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Watches for the moment

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

Published: Nov 10, 2015 06:22:27 AM IST
Updated: Nov 10, 2015 03:54:21 PM IST


Watches for the moment

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.

Watches for the moment

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.

Watches for the moment
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.

Watches for the moment



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.




Watches for the moment



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.

Watches for the moment
Boitier
The watch casing is 39.6 mm in diameter and 11.7 mm thick, with a 5-bar water resistance.

(This story appears in the 13 November, 2015 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)

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