Jaeger-LeCoultre Geomatic E 398 Yellow gold year 1968

“The Geomatic is the precise and elegant assistant for men of taste.”

This is how a 1960s Jaeger-LeCoultre advertisement described this historic model from the prestigious Swiss watchmaker.

Introduced in 1962, a year after the discontinuation of the mythical Geophysic, the Geomatic is one of the most famous and sought-after models in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history. Elegantly striking at first glance, the yellow gold Geomatic was produced in only about 1,000 examples between 1962 and 1968. Now very rare, we are pleased to offer a specimen of exceptional quality, reference E 398, sold in 1968, complete with all its original accessories and documents!

The case of this rare Geomatic is in 18-carat yellow gold (750 ‰), with a beautiful diameter (36 mm), complemented by a radiant domed silver dial set with gold indices and a date window, featuring a set of fine luminescent hands characteristic of the model, all protected by a domed plexiglass crystal.

Developed to be one of the most reliable automatic watches of its time, the Geomatic, produced between 1962 and 1968, is equipped with the K881B Rotor caliber certified chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) with the mention “Particularly good results.” This high-grade movement features 23 jewels, a central second, a date window at 3 o’clock, a micrometric adjustment screw, an instantaneous date change at precise midnight, and the innovative stop-seconds function, allowing the second hand to be stopped for precise time-setting. These features have been admired by prestigious and collector watch enthusiasts for over 60 years.

The Geomatic medallion in gold, finely engraved on the screw-down case back, is in perfect condition and reflects the importance that the famous Sentier manufacture placed on this model.

We are pleased to offer this example with an exceptional set:

• Rare original blue Jaeger-LeCoultre case featuring the golden Geomatic medallion;
• Original warranty certificate referencing the watch’s serial number and documenting an initial sale on December 17, 1968, at Au Bouquet d’Or, a Jaeger-LeCoultre retailer in Paris;
• Rare Geomatic booklet presenting all the specific features of this watch to the owner;
• Blue leather warranty holder again featuring the golden Geomatic medallion;
• and the blackened steel Amplitude Warranty Card.

The contemporary diameter (36 mm) of this Geomatic allows it to be worn in all circumstances today for discreet and versatile elegance. Fully serviced in spring 2024, the chronometric performance of this watch is impeccable. During this service, the plexiglass crystal and leather strap were also replaced with new ones.

In early 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented, through its “The Collectibles” initiative aimed at highlighting some of the most important models in the brand’s history, a similar example to ours, sold for €30,000 as soon as it was listed.

In conclusion: a historically significant watch, by one of the most prestigious houses in Swiss watchmaking, of exceptional build quality, perfectly preserved since its birth 50 years ago, and accompanied by a set of accessories making it a rare opportunity for any collector.

This rare Geomatic has been particularly well preserved and is presented today in very good overall condition. The well-defined yellow gold case, the distinctions between polished and satin-finished surfaces remain sharp, with some usage impacts and scratches. Deep planetary Geomatic medallion on the case back, very likely never polished. JL-engraved crown without nicks or flaws. Original sunburst silver dial, never restored and in very good condition, with a few spots and micro-scratches not affecting the inscriptions, with faceted yellow gold indices. Tritium-based luminescent dots at the ends of the indices, some chipped. Original gold hands, characteristic of the model, with luminescent material (tritium-based) in perfect condition with a uniform patina.