (such as timing of mountaineering ascents), the watchmakers and designers decided upon a digital minute counter which they placed in a clearly visible 12-o'clock-position on the dial as mentioned above.

Second Time Zone
For an explorer's watch, a second time zone is a must - and as such a main feature of the Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic. As a tradition for Jaeger-LeCoultre movements, the second time zone - the home time - is indicated by a second hour hand from the center, with a 24-hour indication at the 6 o'clock position. It can be adjusted through the crown after pushing the function selector twice and then turning the crown to set the hour hand.

Technical Details
The large balance wheel has a moment of inertia of 11.5 mg cm2, enough for it to beat at a steady 28,800 v.p.h. with only minor disturbances in case of shocks. It is equipped with variable inertia screws. No index is used to adjust the beat-rate, for it could slip from position after a shock. The stud holder is held by two screws, which - once set - are fixed under all circumstances. The hairspring itself has a special protection device that limits the motion of the spring during periods of extreme situations, such as shocks. The balance bridge is fixed on two support points for extra strength.

As for its performance, the automatic rotor, mounted on lubrication free ceramic ball bearings, winds the barrel of the watch unidirectional to a maximum of 60 hours of power reserve. All components of the movement are highly decorated or PVD finished and of course, the watch has endured Jaeger-LeCoultre's demanding 1000 hours test to certify its reliance under all conditions.

The strap-system
A newly designed interchangeable strap system is operated by lifting a small covering on the case back behind the strap. Through sliding it open the straps can easily be changed. The double alligator strap stand for the highest possible reliability and a patented notched binding system allows perfect ergonomics. The double pin buckle enables the wearer to fine-tune the strap length even in the distance between two holes.

A more elegant version of the Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic 
The Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre launches a second exclusive model which distinguishes itself from the first one on the outside. It has an 18-carat pink gold chassis to hold the TiVan15 watch case, which makes it the more glamorous of the two watches - but heavier as well. This watch case - due to its use of precious metals - provides a different surrounding for the high tech movement and the red gold chassis clearly indicates that the watch is dedicated to a more modest usage in less harsh conditions.

This version makes it the perfect choice for any adventurer who longs for a bit more glamour on his wrist.

Historical Background - International Geophysics Year
Research technologies and tools had advanced greatly in the 1950's, allowing scientists a scope of investigation without precedent. With cosmic ray recorders, spectroscopes, and radio equipped balloons, the upper atmosphere could be reached for exploration, while the first electronic computers were able to analyze large data sets and the use of rockets allowed a glimpse into the world high above the surface.

However the data culled from these experiments most often proved insufficient for scientists to proceed with their research. Calls for more, better and improved data of the earth's boundaries in 1952 led the International Council of Scientific Unions to the proposing of a series of global geophysical activities in the period from July 1957 to December 1958. The idea of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) was born: To measure the world.

And it intended to allow scientists from around the world to take part in a series of coordinated observations of various geophysical phenomena. 67 countries had become involved "to observe geophysical phenomena and to secure data from all parts of the world; to conduct this effort on a coordinated basis by fields, and in space and time, so that results could be collated in a meaningful manner", as the American National Academy of Sciences stated.

IGY activities spanned the globe from pole to pole. Much work was carried out in the arctic and equatorial regions. IGY research contributed to improve meteorological prediction, advances in glacier- analysis and understanding of seismological phenomena. The most sensational of scientific work were the space programs of the USA and the USSR: Sputnik 1 and the establishment of the NASA are vivid reminders of the International Geophysical Year.

In the spirit of those advances in geophysical sciences, Jaeger-LeCoultre developed the Chronometre Geophysic. It was intended to perfectly suit the demands of that day's researchers, whether on polar stations or in laboratories, the watchmaker's idea was to provide a watch that could withstand all trials. Therefore the chronometer worthy timepiece was equipped with a casing to make it resistant to magnetic fields, water and shocks.

This was honored by the City of Geneva, which choose the watch as a presentation gift in 1958 for two US citizens for their contribution to the IGY: Chosen were two men that by all means pushed the borders of knowledge and proved the unproven: the commanders of the submarines U.S.S. "Nautilus", the first submarine to complete a submerged transit across the North Pole, and U.S.S "Skate" that operated under the North Pole ice, surfacing nine times through the ice and became the second ship to reach the Pole.

Chronometre Geophysic
With its new Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic, Jaeger-LeCoultre not only shows its mastery in the creation of sporting watches for extreme conditions, the manufactory also pays tribute to its own heritage and has taken a big step in the quest for the perfect rugged timepiece suitable for exploration.

When in 1958 Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the Chronometre Geophysic, the mother of all rugged sports watches from the Grande Maison, the quest was opened on how to design a watch that would suit the demands of scientists and engineers, who long for a timepiece with outstanding precision and performance even in the worst surroundings. Jaeger-LeCoultre answered with the creation of the Chronometre Geophysic, a water-resistant wristwatch that withstood magnetic fields as well as an outstanding shock resistance system.

However, this was only the beginning. In 2002, Jaeger-LeCoultre took up the idea of sports watches in a new line called Master Compressor, in which it chases the pinnacle of rugged watches with up-to-date technical innovations: In 2002 the Master Compressor with compression keys for easy and secure locking system of the crown was launched; in 2005 followed the Master Compressor Extreme with inventive shock-absorber system; 2007 Jaeger-LeCoultre reopened the field of diver's watches with a mechanical depth gauge in the Master Compressor Diving; 2007 they revealed their state of the art in mechanical watchmaking with the lubrication-free movement of the Master Compressor Extreme LAB, a movement housed in a specially designed, shock-resistant case - the first ever watch to eliminate the problems of temperature-sensitivity of watchmaking-oils. And therefore another giant step towards the perfection of timekeeping.

Some of those watches have accomplished exceptional achievements in extreme conditions. The Master Compressor Diving GMT for example went down to a depth of 1,080 meters off the coast of Hawaii, pinned to a submarine to prove its sturdiness in a place where no diver can go.

The Geophysic Expedition to the Himalayas
In the spirit of this watchmaking past, Jaeger-LeCoultre, even before the launch of the new Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic, proves the watch's sturdiness by sending it to the great outdoors, celebrating the spirit of its ancestor and the extraordinary functionality of its Master Compressor Extreme Line.

In the autumn of 2009, as a tribute to Geophysic, Jaeger-LeCoultre outfitted the "Antoine LeCoultre Expedition" consisting of three exceptional mountaineers, set out to conquer a virgin summit in the Himalaya. The Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic was one of the three timepieces that guided the alpinists to the summit. The team consists of renowned Swiss climber Stephane Schaffter and the Pakistani Sherpa Little Karim and the Nepalese world famous Apa Sherpa, who tackled the Mount Everest 19 times. They set out to climb a technically highly demanding 6589 meters peak in the backyard of Mount Everest. After a grueling climb - at the base camp already they had to force themselves through over 40 Centimeters of newly fallen snow - and under constant thread of avalanches, they reached the peak on the 22nd October 2009. To honor history and high horology, they then christened the Mountain "Mount Antoine LeCoultre".

For the climbers, who rely on the precision of a 1958 Chronometre Geophysic watch as well as a Master Compressor Extreme LAB and the new Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic, the aim is not only to reach the summit, but to do so in the adventurous way of traditional "fair means" - classical mountaineering style. This concept of course fits neatly into Jaeger-LeCoultre's tradition to combine the classical concepts of horology with modern technology for the demands of today's world.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronometre Geophysic launched in 1958, has set off the Master Compressor line with its credo of the watch was "shockproof and water resistant" -technical features that can all be defined as 100 percent the goal of any Master Compressor timepiece.

With today's new Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic, Jaeger-LeCoultre proves impressively that its watches are made for the extremes, a field requiring technical mastery, innovation spirit and high watchmaking - precisely the DNA of the Master Compressor line.

Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic: Technical characteristics
The new Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic is a mechanical Chronograph with GMT-function, especially developed for use in the most extreme conditions. The chronograph has a digital number display and a radial power reserve for easy readability. As a member of the Master Compressor line, which stands for die-hard-sports watches with innovative functions and thoroughly tested mechanisms, the Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 Tribute to Geophysic is outfitted with state of the art technology, the latest in materials science and watchmaking development.

WORLDTEMPUS - 4 May 2010

The exclusive conference reserved for the CEOs of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie's partner brands, the FHH's steering committee members, and no more than a handful of hand-picked press representatives was held on Thursday, April 29.

Opening the day with a bang, FHH chairman Franco Cologni admonished his audience to express, "More boldness, less arrogance." With this, he was referring to the years previous to the economic crash that began in the fall of 2008. Without a doubt, it was this humbling "crisis" that has taught the luxury watch industry most of what it should know to be able to continue stably, a point saliently brought home by journalist Nick Foulkes's talk on creativity and design: good taste, ability to create desire, and—above all—less zeal for growth should be the now-adjusted, targeted goals.
This afternoon talk jibed well with what the experts of the much-anticipated morning sessions had to say. Former president of France Valery Giscard d'Estaing started out by promising the audience that the "age of discoveries" was far from over—referring in particular to energy—and that "authentic luxury is based on culture." Indeed, he said, it is part of a "cultural cycle" that is "related to cultural fabric" and "imagination in society."
What is "lacking in our society," he congenially explained, "is time for time."
After Dr. Thomas Mao, founder of ThePurists.com, explained the difference between a collector and an enthusiast—a distinction apparently not clearly understood by every expert marketer in the room as evidenced by the interesting discussions occurring in the coffee and lunch breaks—bestselling author Paolo Coelho reiterated Giscard d'Estaing's sentiments in his signature thought-provoking way. "Luxury for me is fun: if you have time and fun, you have luxury," he explained. "You have to reflect your soul—that is what your customer will see. You have to create a bridge between culture and luxury, and connect to the soul of the world."

The bold and inspiring words of the morning—which included professional talks given by the author of Luxe Oblige Vincent Bastien and Julius Bär board member Remy Bersier, who explained that the crisis could be seen as over—dissipated into the non-transparency of business as usual in the high-end watch industry in the afternoon. A muted Jean-Claude Biver "hypothetically" discussed the coming movement shortage with Henry-John Belmont, former CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre without saying much at all.
Distribution—currently a hot topic in the watch industry—was not very heatedly discussed by four well-known industry figures each practicing varying distribution strategies. François-Paul Journe expressed his need for a mixed concept to ensure success (traditional retailers as well as monobrand boutiques, but no Internet outlets), while Laurent Picciotto of Paris's Chronopassion sees his traditional retailer role as "being an ambassador for the brands." IWC CEO Georges Kern revealed that his popular marque is currently testing e-commerce in Central Europe, and Patrick Frischknecht, CEO of Swiss retail chain Les Ambassadeurs, finds that sales via e-mail can be considered "low-tech e-commerce, which we have been doing for years."
"It's a business based on confidence and trust," Picciotto passionately explained. "If a customer wants a relationship including the right to having questions answered and additional expert information, he or she will have to pay the price we charge for the object in question."
Almost as if they feared divulging secrets, the four revealed little else on the subject of Internet distribution—which was engagingly discussed by the next speaker: Frank Vivier, Richemont's group director for e-business and projects, who gave the audience his unfiltered opinion: the industry needs "a paradigm shift," as it is currently guided by a "lost generation of brand builders." He also explained that social media should now be grouped and strategized together with traditional forms of media. "In the U.S., one out of two watches sold through authorized channels in the last three years began with an Internet search….Digital and brick: it's all the same to the new generation!".

The final speaker, photographer Oliviero Toscani, made perhaps the biggest impression on the audience with his bold and novel ideas as they could be applied to the world of luxury wristwatches. "Listen to the market and do the opposite," he explained against a backdrop of alternating disturbing images. "Communication is the highest form of art. Have no fear of creativity."
Our industry took a day to "rethink," but will it actually do so? That remains to be doubted.