Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre Year: 1969 Reference No: E 2643 Case No: 296'066 Model Name: “Shark Deep Sea” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 40.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by two additional LeCoultre bezels, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1969 and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The present model, known as the "Shark Deep Sea", or "Vogue Chronograph" in Europe, was originally launched in the 1960s. A water-resistant chronograph watch, it had the ability to measure a variety of time-related functions due to its interchangeable bezel.
This example was made for the American market, evidenced by the LeCoultre signature on the case, dial and movement. In addition to the diver's bezel, it still retains both its Telemeter and exceedingly rare World Time bezels. These are proudly displayed inside the original LeCoultre presentation box.
Preserved in excellent condition, its hour markers have developed a warm and even patina throughout, matching the hands. The "Stainless Steel" engraving on the case back is sharp and crisp, as is the case number beneath.
Not all companies in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger LeCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker." Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named LeCoutre, the firm provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished mechanical movements with which they completed their watches.
In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.