The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor collection was already strong, but this new line solidifies it as the best diving watch collection Jaeger LeCoultre has ever made.  The new line was just released at SIHH 2009. The alarm version pictured is my favorite, but there is also a GMT chronograph or world timer with depth gauge models available. The alarm is clean looking with only a subtle reminder that a middle ring for the alarm with small arrow hand is there when you need it. It certainly doesn’t get in the way. Further, Jager-LeCoultre has improved the minutes hand on the watch. IT now has an arrow tip, where it used to look too much like the hour hand. The dial and bezel feel like they have the right mix of complexities but also legible flat surfaces, at the same time.

This is also a high luxury diving watch, with an in-house made and manufactured automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956 movement. The case is 44m wide in high grade titanium, and best of all is that the black bezel is ceramic with a steel frame. Ceramic really doesn’t scratch, so that is a good thing. The watch comes with an array of strap options including, fabric, rubber, articulated (with links) rubber, titanium bracelet, or vintage leather (hope that is just a marketing term). You’ll notice the signature Master Compressor style crowns with their locking system. Basically, the metal part locks the crown when it is turned in one position, and you turn it to free the crown. The crown itself has a rubber coating for style and each of use with gloves. Water resistance has been increased to 1000 meters, cause that matters right?

I can’t say why this watch is connected with the Navy SEALs, but that is the name marketing wanted to stick next to it. No problems here. The video above is similar to many found on TheTimeTV, and display’s Jaeger-LeCoultre’s CEO Jerome Lambert talking about the watch. Stop for a moment and tell me that you don’t just want to place a red baseball cap on his head, take it off, and then rustle his hair. “Way to go sport, you’ve made a fine watch!” That watch just looks so big on that little guy! I’m sure he’d be really amused to hear me say that. The Swiss and their humor! Nevertheless, this new collection of diving watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre is really nicely done, and takes an already attractive line to new levels. Prices will likely retail from between $10k – $20k.

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