Jaeger-LeCoultre

The new Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic is here in Southern California!   We stopped by to visit our friends at the Jaeger LeCoultre Beverly Hills Boutique to get a close up view of the Geophysic watches.  I still remember the SIHH 2014 event back in April where we were shown the prototype pieces and I was excited to handle the productions timepieces.

The Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic 1958 collection is available in limited numbers in stainless steel (800 pieces), rose gold (300 pieces), and platinum (58 pieces).  The two that we were shown were the platinum and rose gold versions.






Let's first take a look at the Geophysic in platinum. This version has a different dial than the stainless and rose gold watches.  The most noticeable is the understated and classic dial without the crosshairs.  The dial has arabic numerals at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, but also much longer minute markers.  The 3 and 9 o'clock arabic numerals are replaced with double stick shaped minute hands.  The 5 second interval numbering is replaced by elegant line minute markers. 





Other differences are the GEOPHYSIC text moved to the upper part of the dial and relocated under the JLC emblem and signature logo.  And along the edge of the inner bezel are luminous dots which keep the dial clean looking but still providing useful lume in low light situations.  From a past JLC event at the Beverly Hills Boutique I was shown an original version and saw that the original Geophysic had the lume placed on the inside of the crystal.  In my opinion, the lume on the inner bezel looks nice and really keeps the dial simple and elegant.

Upon closer inspection of the dial, you can see the beautiful grain surface which is more noticeable than the other version with the crosshair lines removed.  The minute hands are beveled and provide a nice sparkle at different angles.  The hours and minute hands have a vintage colored look and has a greenish lume color in the dark.





The platinum version is paired with a dark blue alligator strap and matching platinum tang buckle. 

On both models the caseback has an engraved globe and JL logo.  Overall the case is 11.4mm thin which gives the watch a nice size without being too thin nor thick.  Inside the case is the JLC 898/1 caliber automatic movement that provides a 43 hour power reserve.

Picking up the watch I can definitely feel the solid presence of the solid platinum case.  The bezel is polished while parts of the case and lugs have polished and brushed finishes.

  Here's a few pictures of the platinum and rose gold pieces side by side.

With casebacks that are very similar.

Now let's take a look at the 18k rose gold version.  The dial is the same as the stainless steel version with a white dial and crosshair lines.  The 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock arabic numerals are also the same except in matching rose gold.

  Smaller has marks are printed on the dial with numerals every 5 seconds along the outer edge of the dial. 









The watch is paired with a chocolate brown colored alligator dial and matching rose gold tang buckle which matches the warm colors of the rose gold case.

On all 3 versions have a anti-magnetic soft iron cage with a solid caseback that provides a water resistance rating of 100m.  although the Geophysic watches are limited pieces, there is no numbering, just an inscription stating that it is a limited edition of x number of pieces.

It's fantastic to see these Geophysic watches being delivered and I'm pleasantly surprised that there are some still available.  Again, thanks to our friends at the Jaeger LeCoultre Beverly Hills Boutique for their time in allowing us to fondle these watches.  Now the big question is, which version do you like the best? 

Regards,
ED-209

 

This message has been edited by ED209 on 2014-10-09 00:15:28

Hope you enjoy this video of the Geophysic in platinum
Regards,
ED-209

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Another thing they regretably 'forgot' in this tribute, is the very distinctive curved dial of the OG.

This 'tribute' geophysic dial is boringly flat, that's a shame 

(not to mention the odd presence of the JL logo that certainly wasn't necessary and detracts from the vintage look).

 I just think that all changes made to the dial have been in the wrong direction.  Only good thing they kept is the luminous on bezel feature  (that was a minimum they could do).

It's not that noticeable from pics I've seen but on my visit with ED-209 to the BHB it stood out.  It's a fine eggshell like texture, it's subtle and IMO made it interesting.  

They created a correct grainy texture for the dial, so that is good.

 

What is not so good is that the original one had a curved dial  (dial is flat in its center until about 4 mm to the edge, where it becomes folded / rounded under).

The curved dial is part of what creates a great dial impression  (and in addition, the long seconds hand tip is also curved to follow the dial).

But moreover, beyond aesthetics, the curved dial is part of a design feature which makes the dial (made of soft iron), along with the other soft iron / curved movement cover a fully closing encover / capsule for the movement, and is responsible for the amagnetic feature of the watch.

So again, when recreating what used to be an iconcin - because of its technicity - watch, JLC just missed out on a very significant characteristic of the watch.

 

Dial curvature is both a design and a functional element of the OG watch, and both of these aspects have been neglected when going for the easy / cheapo /automatic reedition.

 

 

But if you do everything that is the same with the old watch wouldn't you end up with just a copy?  

Hi Clavi,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and also pointing out the curved dial.  What do you think of the crosshairs and the minute markers?  To me, the Geophysics are a modern interpretation of the original watches so I don't mind that it's not exactly like the vintage.  Hope you have a chance to see them in person.
Regards,
ED-209

I'd love to have either one! ;-)

-Dean

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I agree, I'd take either one, but if I had a choice I think I'd go with the rose gold. 
Regards,
ED-209

Very interesting neo-vintage.

First of all, thanks for the pictorial report, Ed. Much appreciated.

Another interesting detail, on the TT Geophysics, is that JLC decided to do a fine adjustment of the Cal 898. Which means that the Watch should be even more accurate.

That point will certainly be confirmed by owners.

Which one do I prefer? Tough question. The platinum and the stainless steel have their charm.

I prefer the platinum dial because of the location of the name Geophysic, just Under Jaeger Lecoultre, but if the location was the same on the cross hair, I would have more doubts on my choice. I strongly regret that JLC opted for such a location on the Cross Hair dials.

Nonetheless, I love them all....

Best,

Nicolas

Thanks Nicolas, I didn't have a chance to take pictures of the SS version.  Good point about the adjustment to the 898 movement.  Hope we can get some on-the-wrist reviews from new owners on accuracy.
Regards,
ED-209

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Still waiting to hear from my AD as they wait to hear back from JLC regarding my SS Geophysic.  The dial of the SS and gold versions give off a Rolex Explorer vibe to me.  I can't say that these updated reissues are as successful as the Polaris duo, but as daily wear, semi-rugged pieces, I think they're great, if not exciting.

Thanks df for checking out the post.  Definitely the SS version is hot, but I'd also recommend checking with the boutique for availability

Regards,
ED-209

... so nice to view these pictures of the actual watches.

I would have preferred that the stainless version could sport the same dial of the platinum version, more similar to the traditional dial used in the originals (though I know some originals came with the cross hair type).

Anyway, I´m very happy with what I can see in your photographs, and they just add fire to my desire to have it on my wrist soon.

Last Friday, the JLC Boutique in Milano informed me that my watch is there waiting for me (already duly paid). Regretably, I´m not sure when I´ll be able to travel to Italy to take delivery of it!  ... May be ends of next November.  You can understand my excitement!
I had reserved mine same day Nicolas gave the good news some months ago here at Purists, and I have been waiting with much anxiety since then!

Thank you again for sharing these pictures. Very cordially, Abel.

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... and if I can fix everything Ok here at my office, and depending how many days I can stay outside I will try to make it to Paris too at least for a couple of days.
I know one Vladeske good friend there whom I wish to say hi and show my new JLC.  Be assured that I will be very very happy to see you again my dear friend!

I´ll keep you posted!! Abel.

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Thanks Abel for the compliments on the report.  And huge Congrats to you that your watch is waiting for you at the boutique.  Now the wait begins   Looking forward to seeing your on-the-wrist pics.

Regards,
ED-209

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these new Geophysics are understated and sporty at the same time..nicely done..

some of the best photos of the new releases in the metal..

Miss the gang at JLC BHB..I will need to drop by...

Hope you get to see them in person soon.
Regards,
ED-209

The RG one speaks to me. All of them are very nice though with a practical anti-magnetic feature and nice history.
The steel version is priced very competitively though and it probably will be most popular.

ED209,

Thank you for your post.

Yesterday I did a quick stop at the Boutique and it seems that the SS version will be here in "one week" ("one week" here may have more than seven days!!!).

I was a young boy when the Geophysic Year happened and it was a major scientific event.

I remember reading about the discoveries, the first artificial satellites and everything that excited my imagination.

Tempted, very tempted, for the SS.

Cheers,

Nilo

And for your peace of mind!

Best,

Nicolas.

Thanks Nilo for the kinds words.  Hope you get a chance to see the SS version at your boutique.
Regards,
ED-209

...looks like pre-sold SS versions will first go to the Boutiques, then pre-sold SS versions will go to select dealers.  My local AD talked with the JLC rep and confirmed they will receive one (as I put a deposit on it in January) around December.