Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Geophysic collection, which sprang from 2014’s single, limited-edition Geophysic 1958 model, continues to grow, as the Le Sentier-based manufacture introduces a new, online-boutique-exclusive version of its Geophysic True Second model with a striking, ocean blue dial.

First, a bit of background on the Geophysic: Jaeger-LeCoultre released the original model with that name in 1958, the designated ?International Geophysical Year? in which 67 nations from the East and West cooperated, during the height of the Cold War, to undertake a series of scientific explorations of the planet?s unexplored regions. The watch was designed to be a companion on these expeditions, many of which took researchers to harsh terrains and climates, so it utilized the era?s most advanced watchmaking technology. Its manual-wound movement, Caliber 478BWSbr, was derived from military watches and included a stop-seconds function for precise timekeeping; a Glucydur balance with shock absorption for stability through extreme temperature changes; and a swan?s neck index for adjustments. The watch?s most essential component was the soft-iron inner case that protected the movement from the effects of magnetism. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic accompanied the crew on the U.S.S. Nautilus, the first-ever atomic submersible vessel, on its record-setting expedition beneath the North Pole on August 1, 1958, the first submerged transit from one ocean to another via the Arctic ice sheet...