Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: E2643 Case No: 333’261 Model Name: “Shark Deep Sea” or “Vogue Chronograph” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 726, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Rubber Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box and Jaeger-LeCoultre service guarantee.
Catalogue Essay
For those who enjoy traveling around the world, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s rare and esteemed reference E2643 is sure to impress. Launched in the late 1960s and marketed as the “Shark Deep Sea” in the U.S., and as the “Vogue Chronograph” in Europe, the “Jaeger-LeCoultre” signed-dial indicates the present example was made for Europe.
An unusual diving chronograph with world time indicated by its rotating bezel, this uncommon watch is housed in a massive case measuring 40 mm in diameter. Featuring broad, angular lugs, the masculine lines and proportions of the case, combined with its modern styling make it difficult to believe this watch is nearly half-century old. The matte black dial, with its white sub-dials, gives it a sporty aesthetic with great legibility. Further enhancing the desirability of this chronograph wristwatch, it is accompanied by its original presentation box and original service guarantee from Jaeger-LeCoultre.
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.