An unexpected common point between the Rolex Explorer and the JLC Geophysic?

Oct 01, 2010,06:38 AM
 

There are a lot of common points between these 2 pieces:

They both are Chronometers, officially certified.

They have a certain approach of amagnetic virtues.

The both share this simple and elegant look, as they were, obviously, designed as toolwatches.

There are also important differences:

The Explorer has a rugged automatic movement, while the Géophysic enjoys a superb and nicely finished movement.

When the escapement, on the Rolex is the only part to be amagnetic, the JLC is more performant, on this ground, with a resistance up to 600 Gauss.

Rolex did better, with the Milgauss, though.

Aesthetically speaking, each of them has its own character, which cannot be compared nor confused, and which reflects the DNA of their respective brands.

But there is a very important and unexpected common point which is shared by these 2 watches:







If we have trust in the advertisements of this era, the Explorer 6610 and the Geophysic were both dedicated and conceived for the International Geophysic Year ( I.G.Y ) !



Actually, the 6610 played the card of the adventure, which is logical if you keep in mind Sir Hillary's defies and the name of this reference, when the Geophysic was more on the Scientific ground, but weren't Science and Adventures intimately associated?

2 different but very nice expressions of a same idea...

2 great watches!

Best,

Nicolas.


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Love them both, but if I had to choose only one, it will also be the JLC.

 
 By: amanico : October 1st, 2010-11:38
And I'm pretty sure that if I posted this thread on the Rolex Forum, I would have the inverse result! Best, my friend. Nicolas.

As I said, Baxter, if they play in the same field, they both have a different ...

 
 By: amanico : October 1st, 2010-22:45
Character. 2 Toolwatches, one certainly being more " horological " ( the JLC with its awesome movement ), and dressier ( but here, this is a subjective point ). Love them both, in fact, for what they are. Another important thing is that the Rolex will be,... 

interesting comparison, never thought about that!

 
 By: FanFrancisco : October 1st, 2010-21:50
, but if purely looking at based on their dial side by side, my eyes were caught by the Geophysic... thanks for sharing, Nico. stefan

You're a JLC Hard Core Fan, my friend! :)

 
 By: amanico : October 1st, 2010-22:50
The IGY was one more reason to pay some attention and love to the Rolex Explorer, at least for me. For us, JLC Fans, it is hard to imagine that we don't know this detail. It was not fair to not mention that this reason was also applying to the Rolex Explo... 

Stunning pair, Nicolas!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 2nd, 2010-09:20
So different, but yet still alike. Seeing them side by side makes me think of Yin and Yang. And congrats to a fantastic pair! Best, my friend Blomman

A page of Yng / Yang History, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : October 2nd, 2010-09:51
And a strongly tempting one! It is funny, interesting and somewhat strange to see that Rolex and JLC were involved in the IGY. Best, Blomman. Nicolas

Strange, maybe…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 3rd, 2010-00:59
Or maybe not? Even if Rolex and JLC don’t work in the geophysical area, they are scientists in their own field; Time. And a lot of the work during the IGY relied on exact timekeeping. So, maybe not that strange? Best, my friend Blomman

Some trivia...

 
 By: BDLJ : October 5th, 2010-21:32
...another watch to share this association is the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic. Supposedly used in Operation Deepfreeze (US Navy expedition to the Antartic in support of the IGY) I searched my hard drive but I cannot find the advertisement....

Thanks for the information, Ben...

 
 By: amanico : October 5th, 2010-22:59
A picture of the watch or of the advertisment would be the top! Best, Nicolas

They...

 
 By: BDLJ : October 5th, 2010-23:03
used the name "Atlantic" for years, on many models. So I'll see if I can find the ad or the correct 1957 Chronometer grade watch.