This is the rare reissue that actually captures the essence of the original. The ref. 500.8.37, known as the Geophysic 1958, was released in 2014 as a limited edition reissue of 800 examples in steel. This is a classic brought to modernity with respect, both in detail and size at a well-judged 38.5mm. The original Geophysic was made in 1038 examples and though far fewer survive today, this may be the only time I can recall where the successor is more scarce. But just what is a Geophysic?
1958 was both JLC’s 125th and something known as the International Geophysical Year. The IGY, as it was known, was an international science project that lasted from 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958, chosen as it was the peak of that solar cycle (19) and happened to collide with 1958. On the surface, the event was created to celebrate the Earth sciences of airglow, cosmic rays, geomagnetism, gravity, ionospheric physics, longitude and latitude determinations, meteorology, oceanography, seismology, and solar activity. Under the surface, the IGY marked the end of the Cold War’s scientific stalemate, one of the first large public scientific exchanges between East and West since the nuclear age. This seemed like the ideal time for JLC to debut their scientist’s anti-magnetic watch.
Characteristically, JLC were exacting. The ref. E168 which resulted was based on JLC’s war-time Mk XI. That calibre was upgraded with more precise regulation, hacking seconds, and even a Glucydur balance to guard against temperature fluctuation. It was now a chronometer, adjusted in five positions. This was all wrapped in an antimagnetic cage, giving 600 gauss resistance at still only 35mm. The E168 was durable and precise thanks to its military pedigree. That reputation saw it taken on multiple Polar expeditions, and even led it to be worn by captains of the Nautilus (the world’s first nuclear Submarine). It was replaced after just a year with the (IMO) less-intriguing Geomatic. Those originals are vanishingly rare and usually trade around 50K USD today.
Then, in 2014, JLC surprised us all with a fantastically respectful reissue. At a glance, the watch is a carbon copy. But it really isn't. The fonts on the 5-minute marks are modernized. Its lugs have an extreme shark-nose wrap-under and finely executed bevel. Case sides are brushed for contrast. The rehaut has tiny lume pips at the hours, which the original never did. And the calibre 898/1 is certainly different; one of JLC's more technically advanced movements, it features kif shock resistance, Spyr gears for smooth torque application, lubricant free ceramic ball-bearing winding system, micro-regulation to a standard higher than COSC, and an antimagnetic cage. JLC cut no corners in doing the original justice. It's an anti-magnetic scientist's watch at heart, but on-wrist just a little more refined and dressier than all except the Patek 3417 A-Mag. Pair with a lab coat or suit.
