Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre now wishes to share the fruits of its expertise with a broader public. This is why it is introducing an original collection with a pure, uncluttered design, driven by a new Haute Horlogerie calibre encapsulating the inventive spirit 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 new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second with its 39.6 mm x 11.7 mm case is available in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold. 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.
Nothing that Jaeger-LeCoultre does is governed by exclusively external considerations. This is demonstrated by 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, and the choice of which was determined by a quest to find the perfect size enabling the watch to express perfect harmony. This new watch 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 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 movements driving the new Geophysic collection, the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibres 770 —powering the Geophysic True Second— and the 772 —powering the Geophysic Universal time published here—, are synonymous with high precision and mechanical beauty. These calibres called upon the talents of the most highly specialized engineers of the Research & Development division within the Manufacture. The strength of their expertise and their imagination drives their authentic capacity for innovation. Thus, the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 770 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. 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 True Second. The remarkable calibres driving the new 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 exude a resolutely technical aura, much like a car engine built to ensure optimal performance.
The new automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 770 is composed of 275 components and 36 jewels and it provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph.
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.
Sticker Price$9,050 USD for Stainless Steel and $17,500 USD for 18K pink gold. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
