The Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second first launched in 2015, an elegant 39.6mm watch with a dead-beat seconds hand. Jaeger-LeCoultre has now released a new limited edition variant with a dark blue sunburst dial, sporting silver hour markers and triple-faceted matchstick hands.

The original Geophysic was launched for the International Geophysical Year in 1958, a tool watch for a year of cross-border scientific collaboration that marked a relaxing in Cold War tensions.

A reinterpretation of the original 1958 chronometer, the new Geophysic True Second retains the instrument feel – the cross-hairs can be seen clearly in the centre of the dial. The new blue dial shade does bring a little more fun to the watch than the 2015 white dial did.

Inside is the calibre 770, with a dead-beat seconds function allowing the seconds to jump precisely on a star-wheel and pin system, powered by a high-tension spring.

The Gyrolab balance wheel, shaped like the Jaeger-LeCoultre anchor motif and designed to reduce air friction, took over eight years to develop. The pink gold logo-shaped rotor is visible through the caseback, and the jumping hour is set via the crown, which means it doesn’t affect the minute hand.

The Geophysic True Second comes on a brown stitched calfskin watch strap, and is priced at £8,700. It’s limited to 100 pieces, and – interestingly – the watch must be purchased via Jaeger-LeCoultre’s own e-boutique.

This article was first published in Salon QP