Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 2643 Case No: 303’535 Model Name: “Shark Deep Sea” or “Vogue Chronograph” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Further delivered with Jaeger-LeCoultre fitted presentation box and Extract from the Archives confirming its production date in circa 1969.
Catalogue Essay
Originally launched in the late 1960’s, the Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. 2643 nicknamed either the “Shark Deep Sea” in the United States or “Vogue Chronograph” in Europe is without a doubt an eccentric chronograph wristwatch with a waterproof screw-down caseback. Measuring a large 40mm diameter for its case, the watch is certainly vast in comparison to most wristwatches manufactured in the respective era. However, fast forward to the 21st century, any wristwatch with a case diameter above 38mm is considered the norm.
The present example from Europe, evident via its “Jaeger-LeCoultre” signature on the dial, is preserved in excellent overall condition. The case is phenomenal, retaining its faceted lugs and desired bevels. Furthermore it is accompanied by the Extract from the Archives issued by Jaeger-LeCoultre confirming the production of the present example in circa 1969.
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.