Jaeger-LeCoultre

It's time to end the year now.

For those lucky few who will finish in the swimming pool or in fresher waters I have a very serious wach to propose.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Compressor Diving GMT

Although you saw it here several times since it was presented last spring, I'm sure it will be a hot watch as soon as it reaches the stores before your wrist.

This watch is a tool for sure, not just a sport watch. This is a very serious competitor to the most well known diving watch.

This one is close to perfection IMO

If we'll see a "Double blue" Diving is not sure yet!

Fits nicely on small wrists

This watch is large and thick of course, but it fits very nicely on a small wrist like mine. This is not an oversize watch.

No seconds hand but a running indicator at 6

As a tool this Diving GMT is very readable: hours and minutes in the center, a running indicator so that you're sure it's functioning, the date at 3 and the reference or second timezone at 9. The diving rotating bezel and its luminescent dot finish to complete the set. The central local hour hand can be adjusted by one hour jumps forward and backward.

A rubber crown

The rubber crown complements and remind the rubber bracelet. The watch is made in titanium only so that it remains light in spite of its case volume and quite solid construction.

The back says it all

The titanium case and bezel are brushed to avoid light reflection. This finish will also be suitable for a tool aimed to be used and receive shocks.

Hard to make it shine

I insist perhaps too much on the tool aspects but you'll understand as soon as you'll put it on your wrist.

I hope  a thousand meters is enough for you

The water resistance of a thousand meters was successfully tested in June near Hawaii with the international press in attendance.

A tool watch but a nice JLC finish

If the new Polaris will probably be the perfect diving watch for vaults, the Diving Pro will do all the stunts.

A simple and efficient case form

This watch will also be somewhat affordable, and will be offered with three options of bracelet: this articulated rubber, a more traditional monobloc rubber and a titanium bracelet. All watches will also receive a Velcro strap for diving.

Thick of course but just like needed

A default? Yes. I don't see the point of limitating this baby to 1500 pieces. It should be part of the permanent JLC range. The limited series syndrome is back again.

Beautiful no?

I should add that I find the colour of this titanium really beautiful and perfectly assorted with the articulated rubber bracelet which is my favourite version.

The articulated rubber bracelet

The watch comes with the "autotractor" calibre 975D. It is IMO the best watch with this calibre so far and certainly the best case option for the R---X killer calibre.

Calibre 975D

This watch could be my perfect tough days watch.

You don't like it?

There's a chronograph version and several ladies models but the other serious one is the Diving Pro Geographic with its depth indicator.

This second watch is also equally appealing although definitely less suitable for everyday use, unless you need a more serious replacement for your larger Panerai, or you're  a professional diver.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Diving Pro Geographic

The watch is larger but still could fit medium sized wrists. The depth mechanism is the main aspect. You either need or specifically want it, or you'd better stay on the Diving GMT.

The depth mechanism at 9

Actually I suppose you must imagine the watch on your wrist on your diving suit, but I didn't have mine with me in Paris!

Slightly too large for me but not so much

More details about this version were published here:

Not so large you see ?

I hope to be able to test this Diving GMT and why not the depth indicator in my fresh Brittany waters someday.

I'll let you know.

Happy and prosperous 2008 for all and your families.

Dje