The “Gyrolab” bar type balance
was first tested on Jaeger’s
technological test-bed of the
Extreme Lab series in 2007.
Two adjustment screws are
inset within the bar ends to
minimize fluidic resistance
and allow for fine timing
adjustments. The hair-spring
integrates a modified “dog-leg”
terminus, keeping the entire
hair-spring on a single plane
and likely saving the extra
clearance space of an overcoil.
Magnification really
shows how dedicated
Jaeger-LeCoultre is
to making a perfect
timepiece.
the Omega’s Co-Axial escapement. After testing, introducing, and
refining it, Omega has now integrated George Daniels’ famous assembly into the majority of the watches they produce. Another more
recent example may be Ulysse Nardin’s own Suspended Anchor
escapement. It has the same potential to claim an iconic status
within the brand across types—although it is still in its early stages.
Jaeger’s Gyrolab balance and True Second display have the same
potential as immediate brand identifiers and a new cornerstone in
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history.
One thing that many watch buyers do not often consider at the
point of sale is serviceability. Given its innovative new mechanism
we asked our own master watchmaker and advisory board member,
Don Loke, to have a look; and while innovative and very interesting,
he points out that the new mechanism eschews over-complication;
qualified watchmakers should be comfortable working on it for
service and repair.
Since the return to favor of mechanical watches in the 1990’s,
the staccato “crawl” of the mechanical movement has represented a
membership of sorts. At a glance a watch was obviously either mechanical or quartz. However, along with the return of the mechanical
watch, an educated electorate is now aware that lesser examples
“crawl” in the same space, and collectors have learned to look more
closely at the merits of each watch in front of them
JJaeger-LeCoultre
g
mayy veryy well be at the cuspp of a sea change
moment, and I’m certain that savvy
saavvy watch lovers are sure to be looking closely to see if that JLC you’re
yoou’re wearing is crawling along—or
along—
jumping to the True Second bea
at.
beat.
A view from the bottom of the True Second
system reveals the
critical star shaped
gear that triggers the
instantaneous jump of
the center-second hand
via a release finger. Note
the sprung gear near the
center wheels that keeps
the “play” at an absolute
minimum during the
snap action of the onesecond jumps.
Replacing the cool look of steel with the warmth of 18-karat
gold will cost an additional $8,450 as the 18kt pink gold Geophysic True Second retails for $17,500—all else being equal.
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