THE WHOLEWORLD ATONCE
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Geophysic Tourbillon Universal Time pays homage to the Inernational Geophysical Year of 1958 with an innovation that lunges for the future
Another milestone for Jaeger-LeCoultre, a flying tourbillion seemingly floats on a watch that allows — unprecedentedly — the simultaneous reading of the time in 24 cities. Debuting at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2017 earlier this year, the Geophysic Tourbillon Universal Time was a show-stopper at the prestigious watch fair held annually in Geneva. The new model along with other 2017 novelties were showcased here in Bangkok on Tuesday at the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique in Siam Paragon.
The Swiss brand considers this tourbillion world timer a testament to its watchmaking prowess, expressed particularly in ease of use and operation.
Simply set with a single crown, the 43.5mm platinum model miniaturises the world on the wrist. The lightly convex side view of the dial recalls the shape of a globe. The blue-lacquered ocean features small spirals forming waves amplifying the impression of relief and depth, when viewed from above the sapphire crystal dome.
The continents, with a satin-brushed finish, move across the central disc every 24 hours, following the pace set by the flying tourbillion fashioned without a bridge to hold its cage.
The precision is enhanced by the Gyrolab balance wheel engineered to reduce air friction. The non-circular innovation, in addition to its balance spring, features the shape of a watch anchor, the symbol of the 184year old manufacture based in Switzerland’s
Vallée de Joux.
The automatic mechanical movement and its pink-gold oscillating weight is revealed through the sapphire crystal caseback of the 100-piece limited edition.
The original Geophysic was created in 1958 during the International Geophysical Year (IGY), when 67 nations participated in scientific exploration of the planet’s most inhospitable, unexplored locations. IGY was timed to coincide with the high point of the eleven-year cycle of sunspot activity.
Back then, the rugged chronometer was equipped with the most advanced technology, which continued to be the aim for the 21st-century Geophysic Universal Time and True Second, released in 2015.
The Geophysic True Second draws its name from the complication, which makes the delicate second hand move by “beating the second”, to assure high precision.
The 39.6mm timepiece boasts the pure aesthetics of a silvered, grained dial with a textured look along with appliqué hour-markers and luminescent swordshaped hands.
Both the stainless steel Geophysic True Second and Universal Time have been renewed in 2017 with interchangeable steel bracelet for a contemporary look as well as resistance to splashed water.