Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Watch Collection
In order to share its horological mastery and its creative talent to broader public, Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing new Geophysic watch models, driven by new high-end mechanical calibres encapsulating the inventive spirit of the Manufacture.
These new timepieces boast a clean-cut design that is the epitome of elegance and equilibrium. Each model in the Geophysic® line features several layers of meaning. It gradually unleashes a powerful and innovative horological content expressed through classic characteristics. This refined and contemporary creation asserts its masculine nature in a number of subtle ways.
The collection is named after a watch that belongs both to universal history and to the heritage of the Manufacture. In 1958, the International Geophysical Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. Capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing nothing of its formidable precision, its overriding characteristic was extreme resistance.
The Manufacture now revives this legendary name in two models blending aesthetic elegance, technical sophistication and 21st century user friendliness: the Geophysic® True Second® and the Geophysic® Universal Time.
The Geophysic® True Second® watch measures exactly 39.6 millimetres, an elegant and reassuring diameter confirming its cultural roots in the field of Haute Horlogerie, and the choice of which was determined by a quest to find the perfect size enabling the watch to express perfect harmony.
Geophysic® explores the subtle nuances of contemporary classicism, reinforced by the traditional hands reflecting the codes of the Vallée de Joux as well as the linear hour-markers.
The design of the case in turn reveals another facet of its personality through finishes worthy of the most precious Jaeger-LeCoultre models. The lugs do not meet the case middle with a gentle curve, but rather with a decisive angle expressing strength and confidence.
Their sides are polished to accentuate their sleek silhouette. In becoming better acquainted with the watch, the observer realises that its bezel slightly overlaps a tiny part of the case and lugs, thereby creating an extremely pure overall aesthetic.
The case-back is screwed in, like that of the 1958 model, so as to ensure greater water resistance. This flowing visual effect is enhanced by the fact that the eye does not linger on any screws, while the watch features the inherent reliability of a system traditionally used to equip diver’s watches.
Finally, the case middle also echoes the inspirational original with its extremely dynamic Super-Luminova®*dots that enable easy read-off even in the dark. The balanced, refined and unostentatious tone is set in subtle touches, leaving plenty of scope for the reactions that this exceptional watch unfailingly provokes.
The movements driving the Geophysic® collection, automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibres 770 and 772, are synonymous with high precision and mechanical beauty. These calibres called upon the talents of the most highly specialised engineers of the Research & Development division within the Manufacture. The strength of their expertise and their imagination drives their authentic capacity for innovation.
The latter is in this instance expressed by an atypical balance wheel featuring a non-circular configuration that required lengthy research in order to reduce air friction.
Named the Gyrolab®, this device was initially developed in a laboratory version back in 2007 to equip the Master Compressor Extreme Lab 1 watch. It took eight years to transition from this confidential version to one that could be incorporated into an entire watch line. Geophysic® is the first collection to enjoy the full benefits of this key breakthrough and its determining influence on the precision of the watch.
This precision is also expressed by the true seconds system that causes the seconds hand to move forwards while “beating the second”, meaning by performing a jump every second. This is no ordinary feat for a mechanical movement, and one that does not disturb the smooth running of the watch.
True seconds mechanism involves an extremely sophisticated construction whose effectiveness is expressed on the dial by a pleasantly rhythmical reading of the seconds. This specific expertise, which has been mastered by the Maison since the 19th century, testifies to the authentic instrument-worthy nature of the Geophysic®.
At first glance, the calibre reveals its relationship to the characteristic line of automatic movements from the Grande Maison. The gaze then becomes aware of the more generous volumes, and of the powerful proportions of the bridges. These broad surfaces provide ample space for a forceful interpretation of the Côtes de Genève motif. The infinite time, energy and patience devoted to the finishes of the Geophysic® collection are epitomised in the way this calibre catches the light.
The remarkable calibres driving the Geophysic® line are the first to feature an oscillating weight – crafted from a single block of solid gold – bearing the ‘anchor’ motif (itself echoing the shape of a escapement lever) that is also the Jaeger-LeCoultre logo. Strategically cut out and more open than a classic weight, it enables the eye to reconstruct the movement that it generously reveals in the course of its rotations.
These calibres deliver a degree of reliability and precision certified by the rigorous “1000 Hours Control” that Jaeger-LeCoultre is the only Manufacture to implement. Despite the sophisticated nature of these mechanisms, they are both functional and easily adjustable by merely positioning the crown. Here, Jaeger-LeCoultre transposes the philosophy of the namesake historical model into a resolutely contemporary watch.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second Watch
The Geophysic® True Second® radiates the kind of stage presence that is the exclusive preserve of great classics. Its finely grained dial lends added texture and further accentuates the readability of the information provided. The hands and hour-markers stand out clearly against their backdrop.
The vibrant, graphic Geophysic® True Second® watch comes in steel or pink gold versions, and is adjusted in an extremely intuitive manner.
The crown in its neutral position winds the movement, while position 1 serves to set the jumping hours corresponding to the city where the wearer is currently located, as well as the date, and position 2 controls the hours and minutes.
Technical details
Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second Watch
Movement
Mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 770
40-hour power reserve
28,800 vibrations per hour
275 components
36 jewels
6.57 mm thick
Dial
Silver-toned, grained, applied hour-markers
Hands: Baton-type, enhanced with Super-Luminova®
Functions
Hours, minutes
True seconds
Date
Case
11.7mm thick
39.6mm in diameter
Water resistance: 5 bar
Strap
Alligator leather
– Pink gold model: pin buckle
– Stainless steel model: folding clasp
References
Q801 84 20 (stainless steel model)
Q801 25 20 (pink gold model)
Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time Watch
In the world map on the face of the Geophysic® Universal Time, the sea is depicted by subtly graded lacquered shades of blue, while the engraved continents are graced with a magnificent sunburst finish. The endlessly admirable planisphere remains in a fixed position, which means it can host the hour-markers.
Equipped with Calibre 772, the Geophysic® Universal Time enables simultaneous readings of the time in all 24 time zones by means of its mobile disc.
The city disc with its perfectly readable names is fixed so as to help users get their bearings. Epitomising an absolute determination to promote simplification, the time is adjusted via the crown and no longer with a pushbutton.
Once the universal time has been set, there is no need to adjust it while crisscrossing the world. Travellers need only adjust their own time. Local time is automatically adjusted simply by moving the hour hand forwards or backwards, independently of the minutes and seconds to as to avoid any loss of precision.
Both clever and functional, the Geophysic® Universal Time with its 41.6 mm case is available in steel or pink gold.
Technical details
Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time Watch
Movement
Mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 772
40-hour power reserve
28,800 vibrations per hour
274 components
36 jewels
7.13 mm thick
Dial
Blue-lacquered, applied hour-markers
Hands: Baton-type, enhanced with Super-Luminova®
Functions
Hours, minutes
True seconds
World time
Case
11.84 mm thick
41.6 mm in diameter
Water resistance: 5 bar
Strap
Alligator leather
– Pink gold model: pin buckle
– Stainless steel model: folding clasp
References
Q810 84 20 (stainless steel model)
Q810 25 20 (pink gold model)
