If you ask us which is the brand that gives you the most value for your money, we will always continue to say Jaeger-LeCoultre. Working on this hands-on review was yet another great chance to see why Jaeger-LeCoultre's value equation is so good. Whether you're looking at the brand's greatest complications or just at more simple time telling timepieces. The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time is right on the money. Launched as part of the new Geophysic collection about a month ago, this new watch along with the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second bring 'haute horlogerie' movements at luxury timepiece prices. 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 new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time with its 41.6 mm x 11.84 mm case, is available in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold.
The Dial
This new watch is fitted with a stunning dial that features a planisphere where the sea is depicted with subtly graded lacquered shades of blue, while the engraved continents are graced with a magnificent sunburst finish and a relief that is out of this world.
The compelling Jaeger-LeCoultre 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. The eye soon becomes accustomed to seeing London at 6 o’clock and Hong Kong at 2 o’clock.
Epitomizing an absolute determination to promote simplification, the time is adjusted via the crown and no longer with a push button. Once the universal time has been set, there is no need to adjust it while crisscrossing the world. Travelers 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.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time is the new JLC automatic calibre 772 composed of 274 components and 36 jewels. When fully wound, the movement provides a power reserve of 40 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. This calibre called upon the talents of the most highly specialized engineers of the Research & Development division within the Manufacture. The Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 772 features 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. Additionally, the Geophysic Universal Time 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. One thing that is important for us to point out, is that because of its 'True Second' —dead beat seconds— nature, the seconds hand on the watch will tick around the dial marking the beat of each second —like a quartz watch— instead of gracefully sweeping —this could be a downside for most guys that are not hardcore watch collectors.
On the Wrist, Strap & Pricing
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with immaculate wrist presence. Easy to use, elegant and classic, it really doesn't get any better. The watch is fitted with a brown alligator strap with pin buckle for the 18K pink gold model ref. Q810.25.20 and a black alligator strap with folding clasp for the stainless steel version ref. Q810. 84.20.
Sticker Price $15,000 USD for stainless steel and $25,000 USD for 18K pink gold. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
