Exceptional Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronometre Geomatic Ref. E398 in Yellow Gold, circa 1965

In 1962, four years after the legendary Geophysic, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the Chronometre Geomatic, a watch "for the man of action" conceived as a concentration of its finest innovations: automatic movement with full rotor, date through an aperture, antimagnetic, shock-resistant, hacking seconds and chronometer certification by the Official Testing Bureaux. While the steel version is already rare with around 2,000 examples, the 18-carat Yellow Gold version (Ref. E398) is rarer still, with only ± 1,500 examples produced between 1962 and 1971, across 2 references. The 36 mm gold case is distinguished by a thinner, angular bezel, soldered lugs, an onion crown, and the famous "Chronometre Geomatic" medallion with its terrestrial globe engraved directly into the screwed gold caseback.
The example we are pleased to offer is preserved in superb overall condition. The silver/Silver sunburst dial – the most characteristic version of the model – features applied faceted gold markers, and all its tritium luminescent dots, round and intact, have developed a magnificent uniform and warm patina. The perfectly crisp "owl’s head" hallmarks indicate a destination for the French market. The chronometer-certified K881G caliber has been fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers and works to the strictest tolerances. The piece is presented on a new black alligator leather strap, hand-stitched by our craftsman.
In early 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented, with its "The Collectibles" initiative, an example similar to ours, sold for €30,000 upon its publication. The Geomatic in Yellow Gold represents one of the finest achievements of the Le Sentier manufacture in the second half of the 20th century, and this example of impeccable quality constitutes a rare opportunity for the discerning collector.

In 1962, four years after the introduction of the legendary 1958 Geophysic, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the Chronometre Geomatic. This new creation drew on the experience acquired with its predecessor while developing its own identity. Marketed as a watch "for the man of action" according to the advertisements of the time, the Geomatic is fitted with a high-quality automatic movement with 23 jewels, a date through an aperture at 3 o’clock, antimagnetic protection, shock resistance, and is chronometer-certified by the Official Bureaux for the Control of Watch Rates (BO). It is also equipped with the hacking seconds system ("hack"), allowing the time to be set to the exact second – a feature uncommon at the time.

While the steel Geomatic (references E399 and E399/1) is already rare with around 2,000 examples produced, the 18-carat Yellow Gold version (references E398 and E398/1) is rarer still: its production is estimated at only ± 1,500 examples, manufactured between 1962 and 1971, in 2 versions. Both models share a 36 mm diameter, but the gold case is distinguished by a thinner, angular bezel, shorter and more tapered lugs, and an onion crown – a dressier design, in keeping with the nobility of the material. The screwed caseback bears the famous "Chronometre Geomatic" medallion with its terrestrial globe, engraved directly into the gold – whereas the steel version receives an applied medallion.

The example we are pleased to offer is preserved in superb overall condition. The Yellow Gold case retains its particularly crisp delineations between the bright/mirror-polished surfaces. The silver/Silver sunburst dial – the most characteristic version of the model – is remarkably preserved. The applied faceted gold markers and the "JL" logo at 12 o’clock are in perfect condition. All the luminescent dots (tritium-based) at the tips of the markers are present, intact and round, and have developed a magnificent uniform and warm patina, as have the original hands. The "SWISS MADE T" inscription at 6 o’clock confirms the presence of tritium. The caseback features a crisp and deep Geomatic medallion. Perfectly crisp "owl’s head" warranty hallmarks indicate that this watch was intended for the French market. We present this Geomatic on a new black alligator leather strap, hand-stitched by our craftsman.

At the heart of the watch beats the automatic caliber K881G by Jaeger-LeCoultre – the chronometer-certified version of the famous caliber K881. Its frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour, its Glucydur balance, its micrometric adjustment screw and its Nivarox hairspring ensure meticulous regulation. The hacking seconds function and the instantaneous date change at midnight reflect Jaeger-LeCoultre’s technical ambition with this model. Fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers, the movement works to the strictest tolerances.

In early 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented, with its "The Collectibles" initiative aimed at showcasing some of the most important models in the brand’s history, an example similar to ours, sold for €30,000 upon its publication. The Geomatic in Yellow Gold represents, in effect, one of the finest achievements of the Le Sentier manufacture in the second half of the 20th century. For the discerning collector, this example in superb condition constitutes a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most accomplished automatic chronometer watches of its era.

This rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Geomatic has been particularly well preserved and is presented today in superb overall condition.
The Yellow Gold case remains extremely defined, with crisp demarcations between the polished and brushed surfaces and lugs with sharp edges. On the caseback, the Geomatic planetary medallion is deep and defined – most certainly never polished.
The winding crown, marked "JL", is in very fine condition, with no knocks or losses.
The silver/Silver sunburst dial is entirely original, never restored and in very fine condition. The faceted Yellow Gold markers and the hands are immaculate, and all the luminescent dots (tritium-based) at the tips of the markers are still present, intact, round, and have developed a superb warm and uniform patina.
The automatic-winding mechanical movement, chronometer-certified Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber K881G, has undergone a complete service by one of our experienced watchmakers and works perfectly.
The glossy black alligator leather strap, hand-stitched by our craftsman, is new, and the vintage yellow gold-plated buckle is in perfect condition.
A reference example.

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