The Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time

JLC

JLC

JLC

JLC

JLC

JLC

JLC

JLC

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After that magnificent article about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph we got our hands full for the rest of the evening.

I’m talking about the JLC Geophysic Universal Time, and “what a hell of a watch” if you allow me.

I got that same feeling as I had when trying my first high end watch, a feeling of “tasting” pure art, a masterpiece that spent a handful of hours being made by master watchmakers, a culmination of several techniques that lead to perfection.

In my short life I didn't yet had the chance to try a World Timer, sometimes due to putting other models and brands on front of it.

But this time was “THE” time.

The first surprising fact about this JLC was its price, the Vacheron Constantin had a 32.000€ price tag while a rose gold JLC with true second and a worldtimer functions had a 25.000€ price tag… this fact confirmed my thoughts about JLC being one of the best price/quality watch manufacturers.

Since I’m a Rose Gold addict I ended up choosing the rose gold JLC instead of the more “regular” stainless steel one, and since it’s such a statement watch due to the world timer dial we can’t say it would be less “flashy” in stainless steel right!??

Alright alright… no excuses..

Let’s talk about the watch!

The Universal Time features true second complication (also known as Dead Beat Mechanism),

which is getting more used in modern days (GRONEFELD uses this complication often too).

Although the true second complication is beauty is a complication that needs much more power than the regular 5 thickings per second (regular mechanical watches).

It was the first JLC Geophysic to have a solid gold oscillating weight , that is very well finished and can be seen from the sapphire glass caseback.

It could even be used facing the case back instead of the dial.. but let's not forget this isn't a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime..

Now let's discuss the dial.

The dial happens to have a very well chosen variation of colors, from dark blue to lighter tone of dark blue, gold/beige and red and blue city markers.

The Capital/City chapter rings has a white background leading to an easier read and adjustment, but also ends up creating a perfect contrast between the rose gold case the the blue and beige world centered dial.

The watch itself wears nicely on the wrist, although the 41,6mm can be seen as a little bit too much for some (like me) I ended up enjoying it a lot actually.

But the more you use a world timer the more you understand that it’s not a watch to use as your daily beater ( unless you're a pilot..) even if you really enjoy the watch you will end up getting a little tired of all that color in your wrist mixed with a small difficult to spot the hours almost immediately like you would do on a normal wrist watch.

In terms of its strap...This was another surprise, I think we all have that need of finding the perfect strap for the watch, but in this case I found myself thinking that if it was mine or someone else every single person would change the strap, it ends up being a little too thin for a watch with 11,84mm of thickness.

I’m not saying it’s bad, but in the end it feels like it wasn't made for that watch.

Moving on to its heart.

This JLC bears the JLC Caliber 772 with the amazing GyroLab balance wheel that need 14 machines and 10 minutes ( instead of just one) to be made, oh ..and did i mention that JLC makes all their components and parts in-house? They do!

The GyroLab Balance Wheel is made with a semi-circle form that allows a more precise working and since it’s smaller it makes easier to manage energy.

Final word.

This JLC Geophysic Universal Time is truly a watch that delivers a technical measurement of time in a beautiful design, mixed with a outstanding price tag and feel on the wrist!