In 1958, also the International Geophysical Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. It was capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing none of its precision. The Geophysic line from JLC, which revives the legendary name, comprises the Geophysic True Second and the Geophysic Universal Time and is an original collection with an uncluttered design, and a new Haute Horlogerie caliber
Rotor The calibres driving the Geophysic® line are the first to feature an oscillating weight—crafted from a single block of solid gold. It is strategically cut out and more open than a classic weight.
True-second mechanism The true seconds system causes the seconds hand to move forward while “beating the second”, meaning by performing a jump every second. This is no ordinary feat for a mechanical movement. The true seconds mechanism, mastered since the 19th century, involves an extremely sophisticated construction.
Movement The mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 770 is made of 275 components and 36 jewels (synthetic rubies). It is 6.57 mm thick and has a 40-hour power reserve.
Dial Its finely grained dial lends added texture and further accentuates readability. The hands and hour-markers stand out clearly against their backdrop. The baton-typed hands use Super-Luminova, a type of phosphorescent pigment that operates like a light battery. Larger markings of Super-Luminova are visible for the whole night rather than fading away after a few hours. Super-Luminova needs to be stimulated by violet or ultraviolet light. After being “charged” in this way it emits a more intense luminescence.
Gyrolab Developing this atypical balance wheel, which features a non-circular configuration in order to reduce air friction, required lengthy research. Named the Gyrolab, this device is made of beryllium copper, a copper-based non-magnetic alloy that is often used for the watch escapements. The Gyrolab was initially developed in a laboratory version in 2007. It took eight years to transition from this confidential version to one that could be incorporated into an entire watch line.
Boitier The watch casing is 39.6 mm in diameter and 11.7 mm thick, with a 5-bar water resistance.