Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic 1958 Limited Edition

There are not many watches that can trace their origins to the height of the Cold War.

The first Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic was introduced in 1958 during a time when the U.S. and the Soviet Union were busying themselves with the strategic production of huge masses of arms and missiles. The Soviets had convinced themselves that their northern boundaries were impassable, but the United States had an ace up its sleeve — The USS Nautilus. The Nautilus was the world's first operational atomic submarine, and in 1958, it became the first vessel to complete a submerged transit to the North Pole, a scientific milestone that coolly doubled as strategic muscle-flexing.

The North Pole's powerful magnetic fields rendered ordinary timepieces completely useless, placing the Nautilus's commander, Captain William Anderson, and his officers in need of a timekeeping instrument that could operate in such extreme environments. JLC answered the need with the Geophysic — a manually-wound, 35mm steel watch that could withstand the increased gaussing. The original Geophysic was only produced for one year, making it an incredibly rare and desirable watch among collectors.

This watch, called the Geophysic 1958, is the revered manufacture's homage to the storied timepiece. Produced in three limited executions — 800 in steel, 300 in rose gold and 58 in platinum — the Geophysic 1958 mirrors the original in more ways than one. Its case bears a striking resemblance to the original, with only a slight size increase to 38.5mm, and a dial design that elegantly updates the look. Under the hood, the watch is driven by a 201-part, self-winding Calibre 898/1 movement equipped with an antimagnetic cage, 43 hours of power reserve and COSC certification.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced homage pieces before. Their Tributes to the Polaris, Deep Sea Alarm and the 1931 Reverso are all brilliantly executed, paying respect to the original designs while refreshing the styling and mechanics in a light-handed and elegant way. The Geophysic is, in our opinion, another home run for JLC, and in an ultra-wearable stainless steel case, it should be at the top of the list for anyone looking for a modern piece with an authentic lineage.

Given the extremely limited production of these pieces, finding one is a hard feat. Holding one long enough to bring it to market is even tougher. This piece, complete with its entire kit, is an incredible find for any JLC collector.

Need more specifics? Our founder published a hands-on review of this timepiece shortly after its launch in 2014, here.

Boy, time sure does fly! 

Few watchmaking concerns are as storied as Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though the maison is not technically a member of the “Holy Trinity” of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, one could easily make the argument that it should be: After all, it was JLC that supplied movements to Patek from the beginning of the 20th century through the early 30s.

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.

But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.

From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.