Introducing – Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second Limited Edition (Available Online Only)

It seems that the online world is really taking over the luxury market, which apparently also includes the watchmaking industry. Indeed, Jaeger-LeCoultre is about to propose a limited edition exclusive to its online boutique – meaning that you won’t find it in stores. Based on the surprising Geophysic True Second, a “Seconde Morte” watch introduced in 2015, we now have a limited version that features a specific blue dial. Meet the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second Limited Edition – and be sure you’ll have your phones and laptops connected…

After the re-birth of the Geophysic collection, back in 2014, a watch that was deeply inspired by the world of science and technology, Jaeger-LeCoultre enriched this iconic range the following year with a new production model. The 2015 Geophysic indeed became part of the regular JLC catalogue, with 2 main pieces (and an addition tourbillon version) based on a rare and unusual complication: the “true second“, “dead-beat second” or “seconde morte“. Both the time-and-date and the Universal Time watches featured this specific display of the second hand, which doesn’t sweep but ticks once per second – thus indicating the exact second, explaining its “true second” name. A rare complication that somehow must be explained to less-experienced watch enthusiasts, yet an interesting one in terms of mechanics.

Based on late 1950s chronometer watches created for scientists and explorers, the Geophysic is indeed a special watch. It was created in 1958 for the International Geophysical Year, with its myriad scientific discoveries and explorations. One of these chronometers was even bestowed on the first man to lead an expedition under the North Pole, Captain Anderson, in honour of his achievement. While not relevant to the vintage versions of these watches, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second we have now pays tribute to this past, built around accuracy, with its seconde morte display.

This True Second display was not developed to make a watch more precise, but to make reading the time more precise. Indeed, as the hand jumps every second, it is always perfectly aligned with the second markers. The mechanism used by JLC here is relatively simple, clever and efficient, as it doesn’t affect the amplitude of the balance, despite the high energy required to make the hand jumps 60 times per minute. JLC has added an extra hairspring positioned near the axis of the second hand. This spring charges and unlocks once per second, in order to create the jump of the second hand.

For the occasion of this limited edition, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second replaces its classical white dial with a vivid ocean blue dial, with sun-ray pattern – offering nice reflections. Markers and hands are all executed in silver colours. The central cross, which is a nod to the historic 1958 Geophysic model, makes its comeback. The rest of the watch remains faithful to the standard version, with its 39.6mm case in stainless steel, shaped with angular surfaces and short, tapered lugs. The bezel is thin, offering a large opening for the dial. One specificity of this model, which is found here, are the luminous dots applied on the inner flange around the dial.

The movement used is the same as the white-dialled version, meaning the in-house calibre 770. This self-winding engine was developed especially for this watch. Besides the True Second mechanism, it is also remarkable because of the unique shape of its balance wheel. The Gyrolab balance wheel, of non-circular design, replicates the Jaeger-LeCoultre anchor symbol and improves accuracy by reducing air-friction. Also, highly practical for travellers, the hour hand is set through the crown by one-hour increments, without affecting the precision of the minute and second hands. The back reveals a nicely finished movement, with a solid pink gold rotor and elegant decoration.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second Limited Edition is worn on a patinated brown calfskin strap with steel pin buckle. It will be limited to 100 pieces and only available online at jaeger-lecoultre.com as of tomorrow – 5 December 2017 around 3pm Europe Time. The priced should be the same as the white-dialled version, meaning EUR 10,000 (inc. taxes) or USD 9,900 (ex. taxes). More details on the brand’s website.

Technical Specifications – Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second Limited Edition

• Case: 39.6mm diameter x 11.8mm height – stainless steel, polished and brushed – sapphire crystal on both faces – 50m water resistant
• Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 770, in-house – self-winding – 4Hz frequency – 40h power reserve – hours, minutes, dates, True Second (seconde morte)
• Strap: brown calfskin strap with steel pin buckle
• Reference: Q8018480
• Limited Edition 100 pieces
• Availability: 5 December 2017 – from the Jaeger-LeCoultre online Boutique only