Geophysic
The name of the collection, Geophysic, references the model created in 1958 as homage to the International Geophysical Year. Back then, during the height of the Cold War, substantial resources were invested into scientific discoveries and geological surveys.
Present day Geophysic watches have one complementary function in common: the seconde morte or True Second as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Maison calls it. The small seconds hand of these mechanical chronometers marks the seconds by “jumping” – a type of movement that used to be common in regulators and is still seen in quartz watches but is quite rare in mechanical timepieces. The Geophysic features yet another technical innovation: a unique and extremely precise Gyrolab balance wheel with a non-circular configuration which is smaller and resembles the letter H.
Present day Geophysic watches have one complementary function in common: the seconde morte or True Second as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Maison calls it. The small seconds hand of these mechanical chronometers marks the seconds by “jumping” – a type of movement that used to be common in regulators and is still seen in quartz watches but is quite rare in mechanical timepieces. The Geophysic features yet another technical innovation: a unique and extremely precise Gyrolab balance wheel with a non-circular configuration which is smaller and resembles the letter H.
Something more…
The International Geophysical Year (IGY) started on 1 July 1957and lasted until 31 December of the following year. Its purpose was to increase scientific awareness about the Earth and the Sun.The impetus behind these efforts was the “fight” for Antarctica which had to be protected from the influx of scientists – an uneasy task in the Cold War period. These were the times when the Soviet Union and the United States were launching artificial satellites into orbit and humankind was preparing to discover outer space.
Collection highlight
The attractive look and the functions of the Geophysic Universal Time make it easy to distinguish time zones and read world time. The traditional dial was replaced by the Northern Hemisphere. The timepiece, with a 41.6 mm case, is powered by an automatic calibre 772 with a 40-hour power reserve and is available in steel and gold with either a leather strap or a steel bracelet.The Geophysic Universal Time is fitted with the Gyrolab balance wheel and is covered by an 8-year warranty provided by the manufacture.