Jeanrichard Terrascope in Deepsea Blue

I have a weakness for blue dials.  Think Piaget Emperador, Ulysses Nardin, Blancpain and Jaeger LeCoultre Rendez-vouz blue. Now I have another stunning blue to add to the list - The Jeanrichard Terrascope timepiece.  The dial of the Terrascope is an intriguing blend of  blue hues accentuated by a textured look providing the illusion that one is looking upon the swirling seas of mother earth from a distant planet. Of course I have not come by this notion as a result of my overactive imagination (of which I am not denying), but rather by the name of the collection itself.
Terrascope in its literal sense means "Terra" - as in earth and "Scope" as in viewing instrument like microscope or telescope. It seems, again in its literal sense,  an instrument such as a terrescope would be of no use to us earthly folk, because as the name suggests ,and it being the antithesis of a telescope , the terrascope would be much more useful to inquisitive aliens. Jeanrichard other collections include the Aquascope and Aeroscope.  Jeanrichard refers to the Terrascope collection as "The accomplice of the explorers of the planet."

So how does the new blue  Jeanrichard Terrascope 39mm fare as an explorer's accomplice?  As far as blending in with an explorers get-up, the Terrascope signature structure sporting a round bezel and dial superimposed over a cushion shaped watch case exudes a look of rugged competence. This type of construction enables a unique modular case design. The advantage of the modular case - its exploded version depicted to the left - is its ability to integrate different materials and design elements into the timepiece without having to perform a complete overall.  In addition, since the watch is a partner in earths exploration, different explorers require different watch options, of which JeanRichard provides many.
Of course when one is exploring the earth, one is bound to happen upon a large body of water where getting quite wet is the only option of passage.   Thus the Terrascope is water resistant to 100 meters successfully implemented without a screw down crown.  Of course this is due to clever and optimal construction culminating from years of watchmaking experience.  JeanRichard is a sister company to Girard Perregaux, both now under the Kering Group,  and named after the great watchmaker Daniel JeanRichard - read his incredible story here.
The 39mm Terrascope sporting new subtle alteration of proportions adds underlying classic formality to a sporty watch.  Beneath the azure blue dial, rhodium coated hands and suspended indices, a self-winding JR60 movement beats at 28,800 vph visible via a sapphire crystal case-back.  The sapphire crystal case back is a new feature in this collection enabling the wearer to view the watch movement in action beneath the to and fro movement of the black oscillating weight.

The purpose of the oscillating weight or rotor in any watch enables automatic winding without winding at the crown. The rotor is designed to move back and forth during the swinging motion of ones arms while walking.  The movement of the rotor or oscillating weight winds the mainspring.  The mainspring stores the energy which is released at a constant rate - thanks to the  efficient mechanics of the balance spring and escapement.

The dial of the JeanRichard Terrsacope is actually a two part construction with a raised outer ring baring the minute track. The hands and hour markers are situated on the actual dial plate. The chiseled baton hour markers are tipped by Superluminova allowing for easy readout in the dark. Superluminova also coats the  JeanRichard Terrascope signature arrow hour hand and losangé minute hands.  Other dial functions include a  red tipped arrow seconds hand as well as a date aperture located at the 3 'o' clock position. 


 Quite a few striking female models have also been released with these new redesigned dimensions. Dusty Rose hues and shimmering diamond bezels to name but a few.

With its remarkable versatility;  dependable craftsmanship; astonishing range of color, gem and material combinations and affordable pricing ($2000-$5000 range - depending on materials and gems) and now more models sized at 39mm,  the JeanRichard Terrascope collection should be well taken in consideration when out to purchase a watch.

The Origin of 10 Watch Logos

1. Eterna -  5 ball bearings.  In 1948 Eterna unveiled the Eterna-Matic which comprised of a low friction ball bearing used to support the rotor of the automatic movement. This led to a great increase in the efficiency of the rotor. The invention of the Eterna-Matic with its ball bearings had such an overwhelming effect on Eterna, it fashioned its logo after five ball bearings.

 2. Longines - Winged Hourglass - Oldest Valid Trademark in the in the International Registary at WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) . The iconic winged hourglass was originally registered in 1889 in Switzerland followed by a filing under the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks in 1893. Read More

3. Bulova - Tuning Fork - From Bulova's 1960's Accutron 214 movement, which was a ground breaker in electronic watches using a battery instead of a spring and a tuning fork instead of a balance.  This resulted in a watch that "hummed" rather than "ticked." Quartz eventually phased out the Accutron, but they are still well loved. Read more info on Bulova Accutron. 

4. Vacheron Constantin - Maltese Cross - First appeared on watches in 1880.  The logo is taken from the shape of the component of the movement  affixed to the barrel.  This hallmark component ensures the number of wheels can be kept low.

 5. Patek Philipe - Calatrava Cross -  A powerful symbol signifying  unbridled success.  The Calatrava Cross comprises of the Greek Cross with four fleur-de-lis at its ends. Created in 1158 by Pope Gregory VIII, as a symbol for the Knights of Calatrava (the name of an old Moorish castle that had been liberated), to bring victory in battle against the numerous and experienced Moors, as the Knights of Calatrava had been simple shepherds before becoming Knights.  The Knights of Calatrava were victorious, winning a battle outnumbered 10 to 1.  Patek chose this symbol very well.  He placed it on every Patek Phillipe timepiece to protect the timepiece and bring success to the wearer.

 

 6. Girard-Perregaux -  the Tourbillon Sous Trois Points d'Or or Tourbillon Under 3 gold bridges Crafted by Constant Girard Perregaux.  After which the design lay dormant for 115 years. In 1982 the design was revived in pocket watches and in 1991 adapted for wristwatches to commemorate the 200th birthday of Girard-Perregaux.

7. Breguet - Breguet Hands.  Breguet Hands were designed by  Abraham Louis Breguet in 1783 and are instantly identified by hollowed out points. 1775 inscribed below "Breguet" is the year that Abraham Louis Breguet, best known for the father of the tourbillon, founded the company. He was born in Neuchâtel, Switzeland on January 10th, 1747 and became one of the most revered watchmaking legends.



8.  JeanRichard - JR Initials of the company, name and date below.  Although there is no significant movement upon the logo, the date placing the foundation of the company deep within the 17th century is significant enough. The legend about the company's founder - Daniel JeanRichard is to intriguing to write here in just a few lines, but I recommend that you
Read it here - The Legend of Daniel JeanRichard 

9. Corum - Key to perfect time.
The name Corum stems from the Latin word Quorum meaning
"The minimum number of members whose presence is necessary to make the proceedings and decisions of an assembly or society valid. It is then said a Quorum is reached."
The number of a Quorum is very definite depending on the society,

The key is the key to perfect time, and the last person to arrive at a meeting whereby a decision has to be made is the key that unlocks the process. Without that one final person the door is closed and no decision can be made.

10. Omega, and its corresponding symbol Ω, is the 24th Letter in the Greek Alphabet.  In 1898, The company changed its name from Louis Brandt et Frères to Omega after its groundbreaking movement - the 19 caliber "Omega".  This relatively affordable movement introduced time setting via the crown as well as a new "assembly line" production procedure.

JeanRichard Highlands Big Life Watch Limited Edition to Save African Elephants

At the 2012 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), JeanRichard will unveil the Highlands Big Life Limited Edition Watch.  The Limited Edition (100 pieces) support a worthy cause.  In September 2010, photographer Nick Brandt founded the Big Life Foundation in order to curtail the escalation of elephant poaching effecting the Amboseli ecosystem (2 million acre region straddling the Tanzania/ Kenya border.)   Big Life Foundation's grass roots approach has greatly reduced poaching and many poachers have been stopped; however, due to the incredible surface area of this ecosystem and insatiable demand for illegal ivory, Big Life Foundation with its 120 or so rangers, 14 outpost and 13 vehicles, still have a long way to go.  

To assist in this monumental task, JeanRichard has teamed up with Nick Brandt to create awareness of Big Life Foundation and raise money for the cause.  JeanRichard has a long history of interest in Africa's natural environment.  In the 1990's, JeanRichard captured Africa's raw unmarked beauty with the aid of Peter Beard's images.  At the beginning of this year JeanRichard unveiled a rugged watch collection - the Jean Richard Highland Sand- which is available in a dusty khaki - the color of Highlands.  It is not enough for JeanRichard to merely appreciate the beauty of Africa, now JeanRichard is taking a step to protect the African Wild Life with this Limited Edition addition to the Highland Collection. 

 The green 'tent" color bezel and rugged fabric strap is the epitome of a Safari "must have".   The large 44.5mm case is crafted from resilient sand blasted steel.  The green bezel is bi-directional sporting 12 Arabic Numeral hour markers for keeping tabs on a second time zone. A black matt dial ensures no glare from the bright African sun and luminescent coated indices and dial hands ensure maximum read out in dark African nights.  "Big Life" is marked in  bold red clearly displaying the charitable cause.  The hardy fabric strap is fastened with a PVD coated folding buckle.  

Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal withstands abrasions from sand or stones... and do not despair if one runs out of batteries - the Big Life Limited Edition Watch is automatic and  can be  wound by the gentle swinging motion of the wrist.  The movement runs smoothly aided by  27 jewels and oscillates at a vph of 28,000.  The movement is visible via a scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal engraved with Nick Brandt's powerful image of an elephant thundering across the desolate African plain amidst clouds of dust.

The watch is designed to accompany the wild life enthusiast on many a Safari (word derived from "Traveler" in Swahili).

 In case the perfect camera shot requires complete stillness for a number of hours, the watch is capable of  a 48 hour power reserve.  If one must wallow into a watering hole (not advisable on account of crocodiles and hippos), the watch will remain water resistant up to 100 meters or 330 feet.  

Did You Know

JeanRichard stems from a young watchmaker born in 1665 - click here to learn more about this wondrous tale.

Venture into a JeanRichard Highlands Sand

JeanRichard has delivered a rugged watch built for the toughest adventure. When endurance is a necessity and failure is not an option, a resilient precision timepiece is a worthy companion. The Highlands Sands depict the vast open spaces of Africa where nature is untouched and animals roam free. The hardy khaki fabric strap is fashioned from materials used to cover water canteens and other outdoor survival gear.

JeanRichard Highlands Sands is a reintroduction of its mid 1990's collection the "Highlands by JeanRichard" where Peter Beard captured the raw beauty of Africa's land.



A 44.55mm x 40mm sand blasted stainless steel tonneau case supports a round bidirectional rotating bezel. The ecru mat dial is the color of a desert dust storm with large Arabic numerals. Bold hands coated in luminescence enable time display even in dim conditions. A Scratch resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the dial and ensures maximum read out even under the brilliant African sun. A screw down crown and case back ensures water resistance to 100 meters, because you never know where your adventures may take you.

Via a scratch resistant sapphire crystal case back one can view a precise and durable JR21000 automatic movement. Equipped with a 48 hour power reserve and fastened with a folding safety buckle, this watch will never let you down.

The Legend of Daniel Jean Richard

Jean Richard is a Luxury Watch Company baring the name of a legend. Daniel JeanRichard. He was born in 1665 in an emerald green valley of La Sagne in a place called "Les Bressels" (a product line Bressel is dedicated to his birth place).

In 1679 a horse dealer rode through town with a pocket watch which had ceased to work. He spotted a young boy of about 15 who was working on some filigreed iron wares. He stopped and watched the boy for a minute, intrigued by the boy's obvious talent. The man fingered his valuable pocket watch, thinking. He got off his horse and came towards Daniel JeanRichard. Their was something about the boy that made the man trust him, and he pulled his English pocket watch out of his baggage.

The boy stretched out his hand and the man placed the watch in the boy's eager hand. The boy had never before laid eyes on a watch. He slowly opened it mesmerized. In that instant as he held the watch, his fate was sealed and a legend was born.

"Can you repair this watch," the man asked.

The boy captivated by the watch did not answer. The man repeated his question and the boy nodded.
"I will return in a few weeks on my way back from Geneva. Do you think you can repair it by then?"
The boy who had never beheld a watch before replied, "Yes sir, I can."

Daniel JeanRichard gently placed the English pocket watch on his work bench. He had no tools to repair the watch, but he was not deterred. He studied the watch with intense concentration, memorizing every detail. He made a set of primitive tools and he repaired the watch.
While the winter snow piled high against the wall of the blacksmith's shop, Daniel JeanRichard built ,from memory, an exact replica of the English pocket watch, the first watch ever to be made in this region. Up until this day no one had achieved this remarkable feat of building a watch from memory.

Documentation is scant in terms of the exact details of the legend, and their are some conflicting reports in regard to Daniel JeanRichard's age at the time he held his first watch.

Until his death in 1741, Daniel JeanRichard invented machines and tools essential for watchmaking, as well as the basic principles of the apprenticeship of the watchmaking trade.