Today April 10, 2014 at the Explorer's Club in New York City, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled the new Geophysic 1958, a watch that pays tribute to science and precision in watchmaking in three limited editions including a stainless steel model, an 18K pink gold and a platinum version. Back in 1958 when the scientific community composed of researchers from many different countries was preparing to undertake a program of major scientific explorations as part of the International Geophysical Year, this manufacture decided to associate with this unique initiative by creating an exceptional precision instrument named the Geophysic.
The reissue of this legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece comes back to life with a larger case with a diameter of 38.5 mm and a thickness of 11.40 mm —taking into account current watch size preferences while remaining entirely true to the design of the original model— and with a pure, highly legible dial. Inspired by the original model, the design of these watches further enhances the excellent legibility and aesthetic distinction of the historic instrument. In the spirit of the calibre 478BWSbr —originally fitted inside the first Geophysic from 1958—, the Geophysic 1958 is equipped with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 898/1 composed of 202 parts, 29 jewels and considered one of the most precise and reliable in-house automatic movements on the market today. This automatic calibre provides a power reserve of 43 hours when fully wound.
Three central hands indicating the hours, minutes and seconds glide steadily over the grained white dial bearing the inscription “Geophysic” along with the brand signature at 12 o’clock. The circle of applied hour-markers is interrupted by 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock numerals, thereby reproducing the layout and design codes of this legendary model. These Haute Horlogerie timepieces offering a unique combination of usefulness and aesthetic appeal bear the unmistakable imprint of the Grande Maison, as reflected in the luminescent coating in the historical color on the dots facing the hour-markers around the inner bezel ring. Meanwhile, the dagger-shaped hands are rhodium-plated on the steel version and radiate a warm golden glow on the 18-carat pink gold variation. Entirely in tune with the perfectly restrained dial of which the purely functional nature accentuates the timeless elegance, the refined case embodies a range of truly exceptional qualities. Water-resistant to 100 meters, its back displays the signature emblem playing with the J and L initials of Jaeger-LeCoultre superimposed on a globe crisscrossed by latitude and longitude lines.
Each version of the Geophysic watch is fitted with an alligator leather strap secured by an unusual pin buckle in colors matching the metal of the case: black for the steel model and chocolate brown for the pink gold variation. This new legendary instrument will be reserved for a circle of passionate enthusiasts who will enjoy the privilege of wearing a timepiece paying homage to a fascinating chapter in the history of science. The Geophysic 1958 watch will be available in an 800-piece limited edition for the steel version with a black alligator strap—, a 300-piece for the 18K pink gold with brown alligator strap and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique exclusive platinum model produced in a limited series of 58 pieces with blue alligator strap and a slightly different dial that only includes the 12 and 6 numerals.
Sticker Price $9,800 Stainless Steel ref. Q8008520, $20,800 18K Pink Gold ref. Q8002520 and $32,000 Platinum ref. Q800652j. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
