Jaeger-LeCoultre Geomatic E 398 Rose Gold Review

Amanico, a seasoned collector, shares an insightful review of his Jaeger-LeCoultre Geomatic E 398 in rose gold, a piece that challenged his personal collecting rules. His detailed comparison with the stainless steel E 399 highlights subtle yet significant differences, offering a valuable perspective on this chronometric classic.

As promised, here are some pictures and thoughts on an unexpected watch, in my collection, the Rose Gold Geomatic.

Why unexpected?

First, because I have a golden rule: I almost never " double " a watch I already have.

Then, because I never buy colored gold watches, as I'm not a big fan of them.

So, why did I get this one, since I already own the Stainless Steel Geomatic?

Even if the dial is the same, at the exception of the colored indexes, hands, and date window, the case is, as you will see, different.

The size and the shape of the case is the same, but the lugs are different, which brings a subtle change in the look of the watch.

Therefore, the Geomatic is not a big nor a thick watch, and the rose gold gives it a nice, warm and very elegant touch.

Then, and last reason, the Geomatic is an important watch, due to its chronometric virtues, which deserves respect, love, and some exceptions to firm principles or " golden rules ", don't you think?

Indeed, the Geomatic was released in 1962, one year after the discontinuation of its famous " sister ", the Geophysic, and had quite a long life ( 7 years ), while its production was rather limited ( 1700 pieces in Stainless Steel, 1100 in Yellow Gold, and 773 in Rose Gold, basically, with some variations concerning the dials, and sometimes, the shape of the hands ).

All the versions use the Cal 881 ( sometimes 883 ), which was severely tested at the Manufacture, then submitted to the COSC, and delivered with the mention " Résultats particulièrement bons " ( Particulary good results ).

That being said, let the pictures speak, now.

1/ The Rose Gold Geomatic has a difference Reference Number ( as well as the Yellow Gold version, by the way ).

It is referenced E 398, while the stainless steel model is the Ref E 399.

Different serial number, different lugs, as you can see below:



On the stainless steel, the lugs are much longer and more tappered than on the Rose Gold, which are thinner.

This is not a subtle detail, this is easily noticeable, when put side by side, or " stacked ":



Thanks to this stack, we better understand the difference between the 2 versions.

On the stainless steel, the lugs are part of the case, and they almost meet at 3 and 9 o'clock.

2/ The famous screwed case back, proudly showing the International Geophysical Year logo, a reminiscence of the logo previously featuring on the Geophysic case back ( sticker, not engraving, on the Geophysic ) :



A logo which disappeared with the Geomatic, to " re born " with the Master Compressor Memovox, and lastly, with the Master Chronograph and the Master Memovox.

The Master Control Chronograph case back:



Very nice historical detail.

3/ A dial which matches with the spirit of the watch: Timeless, Classic, Elegant.

Sunburst bombed dial, applied gold long indexes with luminous tritium dots which nicely patined with time, the magic word " Chronometre " written above 6 o'clock, thin and long baton hands filled with tritium, all the codes of Elegance are gathered, on the Geomatic.

4/ A screwed case back, protecting an interesting automatic movement, the Cal 881 G.

Inside the case back are angraved the reference number and the case number.

It is not signed inside, but outside.



The Cal 881 G is a well known Caliber, belonging to the Cal 88x family housed in such watches as the Master Mariner Deep Sea ( Cal 883 ) or some Master Mariner ( Cal 880 ).

An accurate ( I monitered all those I had in my hands for several days, and yes, I can say that this family of movements are amazingly accurate ) and reliable movement.

It is not highly decorated, or finished, it doesn't have the appeal of the Geophysic movement, still it is pleasant to see, with the JL logo with is cut through the rotor.

As you can see, it is ALWAYS signed LeCoultre, which doesn't match with the signature on the dial, but it is normal, and this rare characteristic is shared with a few watches, such as the Geophysic, once again.



5/ A watch like the Geomatic doesn't have to be bigger to be more charming.

Despite its modest size ( 36 mm ), the Geomatic seems to take benefit of the important aperture of its dial, and it looks like a 38 mm watch.

On the wrist, the rose gold ( the stainless steel too, of course ) is really charming and pleasant.



The rose gold case, as previously said, adds some presence to the natural elegance of the watch.

Though, I'm not sold to colored gold cases, but for a few watches like this Geomatic or the Geophysic, I can make a delicious exception!

Aaah, I almost forgot... My 2 Geomatic, as per a curious coincidence, are from ... 1964!



Hoping that you will have pleasure to read this post, and looking forward to read your comments,

Best.

Nicolas.