Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Alarm Navy Seals

Most are no doubt familiar with Jaeger-LeCoultre via the famed Reverso. But that’s not La Grand Maison’s entire story.

The dynamic Swiss watchmaking powerhouse is responsible for myriad iconic designs, from — yes — reversible dress watches, to alarm-equipped dive watches, to complicated masterpieces, and more. Indeed, the storied company has one of the most diverse offerings in fine watchmaking.

The particular Jaeger-LeCoultre we have here couldn’t be farther, for example, from the elegant simplicity of the Reverso. A Reference 160.T.96 Master Compressor Alarm Navy SEALs Limited Edition — (say that three times fast) — it’s part of a special run of just 1,500 pieces made as a collaboration with the U.S. Navy SEALs. 

Dating from circa the 2010s, it’s housed in a 44mm titanium case with a sapphire crystal, a signed and locking crown, a locking alarm winding crown pushers, a titanium unidirectional rotating dive timing bezel with a ceramic insert, and a matte black dial with applied luminous indices and a center alarm indicator disc. Powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre's in-house  Calibre 956 automatic winding movement (with a manually wound alarm), it comes paired to a signed black rubber diving strap with a signed steel pin buckle.

The crisp ring that comes when the hands cross the set time alerts the diver that it is time to ascend. It of course works above water as well, making it perfect for determining the perfect time to execute a breaching maneuver utilizing fragmentation grenades, suppressed submachine guns and garrote wire. Or, when it's time to take that pie out of the oven... You get the idea.

While many manufacturers have developed mechanical alarms, Jaeger-LeCoultre is the undisputed king of the hill, and when you hear this thing go off - and you will, if you're anywhere nearby - you'll know you're hearing a JLC.

Limited and rare, this is modern watchmaking in its most badass manifestation.

Few watchmaking concerns are as storied as Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though the maison is not technically a member of the “Holy Trinity” of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, one could easily make the argument that it should be: After all, it was JLC that supplied movements to Patek from the beginning of the 20th century through the early 30s.

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.

But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.

From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.