Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre Year: circa 1969 Reference No: E2643 Case No: 304'839 Model Name: "Shark Deep Sea" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 726, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Nato style Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Literature: This exact watch is illustrated in "Chronografi da Polso" vol. II by Paul White pp. 206-207.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in the 1960s Jaeger LeCoultre’s Reference E 2643 was marketed as the “Shark Deep Sea” in the U.S., and as the “Vogue Chronograph” in Europe. The “LeCoultre” signed-dial on this example indicates that it was made for the American market.
This testosterone infused diving chronograph is housed in a massive 40 mm case, its broad, angular lugs, masculine lines and case dimensions, combined with its modern styling, make it difficult to believe this watch is nearly a half-century old.
An unusual and rare feature is the full black dial. The majority of “Shark Deep Sea” models were offered with reverse panda dials, meaning a black dial with white sub counters, the present lot is part of the rare versions with black dial and black subcounters.
This exact timepiece is featured in Chronografi da Polso Vol. II by Paul White, pages 206-207, and is further enhanced by its original, excellent condition which will appeal to the collector of unusual and rare sports watches.
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.