I don’t know why Jaeger-LeCoultre insists on timepieces of this nature being limited edition models. They aren’t for a special event or cause and don’t really represent new technology. I can only see them as a sign that while JLC sport watches are great, they aren’t a major part of the brand’s overall sales agenda. Thus, they are limited in production anyway so they may as well make them limited edition pieces. Alternatively, they simply don’t want to commit to models with long production times and promising only a limited amount allows the brands to be more flexible.

Having said that, the watch is limited and in some ways feels like the IWC pilot chronograph watches I’ve always wanted – just with another name on the dial (which is wonderful in a whole other set of ways). The Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic is limited to 500 pieces and the price is a Jaeger-LeCoultre reasonable amount of about $15,000. jaeger-lecoultre.com

Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic tech specs
Movement:
– mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 757, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
– 28,800 vibrations per hour
– 65-hour power reserve
– 300 parts
– 6.27 mm thick
– 45 jewels
Functions:
– hours, minutes date
– chronograph: hour counter, minute counter, central seconds hand
– movement operating indicator
– second time zone with day/night indicator
Dial:
– semi-matte black, stamped and luminescent numerals and hour-markers
Hands:
– trapeze-type, openworked, luminescent
Crown:
– 1 steel crown with compression key at 3 o’clock to start the watch and adjust the hours,
minutes, date as well as the 2nd time zone
– 2 steel pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock to control the chronograph functions
Case:
– Ø 46 mm in ceramic
– Sapphire crystal
– Water resistance: 10 bar
Strap and buckle:
– black Trieste calfskin
– satin-brushed steel pin buckle
Reference:
Q205C570, limited edition of 500 pieces