| Author | Message | ||
     Tony_c New member Username: Tony_c Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2007 Rating: N/A |
As one with a preference for vintage watches, along with a particular focus on high-quality automatics from what many view as the golden period for such types (late '50's through early '70's), I've long sought a JLC Geomatic. After waiting patiently for the right example to appear, I'm in the process of adding one to my collection. Given the impending acquisition, my interest has intensified somewhat, and I would be grateful if any vintage JLC experts could shed some light on the following questions. My understanding is that two (very similar) movements were used in the Geomatics: cal. 881G and cal. 883S. Is this also your understanding? If so, what are the differences between them? If not, please elaborate. Are there any production numbers available for the Geomatic? What were the differences (aside from dial variations) between the Geomatic and Geophysic? Thanks in advance! Best regards, Tony C. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2376 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
There were 3 movments used the K881G, the K881S and the K883S. They're visibily identical to me. If I were to guess, the differences are in the type of fine regulation the movements had. I have the production figure but I can't make these public yet. The Geophysic is a manual wind watch, the Geomatic is automatic. Very different watches really. | ||
| Tony_c New member Username: Tony_c Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2007 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Zaf. I seem to recall that the Geophysic was marketed as being anti-magnetic (JLC's answer to the Ingenieur?). Were the Geomatics also designed to be highly anti-magnetic? Thanks. Regards, Tony C. | ||
| Tony_c New member Username: Tony_c Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2007 Rating: N/A |
Also, what do the S and G denote on the movement numbers? Tony C. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2377 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
G = Geomatic S is either Spirotor or Stop Seconde. Not sure which. I think they just went through a nameing convention change between the 881G and 881S. | ||
| Ilja Moderator Username: Ilja Post Number: 201 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
On significant difference between cal 881 and 883 is that the later got a setting stem quick release instead of the screw release system. As a hint for production figures, there was an article in Watch Time magazine some years ago. But article isn�t that accurate anyway.  | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2378 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Frankly, the screw release is much better. It's a downgrade! | ||
| Tony_c New member Username: Tony_c Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2007 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, Thanks for the interesting tidbit relating to the stem. I read somewhere that there were roughly 1,700 Geomatics produced. Is that figure in the ballpark (without giving away your specific number)? Also, I was told by someone that some Geomatics were produced in tonneau cases. Is that true? I don't recall ever have seen one. Thanks, Tony | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2379 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Your figure is in the ballpark, there are Tonneau ones, very rare. | ||
| Tony_c New member Username: Tony_c Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2007 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, Thanks for all of your insights. One question you haven't answered, though, is whether or not the Geomatic was designed (like the Geophysic) to be highly anti-magnetic. And my final question is this: I read a post from someone who said that they had a NOS Geomatic dial fitted by JLC. Do they, to your knowledge, still have such NOS dials? Thanks again. Regards, Tony C. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2383 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
It does not have a soft iron cover if that is what you're askin. Just being in a gold case will provide a fair amount of antimagnetic properties without one. I don't know at all what JLC stocks, sorry. | ||
| Tony_c New member Username: Tony_c Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2007 Rating: N/A |
Having done some further research, it appears that there was an article in the August 2003 edition of Watch Time which included the following specific production numbers for the Geomatic. I do find it to be interesting – and a bit surprising – that there were more produced in gold than steel.  |