Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented the new Geophysic True Second a few months ago. Inspired by Jaeger-LeCoultre's iconic Geophysic watch released in 1958 for the the International Geophysical Year, the manufacture from Le Sentier went above and beyond for the creation of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second. This new watch —that might fool those not well versed with horology due to its seconds hand ticking like a quartz watch—, is equipped with the new JLC in-house calibre 770 that features an atypical balance wheel featuring a non-circular configuration named the Gyrolab. This new device was initially developed in a laboratory version back in 2007 to equip the Master Compressor Extreme Lab 1 watch and it took eight years to transition from the prototype stage to the final product that could be incorporated into an entire watch line. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic collection, is the first collection to enjoy the full benefits of this key breakthrough and its determining influence on the precision of the watch. The new JLC Geophysic True Second is available in stainless steel or rose gold and is fitted with a 39.6 mm x 11.7 mm case.

The Dial

This new watch is fitted with a stunning silver grain dial with applied markers matching the metal of the case. 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 and the date aperture is framed with metal matching the metal of the case.

The hands, treated with 'faux-patina' luminescent material add a vintage touch to this modern interpretation of the Geophysic line. Additionally, the watch features lume dots applied to the case inner flange surrounding the dial.

The Case & Strap

The case of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second which measures exactly 39.6 millimeters, an elegant and reassuring diameter confirming its cultural roots in the field of Haute Horlogerie. The case is satin-brushed finished with a mirror-polished bezel. 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 realizes 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. The watch is fitted with a brown alligator strap with pin buckle for the 18K pink gold model ref. Q801.25.20 and a black alligator strap with folding clasp for the stainless steel version ref. Q801. 84.20.

The Movement

Fully visible via the display case back, the new automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 770 is synonymous with high precision and mechanical beauty. This calibre, called upon the talents of the most highly specialized engineers of the Research & Development division within the Manufacture. 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. The new JLC calibre 770 is composed of 275 components, 36 jewels and an oscillating weight crafted from single block of gold bearing the anchor motif of Jaeger-LeCoultre —echoing the shape of a escapement lever that is also JLC's logo. When fully wound, the movement provides a power reserve of 40 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph.

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 True Second.

On the Wrist & Pricing

On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with immaculate wrist presence. The JLC Geophysic True Second is elegant and classic, but more than anything, truly captivating with its dead beat seconds hand ticking like that a quartz watch. An intricate secret that only those watchlifestylers that are savvy enough will be able to recognize when looking at the seconds hand marking the beat of its beating heart.

Sticker Price$9,050 USD for Stainless Steel and $17,500 USD for 18K pink gold. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.