Symbolizing the "Tides of Time" partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Herald Tribune, this timepiece associates two of the Manufacture's emblematic complications: an alarm and the simultaneous display of the time in 24 time zones. Three of the cities on its outer dial ring have been replaced by three natural sites appearing on the World Heritage list benefiting from a dedicated preservation programme supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The timepiece is a "Tides of Time" edition of the fascinating Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm model. Symbolising the "Tides of Time" partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Herald Tribune, this timepiece associates two of the Manufacture's emblematic complications: a highly readable Memovox alarm function and the world time system, the simultaneous display of the time in 24 time zones.
Three of the cities on the outer world time dial ring have been replaced by three natural sites appearing on the World Heritage list benefiting from a dedicated preservation programme supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre (Scandola in France, Galapagos in Ecuador, and Tubbataha in Philippines).
The conception of the extraordinary patent-filed two-part case fulfils the highest performance demands: the case is connected to its support by an original system that absorbs shocks to an unprecedented degree and enables the movement to pursue its task smoothly and accurately, by protecting it from vibrations and impacts during use in extreme conditions.
Thanks to the ingenious patented interchangeable wristband system integrated within the case middle, the straps can be removed in no time at all and replaced by another one.
MOVEMENT The 36.2 mm diameter automatic movement, Calibre 912, is one of the most imposing of its generation. It is naturally equipped with the latest technical feats stemming from Jaeger-LeCoultre's ongoing research: a variable-inertia balance fitted with adjusting screws on the outer rim; unidirectional winding; as well as an oscillating weight with ball-bearings in ceramics - a high-tech feature offering the invaluable advantage of requiring no maintenance or lubrication.
As the ultimate proof of its extraordinary sturdiness, the original alarm mechanism of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912 is subjected to the implacable trial of the striker test, 45-hour power reserve.
The distinctive conception of the Master Compressor Extreme's shock-absorbing case called for in-depth research on the acoustic qualities of the alarm, leading to the creation of a state-of-the-art gong. Instead of the traditional gong fixed to the back of the case, the gong actually surrounds the movement and is secured to the case middle by two pins. It is struck by the hammer at a precise point near this point of attachment. The geometry has also been specifically revised so as to optimise the qualities of the sound emitted.
The alarm function comprises a double pushpiece enabling the owner to decide whether to start or stop the alarm function.Reflecting these inner technical innovations, the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm watch is distinguished by an original display of the alarm time by means of two juxtaposed discs that appear through a perfectly readable window at 9 o'clock. The positioning of the hour disc is followed by the minute one, thus enabling the user to select any time in five-minute intervals. The watch dial also carries a date window at 3 o'clock with fast adjustment
The auctioned prototype, reference W17784T, is the first pre-series watch of the titanium "Tides of Time" limited series presented in January 2009 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, and to be delivered in Autumn 2009.
The high-quality prototype Master Compressor W-Alarm Tides of Time engraved "Proto Number 1" has been reserved for the online auction. It features a steel support and a satin-brushed grade 5 titanium case, which makes the prototype unique in comparison to the series, in terms of materials.
It will be delivered to the winner of the auction with 3 wristbands (a black rubber strap, a blue rubber strap and a leather strap) and comes with a 10-year Jaeger-LeCoultre International guarantee.Movement: Automatic Pieces number: 315 Vibrations per hour: 28800 Power-reserve: 45 Hours Jewels: 23 Barrel: 2 Height: 7.78mm
FUNCTIONS Hour - Minute Seconds Date World time indication simultaneously indicating the time in all 24 time zone Alarm with double hour and minute display Alarm function on/off selector
CASE Stainless steel (support) / titanium (case) Case-back engraved with PROTO Number I
WATER-resistance 100 metres
DIAL Black, luminescent numerals and hour-markers
HANDS Trapèze
STRAP Alligator leather Rubber
BUCKLE Double Folding Buckle 20.0 mm Pin buckle 20.0 mm
UPDATE Feb 24th 2009: SOLD for 19500USD: The Tubbatha marine site in the Philippines was chosen for the donation.
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