In the quest for aerodynamic performance, the balance is not
in conventional wheel form, but in the form of a perforated
spindle with two sturdy arms. This original geometry,
combined with the use of a highly dense material, in this case
an alloy of platinum and iridium, reduces the friction surface
in the air. Hence at equivalent inertia, this balance requires
less energy than a conventional balance to oscillate. And to
perfect the exceptional efficiency of this regulating part, the
aerodynamics of the balance has been enhanced by profiling
the shape of the weights and incorporating the adjustment
screws inside the weights (Fig. 1).
As for the oscillating weight, the strain on the ball bearings has
been reduced through optimisation of the rotor; to reduce
the overall weight as far as possible while retaining the same
winding capacity, the arms are made from carbon fibre, which
makes the oscillating weight base significantly lighter and more
rigid. The oscillating weight segment also consists of a platinum-
iridium alloy, a non-toxic substance which is one of the densest
that can currently be machined (Fig. 2).
An exterior reflecting technological advances
The high-tech case of the Master Compressor Extreme LAB
watch has an original, high-strength yet light structure: the
carbon fibre inner case is housed inside a grade 5 titanium
middle. The assembly is crowned with a silicon carbonitride
bezel, a lighter and more shock-resistant material than
conventional ceramics. In the heart of the case, the movement
is suspended on a red flexible polymer shock-absorbing
support, which ensures the movement’s water-resistance
and protects it from impacts. The wristlet attachment also
has an innovation, enabling adjustments on four notch levels,
ensuring an optimum fit to the curve of the wrist.
Fascinating complications: tourbillon, 2 time zones,
jumping date
Weighing barely 0.260 grams and comprising 76 parts, the
tourbillon carriage is machined from a magnesium alloy block
(a material two and a half times lighter than titanium), which
contributes to reducing the inertia of the carriage and equally
increasing the regulator efficiency. The big balance featuring
regulating screws, an inertia of 11.5 mg/cm
2
and a frequency
of 28,800 vibrations per hour, rounds off the construction of
the Calibre 988C tourbillon. The complication is enhanced by
the automatic movement’s addition of a 2
nd
time zone and an
AM/PM indicator. The date indicator, which can be adjusted
either way, makes a bigger jump between the 15 and 16, so as
not to conceal the technical feat of this wonderful tourbillon.
An innovative nature, which has been recognised
by 6 patents
- Specific use of carbonitride in the movement.
- New balance geometry.
- New oscillating weight geometry.
- Carbon fibre inner case structure housed inside a grade
5 titanium middle.
- Movement suspended from a flexible polymer support.
- Wristlet adjustment on four notch levels.
Accuracy, water-resistance and testing
Accuracy
The accuracy of the watch is determined by the balance. The
latter performs 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Despite all the care with which the Manufacture Jaeger-
LeCoultre master-watchmakers have made and assembled
your watch, its accuracy is subject to the influence of gravity,
magnetic fields and impacts. The accuracy is measured by its
rate regularity in various positions.
The nature of your constitution or lifestyle may lead to slight
irregularities. If you observe significant irregular running of
your watch, you are advised to take it to an authorised Jaeger-
LeCoultre retailer, who will make any necessary adjustments.
Water-resistance
Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are water-resistant to 3, 5, 10, or
20 bar/atm, depending on the model. This property can be
identified by the
symbol engraved on the case-back.
This means that you can use your watch during short swims
or when diving in from the edge, but not from a diving board.
Nor should it be used for undersea diving or for sports where
there are significant risks of hard knocks, such as windsurfing
and waterskiing. Please note also that leather straps are not
suitable for aquatic activities.
Furthermore, it is essential to have your watch’s water-
resistance checked by an authorised Jaeger-LeCoultre retailer
at least once every 2 years, and definitely before any period
in which it will undergo prolonged and/or regular immersion.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
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aster
C
oMpressor
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xtreMe
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