Jaeger-LeCoultre Geomatic Chronometer 18ct 1962

Description

It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for all its own watches, has also produced movements for many other famous watch houses, such as Vacheron & Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and IWC. Indeed for most of the 20th Century, Jaeger-LeCoultre even supplied bare movements to the great firm of Patek Philippe. Then as now, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always been considered one of the very finest watchmakers in Switzerland and so of course, the world.

Since the founding of Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1833, the company has had a very inventive history, developing over 1,249 mechanical calibres, registering over 400 patents and playing a tremendous role in the development of the industry as a whole. Whether it is the winding crown, i.e. keyless watch, Calibre 101, or the iconic Reverso, it would be difficult to imagine a historical account of watchmaking without the mention of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The company has always been a true ‘Manufacturer’ of the finest quality watch movements. This is unusual because more often than not, high-end brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron & Constantin would often buy in movements for particular needs. For example, in 1967 when Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron & Constantin needed an ultra-thin automatic movement, it was to Jaeger-LeCoultre they turned, to produce one for them. Furthermore, the exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 920 is still in production and in use today by both Vacheron & Constantin and Audemars Piguet.

Description

The Geomatic was initially launched in 1962 and this is one of the very first examples in 18ct gold without the Geomatic case back. The Geomatic was produced in steel or yellow gold in very limited numbers and during its eight years of production until 1970 only 2,300 gold Geomatics were produced.

The Geomatic was the successor to Jaeger’s famous Geophysic model which was marketed to scientists, technicians and explorers.

As you will see this watch also has a rare Tapestry dial which is produced in 18ct solid gold and is original and unrestored.

This fascinating example is powered by the caliber K881G automatic movement, which was a special chronometer-grade version of Cal. 881 with Kif-A shock protection

This is a wonderful example of the power and beauty of the Geomatic model.

The Dial

The Geomatic along with its predecessor the Geophysic were a step apart from the more usual JLC dress watch of the period. The Geophysic was designed as a ‘tool’ watch for dependable use in harsh environments, and the Geomatic was its dress watch successor.  These were bold designs in line with the period, launched and sold during a time of great excitement around such things as early jet airliners, space travel and satellite communications.

This is a rarely seen example with an original 18ct solid gold, unrestored tapestry dial. Usually, we restore the dial as part of the restoration of a watch. This is because vintage watch dials over 50 years old are usually damaged due to sunlight and air pollution. This typically takes the form of fading, staining. pitting, speckling etc. Damage is also often caused to a dial during servicing since anything which comes into contact with an aged dial will leave a mark. Here, however, the dial is in exceptionally good condition and so we have left it completely alone for the sake of originality. Also because some wearers prefer the charm of an unrestored dial. There is just some very light and even spotting across dial only seen under high magnification

The dial is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Automatic’ with Chronometre and Geomatic below, and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial.

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements really are of the highest quality, and certainly among the top tier of most highly regarded Swiss watch manufacturers.

The movement used in this watch is the Jaeger LeCoultre calibre K881G, which is a special Chronometer version of the K881. This was part of a family of movements, including Calibres 880, 882, and 883 introduced in 1959. This series was much more advanced than earlier Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic movements. No longer a bumper automatic, this series features a full 360º winding system and, unlike many similar movements of the era, can wind in both directions. It beats at 19,800 bph, has a sweep second hand, and a date window.

This is the original movement which as can be seen, is in sparkling condition having just been fully overhauled and serviced by our Master Watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly of the watch movement to all its component parts, close inspection of all critical parts under high magnification and then replacement where necessary, using only original manufacturer parts. The following stage is lubrication using individually specified lubricants for differing parts of the movement and careful re-assembly before regulating / timing. This watch therefore winds and sets smoothly is keeping accurate time, consistently, to within +3 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age and has been confirmed by our electronic timegrapher. We therefore we have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months warranty*.

This movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ ‘Fab Suisse’ and K881G. The movement number serial number is 1537371 which dates the watch to 1962.

*Please note, our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

This large-sized 35mm multi-faceted watch case is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in two pieces with screw-fit case-back for extra water and dust protection. The case is quite slim at 10mm in depth including the lens.

Due to its sophisticated case construction and elegant profile this watch sits beautifully on the wrist and looks every bit the quality piece it is. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The inside of the case is correctly signed LeCoultre Co Swiss, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the reference E396.

The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with a new, high-quality matt black calf leather strap with a gold plated buckle. If a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the movement reference number, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1962.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included, with our detailed receipt and our 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The watch also comes complete with the genuine and very rare vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

A fascinating rare vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre which is much more interesting and full of charm than a modern equivalent. Even though it is 60 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch, should you wish. Most of all it is a thing of beauty – some may say a ‘work of art’ from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watch-making. However you wish to view it, this time-piece will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to treasure, use and enjoy. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger, the limited supply allied to high demand means prices will climb ever higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.