JLC Geomatic Chronometre Cal.K881G 18ct 1964

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Since the founding of Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1833, the company has had a very inventive history, developing over 1,249 mechanical calibres, registering 400+ patents and playing a tremendous role in the development of the industry as a whole. Whether it is the keyless pocket 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 have bought in their 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 it for them. Furthermore, the exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.920, is still in production and in use by both Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet today.

Description

The Geomatic was initially launched in 1964 and this is a very fine example in 18ct yellow gold with 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 is in stunning previously restored condition with a wonderful silver-white dial, this fascinating example is powered by the caliber K881G automatic movement, which was a special chronometer-grade version of Cal. 881. 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 simply outstanding example with the previously restored silver-dial. This beautiful dial is furnished with the original gilt ‘baton’ hour indices which are swept by the original ‘index’ hands, all completed with a date window at 3.

This dial is correctly signed with ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ at the very top of the dial along with ‘Chronometre Geomatic’ on the lower half of the dial and ‘T Swiss Made T’ at the very bottom of the dial below 6.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard and remains in incredible condition.

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 +4 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 ‘LeCoultre’ ‘Fab Suisse’ along with the Calibre K881G and ’23 Jewels’ The movement number serial number is 1637356 which dates the watch to 1964.

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

The Case

The oversized 36mm multi-faceted watch case, excluding the JLC signed crown, is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in three pieces with a screw-down case-back for extra water and dust protection.

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 incredible condition with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye.

The inside of the case is correctly signed with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and also carries the serial number 964037. The exterior of the case back is correctly signed with the JL Geomatic motif long with ‘Chronometre Geomatic’.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality black leather strap has been fitted, which we feel compliments the watch nicely, along with a solid gold JLC buckle. However, 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 and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1964.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. 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.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This is a simply beautiful vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronometre Geomatic and one which we have been very fortunate to acquire, own and admire, if only for a short while! However, we are very proud to offer this superb example here, in completely immaculate condition. It is many more times more stylish than a modern equivalent watch and even though it is 60 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as an everyday watch, should you wish to do so. However you may look at it, this timepiece will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to treasure 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 inevitably climb ever higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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.

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

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.