The Greater Tool

Jaeger LeCoultre’s hotly anticipated Geophysic 1958 reissue exemplifies the spirit of the Maison.

Since inception in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre have made giant strides across the industry as technical titans as a provider of reliable watches for the scientific community, an exceptionally potent weapon for science? The Geophysic. Launched in 1958, the original timepiece was a limited run of 1000 units. Available in steel or gold, the vintage piece was a study of perfection, tool watch and dinner watch, precision and purity within a compact case. At the time, the 478BWSbr was equipped with the most advanced horological components of the day – hacking seconds, glucydur balance for temperature stability, shock protection and a 600 gauss redirecting Faraday Cage. It was a watch of such titanic proportions that even the retro 1958 editions made a problem free ascent with Stephane Schaffter during his 2010 Geophysic Expedition to the Himalayas, a climb which in fact led to the virgin peak being named Mt. Antoine LeCoultre.

Taking its maiden voyage aboard the USS Nautilus beneath the Northern Polar ice caps have made the Geophysic the stuff of legend and those not fortunate enough to own such an integral slice of Jaeger-LeCoultre history can now partake in its heritage with this new tribute. Updated to contemporary yet classic proportions (35mm to 38.5mm), the legacy of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most iconic chronometer comes powered by one of the most reliable and precise in-house movements to date. The Calibre 898/1 comes with a balance with micrometric adjustment, ETA kifparechoc, Spyr gears for smooth transmission of torque and lubricant-free oscillating rotor thanks to high tech ceramic ball bearings. Interestingly, the inner chapter ring of the modern rendition includes spot-lume at the index points for added functionality.

The Persian Flaw

The Persian Flaw is a concept derived from an age old tradition that perfection was only possible by God and thus, Persian carpet markers would intentionally weave flaws into their rugs. A similar philosophy might have been at play here. First, the original Geophysic merely sported “Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronometre” on its sandblasted texturous dial. The re-issue clutters up one of the purest expressions of watchmaking by labelling “JL” on the upper cross hair and “Geophysic” on the lower cross hair.  Second, with such epic adventures beneath its belt, would the industry’s best-looking tool watch hurt with a screw-down crown and thus greater than 100m water resistance? I think not.

That said, these are very minute flaws that won’t deter passionate collectors from the privilege of owning a timepiece emblematic of one of the most audacious eras of human exploration. The new Geophysic 1958 will be available in 800 limited edition for steel and 18-carat gold in 300 limited pieces. In platinum, there will be 58 pieces. Ultimately, the greater tool will be the one who doesn’t fork out for an almost mythic timepiece.