SIHH 2012:The unveil of a Mystery Piece, in a Mystery Place: Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph.

Jan 11, 2012,00:04 AM
 




For the second time, La Grande Maison gives to PuristSPro the exclusivity on the release of a new watch to come.

Last year, I was lucky to play with the Deep Sea Alarm Prototype.

This year, rather than presenting the new watch in the comfortable saloon of a Boutique or of an Hotel, the Manufacture opted for an unexpected place.

I had the privilege, on the 19th of December, to attend an original experience, in Paris.

As for the introduction of this Deep Sea Chronograph, Jaeger-Lecoultre decided to require the assistance of some professional divers who brought us in a very original place, one of the very few places in which you can have some diving tests, and invited your servitor, as well as a french Journalist, my friend Stefan Ciejka who is the redactor in chief of " La Revue Des Montres ".

The first who will guess what is this mysterious place will receive an Ipad from JLC, by the way, so try your chance!

That being said, let's first discover this strange decorum, then we'll focus on the new watch...

1/ The decorum:

Meeting point: 9.45 AM, in front of the msyterious place.

Stefan Ciejka in action:



Do you want to meet Mephisto? Follow the guide:



Corridors which lead to nowhere.... A hell of a Place.



Some strange tags on the wall... POY, were you there with your girlfriend or what?

You seem to be very popular, by the way:

wink



Some weird machines, too...



Some had to face a brief encounter with the Police, but luckily a lawyer was among us, to assist and help him to wuickly recover his freedom:



Time to prepare and check the necessary material for the Diving Experience:







And also the cameras...



An underwater camera, too:



This is the strangest get together I had the chance to attend, by far...

I saw two Master Compressor Diving Pro Geographic, the on on the cameraman's wrist, the other belonging to Stefan, who used it as his favourite toolwatch, which is obvious when you pay attention to the condition of the watch, but after all, this is what it is made for!





A Master Compressor Diving Chronograph GMT Navy SEALs, a solid piece of rose gold, in a rough environment.

A surprising contrast!





A Tribute To Deep Sea Alarm... What better watch to choose to introduce the new Deep Sea?







A few Vintage were there, to celebrate the birth of their Sister:

The Geophysic... not a diving watch, but a watch for adventurers, which is very à propos, in this case:



And the Polaris 68, in the best of health:



But only one had the honors of the day... The Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph, or two, to be more precise, but I have to keep a certain dose of mystery, for such a mysterious topic, don't I?

It is time to let the curtain fall on the latest star:



... In its proper environement:





On the diver's wrist....





Before the inaugural bath, which has nothing to see with the sunny Bahamas Coasts:









And... In action, with some nice underwater photos:







2/ The Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph:

What is the idea behind the Deep Sea Alarm Vintage Chronograph?

One year after the unveil of the Tribute To Deep Sea Alarm, which purpose was to get a very close and faithful re edition of the original model, Jaeger Lecoultre wanted to give another expression to this sensual watch.

The Deep Sea Chronograph never existed.

There was a Vintage Diving Chronograph in the JLC family, but it came 10 years after the Deep Sea Alarm.

Its name? The Shark.

The Tributes To Deep Sea Alarm:



The Chronograph Shark:



Despite its name " Deep Sea VINTAGE Chronograph ", we don't have a Tribute here, it cannot be seen as a Tribute.

BUT it is very close to the spirit of the Deep Sea Alarm, in its look, flaws and qualities.

Exit the Alarm, welcome the Chronograph.

The dial is clearly inspired from the DSA Europe, with its long and thin triangular indexes, as well as the hands,the bezel, which doesn't turn, still, and the sublime case, which has the same dimensions than the Tribute To DSAs ( 40, 5 mm ), the warm plexy, and the engraved case back, with the diver swimming among the bubbles.

On this model, no date, just two counters, and a few wordings, to enhance the symmetry, the balance and the purity of this dial





I like the way " Automatic " is written, in italics, which adds a subtle vintage touch.



The profile is very appealing, and familiar to all the DSA lovers, of course.

A big crown, to wind the watch and set the time, and two correctly sized pushers for the Chronograph,



Another view on the profile of the case, one of the nicest, if not THE nicest, among the modern offer:



No see through case back, here, but who would complain, when you see the lovely diver among his air bubbles...



The movement is the Cal 751G, an automatic and well known chronograph movement, beating at 28800 vibrations per hour, with its large variable inertia balance and the ceramic ball bearings, which has proven its efficiency and accuracy through the years.

Nothing revolutionnary, here, but this kind of chronograph needs more reliability than technical audaces.

It will be available in all the Boutiques, worldwide, and it is not a limited edition.

Good news, don't you think?

Conclusion:

If Jaeger-Lecoultre thought about making a diving Chronograph in the late Fifties, it would certainly have looked like this.

This Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph is a time capsule, in my opinion.

A nice way to travel in time, with class, sensuality and elegance.

Water resistant to 100 meters, I would not advice to use the pushers under the water, though.

But do we always need to use the full functionality of our watches?

I predict a brilliant future for this watch.



Best,

Nicolas

PS: Don't forget to play: The first who will discover the secret place will win the Ipad from JLC. This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-01-11 00:05:32 This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-01-15 00:36:45


More posts: GeophysicJaeger LeCoultreMaster CompressorMemovoxPolaris 1968

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Amazing pics Nico...as usual...

 
 By: Andy : January 11th, 2012-00:09
it will however take me a while to digest this report and work out where you were BIG thanks to you and JLC for the preview. Yours my friend, Andy.

I'll also go with....

 
 By: Andy : January 11th, 2012-04:36
the Parisian sewers....I believe some of the finest in the world which also have street names..!! Yours, Andy.

Great stuff. Thank you for the sneak peak.

 
 By: oyster21 : January 11th, 2012-00:09
Cheers, Eko

Thank you so much, Eko. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-22:36
No message body

Catacombs of Paris

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : January 11th, 2012-00:15
Awesome post!!! Excited as much as first time we meet in person..... you remember...ehhh Best Damjan

My attempt

 
 By: Clavi : January 11th, 2012-00:16
it seems that this place could be the access to the tanks located under the Opera Garnier

A picture is better than a thousand words

 
 By: Clavi : January 11th, 2012-06:59
It was a very fun quiz, and as we use to say here, "Google was my friend" The watch itself seems very promising (and it seems that it won't be one, but two watches ! ) Many elements taken from the past, combined together in a form unseen before in the his...  

Garnier Opera

 
 By: karmin : January 11th, 2012-00:18
Under Garnier Opera ?

too late...

 
 By: karmin : January 11th, 2012-00:19
Damn ! Clavi was quicker....

Well just in case it is not the Opera Garnier.

 
 By: grigo : January 11th, 2012-00:32
Then it might be the "egouts" of Paris, meaning the sewers that can be visited. Best regards, George

Interesting and logic progression..

 
 By: moc : January 11th, 2012-00:21
from JLC,the "tribute"watches are very succesful,and this one even i not aproper tribute,plays in the same league. Very nicely balanced I think and I love the "automatic" which gives such a vintage feeling. Well played JLC! By the way do you want to know ... 

A very cool watch, I think. The proto I saw yesterday with some happy few

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-22:39
Received a warm welcome, as warm as the watch is! Best, Mo. Nicolas.

Aesthetically sublime no complaints whatsoever.

 
 By: Ruckdee : January 11th, 2012-00:23
I don't know much enough about vintage JLC pieces so I will refrain from commenting too much. It is a sweet, beautiful, vintage-looking and symmetrical watch to my eyes. But I will have hesitation wearing it while submerged for the fear of accidental pres... 

You are absolutely right about the purpose of this Deep Sea Vintage Chrono.

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-22:50
That is exactly its purpose. No second, except the chronograph second, here. Well seen. Best, Nicolas

Great post, Nico !

 
 By: dirost : January 12th, 2012-15:56
And thanks for the discovering. It seems that DP could get one day a new range in JLC collection, don't you think so ? By the way, if I was JLC CEO, I would take you as personal adviser ;-))) Amitiés, Didier.

That is the question... After the SIHH fever, I will post something I prepared.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-23:14
On this topic. To make it short, yes, I think a small family can be seen, through these watches from the JLC Patrimony. Will JLC release them, that is another story. I hope so! Best, Didier. Nicolas.

Great post Nico

 
 By: dreamer8 : January 11th, 2012-00:27
I like like the watch very Much Nico. My stab in the dark, was it at Regard de la Lanterne ? cheers,dreamer

the medieval aqueduct of belleville

 
 By: dreamer8 : January 11th, 2012-01:12
cheers,dreamer

Thanks for your input, Dreamer. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-22:51
No message body

Excellent news! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : January 11th, 2012-00:28
And a superb post, my friend! Will read again when I get back home tonight… But for now – all I can say is that I already ordered mine! OK, won’t be able to go outside JLC this year after all… Please stop! Best, my Vlad Blomman

I think the expression "trigger happy" applies here.

 
 By: Ruckdee : January 11th, 2012-00:32
And in fact I am happy for you. I think it is the right match for your collection. I'll save my bullets for the potential Reverso I am secretly hoping for. But this new chronograph is a real charmer to me. Ruckdee

You already ordered it?

 
 By: grigo : January 11th, 2012-00:33
That was fast from whom? I will be quickly be following yours steps. Best regards, George

Hej, my friend .. THIS was really quick ! .. Chapeau !! :)

 
 By: hs111 : January 11th, 2012-02:32
.. I'll tip my musketeer hat, to you and to that ! You beat us all, KoM, for this new Black Lady, somewhat mysterious, in her appeal.. I'll still wait a bit,(hmmm), what else might be revealed this year. Thus, not without some envy, My best, hs PS: - BTW:... 

That is a first, my friend. Blomman is getting his first Chrono!

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-22:55
That is whay I wrote that you have 5 chances out of 6 to jump on it. Why? Because it is a Deep Sea, you love duos, but you have a stronger preference for trios. Maybe, also, because it is a two counters, and a sober one, without date. Bravo, my friend, an... 

You could have said 6 out of 6, my friend... ;)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : January 12th, 2012-13:10
Yes, this is a chrono I can’t refuse! Pandora here I come! Ough, I am so scr-w-d! Best, my Vlad Dracula Blomman

Amazing report Nicolas...

 
 By: fherradon : January 11th, 2012-00:34
and the pictures are...wow!!! I enjoyed as a child reading the report and seeing the pictures. The place chosen for the presentation has been most original nothing to do with what we're used to seeing for this type of presentation, I really liked it.. Che... 

Paris sewers [nt]

 
 By: moc : January 11th, 2012-00:35
No message body

The beginning of a new product line ?

 
 By: karmin : January 11th, 2012-00:37
Thanks Amanico for this great post which presents this watch in its "natural" environment. Very interesting to note that JLC is now proposing neither a watch which is only a Tribute to a famous model, nor a watch whose lines & codes can be found throughou... 

That is an interesting question, Karmin.

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-23:02
The Deep Sea has a very elegant case, which could happily welcome some friendly complications. But I really don't know if JLC has some plans on this matter. Best, Nicolas.

Very easy, its the basement of Jerome?

 
 By: Asimut : January 11th, 2012-00:48
must have been a rough winter! Looks spectacular, I love 2 registar chronos, this is the one that should have been made,,,,the lost son! With another brand, a history could have been refabricated too Happy mares day Asi

Hmm, what brand do you have in mind, Asi? ;)

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-23:05
This Deep Sea Chrono is, in my opinion, one of the collest recent chronos. You know waht? Somehow, it reminds me the Mare Nostrum.... Best, Nicolas. PS: I will give a phone call to Jerome, just to be sure that all is ok. ;=)

That is exactly why

 
 By: Asimut : January 12th, 2012-01:47
I said 'happy mares day',,,,,lol Asi

All is clear. ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-03:02
No message body

Merci!

 
 By: ocwatching : January 11th, 2012-00:49
I will return on the morning with more.. But initial response is well done again JLC!

just reread your post..

 
 By: ocwatching : January 11th, 2012-10:03
Thank you for the interesting coverage of the unveiling of the DS Vintage Chrono. The piece has a lot of vintage appeal and it appears JLC will be going down that road with there upcoming pieces. I do see some similarities with another Richemont brand tha... 

Well, JLC always had its past in its present, if I may say that.

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-23:27
If you have a look at the production of the last twenty years, for example, you will notice many links between present and past. It is not just a trend, it is much more than that: A Raison D'Etre. Yes, I do think that this Deep Sea Chrono has a lot of app... 

Mystery piece.. in a mystery place.. I truly like that Phantom !..

 
 By: hs111 : January 11th, 2012-01:16
.. ( of the Opera, indeed ? - interesting catacomb setting for this awesome post, - a bit crazy as well, ehh ? The pictures of the underworld - troops are indeed mysterious.. The piece, familiar on one hand, (very much so of course) , is - how shall I put... 

Faithful to the time spirit. That is superbly put, hs.

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-23:30
Yes, I think this is the best way to describe it. The place? You got it too, I felt like home. Aaaah, yes, this is a Boutique Edition, not a LE, and not available at ADs. Best, my friend. Nicolas.

Thanks for your enthusiastic input, Echi. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : January 11th, 2012-23:31
No message body

Outstanding post ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : January 11th, 2012-01:34
even from you, Nicolas The first JLC novelty looks very very nice and I am looking forward to see it in the metal. Kudos to JLC for choosing such a special place for the presentation. Was it official for press or only PuristS? I guess there was at least o... 

Thanks for your indulgence, Oliver. ;)

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-10:48
You will soon see it in the metal, my friend. As for the choice of the place, it was only for fun reasons. We were a bit tired of conventional places, we needed to have some fun. Nothing serious, here. Stephan is mad about photography, and he's far from b... 

Cool watch ...

 
 By: nilomis : January 11th, 2012-01:42
and the usual and expected outstanding presentation. Cheers, Nilo

Thank you so much for the kind words, Nilo. There was nothing else than fun and pleasure,

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-10:51
That was the only goal of this presentation. And, of course, to share with you this new piece, in avant premiere. Best! Nicolas.

Another winner for sure

 
 By: sancerre : January 11th, 2012-02:54
thanks for the great report. --Sancerre

My pleasure, Sancerre. Thanks. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-10:52
No message body

Many thanks for this exclusive news Nicolas

 
 By: RJW : January 11th, 2012-03:30
This will surely be a winner. Regards, Richard.

Great. What about the dimensions and movement info?

 
 By: nilomis : January 11th, 2012-04:45
As you can see, we always want more. Thanks, Nilo

Sure! The Cal 751 is not a new movement.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-10:58
It was introduced in 2005, if I am not wrong... Here, JLC removed the date and the second, though. The dimensions are: 25, 5 mm big / 5, 65 mm high. Best, Nicolas.

Opera Garnier

 
 By: respo : January 11th, 2012-05:42
But a few have already guessed this, no? If right, your "curtain" reference gave it away, Nicolas. ;-) I did a tour of some of underground Paris not long ago, but no diving for me, sadly. There is actually a "lake" beneath the Opera, right? So, this watch...  

Whoa! Congrats on 3000 posts Respo!!

 
 By: MichaelC : January 11th, 2012-06:26
Not sure if it was this one or elsewhere but huge congrats to you!

Thanks, Michael.

 
 By: respo : January 11th, 2012-06:31
I hadn't even noticed. I am glad it was on the JLC forum, where it all started for me. Best, respo

Congrats on 3000 Respo..

 
 By: ocwatching : January 11th, 2012-09:58
and Opera Garnier is my guess as well... be well..

Your guess is right, Respo.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-11:02
No constant runnig second, nor movement indicator. But here is the subtility: There is no reference to the past, as this watch never existed. The DS Vintage Chrono is just taking the spirit of the DSA, nothing else, nothing more, and it is pretty cool, in... 

Interesting case that reminds me of...

 
 By: Velociphile - No longer in the building : January 11th, 2012-05:46
...straight lug Speedmaster! Nice report Amanico - thanks. IMHO, Bezel is crying out to be diving spec at least. Velociphile

No surprise, here. And eagle eye, Velociphile.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-10:45
Ye, you're right. Take the case of the Deep Sea Alarm, compare it to the CK 2913, 14, or 15.... It is the same. Best, and good to read you here, sincerely. Nicolas.

why the fun is always in Paris!

 
 By: patrickmaniac : January 11th, 2012-05:57
Super Wild guess: Madeleine. cheers PAt

Not always in Paris! I saw a lot of events in London and BH, lastly.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-11:04
But yes,we had an excellent and unforgettable moment, here, between friends. Best, Patrick. Nicolas.

WOW, SUPERB, NO DISAPPOINTMENT FROM MJLC AGAIN THIS YEAR...

 
 By: FanFrancisco : January 11th, 2012-06:27
... speechless, after seeing this from photos, no need to examine the flesh, am sure all of us will immediately place our order to JLC Boutique!!! THANKS, THANKS, THANKS for such great preview for us here. stefan

I love it!

 
 By: MichaelC : January 11th, 2012-06:33
Perhaps a JLC for MichaelC??? 1. Great post Nicolas 2. What an amazing venue for the event... the kind of place that the deeper you go doubt must enter as to whether you will leave? Must have been exhilarating! 3. The details of the piece are perfect and ... 

That was a great moment, which I prefer to the ceremonious launches.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-11:56
We can also say that, somehow, it was the best place to unveil the Deep Sea Vintage Chrono, with a touch of madness, humour and zero pretention. As for the watch, I love it... Sensual, almost sexy, the spirit and the appeal is here. Best, and thanks for y... 

Interesting, but fake dial and hands, right?

 
 By: expwmbat : January 11th, 2012-07:17
It's a non-working model and/or the dial/hands are a mockup/photoshopped picture. They are in the same positions in every picture (including underwater), and the more detailed pictures lack the depth that a dial and real hands would have. It is, rather, a... 

Yep!

 
 By: OlivierT : January 11th, 2012-08:27
Oh yes, sorry Daniel, I've just ridden you message after wrinting mine! Mean you're totaly right. ;-(( Olivier

No, no, no, expwmbat...

 
 By: BDLJ : January 11th, 2012-18:37
....surely this is an EPD display, not only have JLC managed to do it in colour, they've worked out how to provide a seconds display and a chronograph function without draining the battery....If only they'd remembered to switch it on. I like the watch esp... 

I had this dilemma, Daniel.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-13:04
The watch was shown to me on the 19th of December. So, there were two choices: Or I do not take pictures of the watch, and you and everybody here would have no idea of what it would loook like. Or I take the pictures of a project, which had to receive a t...  

Excellent! Thanks! [nt]

 
 By: expwmbat : January 12th, 2012-13:06
No message body

So, was I right? ;)

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-13:10

HQ post. Love it.

 
 By: VMM : January 11th, 2012-07:37
I've enjoyed it a lot, the reading, and the pics. About the watch, not bad, I like the way it looks. Let's wait to see it live next thursday. Thanks for sharing. Un abrazo. Vte

Superb

 
 By: cisco : January 11th, 2012-07:39
On one side, it is not historic as was the deep sea and the polaris, so ti breaks a bit the dynasty, on the other side.... it's a killer !!!!!!! cheers Francois

Its purpose is certainly not to be an historic watch, such as the two you mentionned.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-13:08
The purpose is to offer something which could / should have existed.... And to introduce a hell of a beauty. Best, Francois. Nicolas.

wow!!

 
 By: Mystiqz : January 11th, 2012-07:42
amazing....love the photos. can't wait to see this in person=D

Just a picture as hands???

 
 By: OlivierT : January 11th, 2012-08:25
hello my friend, sorry I'm going back on the post for few minutes, and suprised and interested by this project. but, looking at your pix, hands and mechanism are just a... décor de théâtre??? Maybe I'm wrong, but this watch looks like a fake with just a p... 

No, you're right... This is a pre proto.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-13:13
Should I / you have to wait till the delivery of the watch to have pics of the definitive watch, or was I right to post these pictures which were taken on the 19th of December? Dilemma, dilemma. See my answer to Daniel, above, I posted a picture of the pr... 

Absolutely GREAT post Nicolas!

 
 By: renerod : January 11th, 2012-10:18
Wow, I just love this kind of teaser! I love the real life picture of one of my All Big Time Favorite Watches: JLC Master Compressor Diving Pro Geographic. I love caving, and I expect to learn cave diving soon. This is kind of the same! Love, love, love t... 

Great article!....

 
 By: mcio2 : January 11th, 2012-11:07
I absolutely love this watch. I guess I know what my second JLC will be!

very cool and refreshing post

 
 By: MattS : January 11th, 2012-11:28
as the temperature of the water!!!! Fantastic pictures as well, thanks Nico. Matt

Thanks for the "in depth" report Nicolas

 
 By: emcquillan : January 11th, 2012-12:13
Great photo story and review. I also see a great future for this watch. I love the dial, dimensions and curves of the case, plexi and pushers.Sporty pushers... love them. The caliber is nothing new but this is an exciting and accessible watch. This may pr... 

I think it will have a nice future.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-13:57
Not for flippers, just for lovers. Lovers of fine things. Thanks and best, my friend. Nicolas.

WELL WELL WELL!!!!.....................what can I say......

 
 By: Miranda : January 11th, 2012-12:58
two registers, but still a 12 hour counter, vintage look excellent size sh*t..... guess what they nailed it! 100%... full marks I love it...even more than the deep sea alarm actually.... because not a ltd ed... the price should be competitive too...I hope... 

I share your enthusiasm, Imran.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-14:01
Will it be a watch you would consider? As for the dessert, wait a fe more days, there are things you will love. Do we bet? Best, Nicolas.

Now I have recovered from the first chock! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : January 11th, 2012-13:28
Before going into the watch I would like to say – Nicolas, this post is a masterpiece! Superbly built and executed! Huge thank you for the effort, my friend! OK, Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph! WOW – It looks absolutely fantastic! Where to start? Case, same... 

You got it well, perfectly, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-14:10
As for the JL Logo, we may have an interesting discussion: Historically, the JL Logo appeared in the early Sixties.... Which would have corresponded with the release of this watch if JLC gave the Deep Sea a longer life, and a brother to the DSA... Now, wh... 

Fantastic post, love the look of the watch, but

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : January 11th, 2012-13:49
I'm not so sure about the idea of the watch? It's a vintage "homage" of sorts to a piece that never existed. I agree, Nicolas, it is exactly what JLC would have done had they made this piece in the late 50s (minus an automatic 28800 beat movement?), but t... 

Yes, they didn't make it.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-22:33
But on aother side, some complained that the Tributes ( not only JLC, here, but in gemeral ), are the easy way. Which is, in my opinion, totally wrong, because playing with a Myth is ALWAYS a risky game. In this case, JLC didn't re edit a watch which exis... 

Kind of conflicted

 
 By: Moses : January 13th, 2012-00:24
I like the design, but not the biggest fan of retro models....although I'd make an exception for the Polaris. It is coherent though - vintage styling cues with a vintage overall design. Modern huge watches with vintage knobs on, like a certain new pilot's... 

I agree. Jumped the shark On this one.

 
 By: MervC : January 13th, 2012-05:38
Yes. I am really tired of watch companies putting on faux patina on the lume, to make it vintage looking.

Out of the ordinary

 
 By: Sandgroper : January 11th, 2012-14:47
amazing, differently beautiful, great pictures. You're very good Nicolas!! Where, how do you fine the time? .....by skipping a cafe perhaps! Cheers Francois.......

You find the time, when there is an event like this one. ;)

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-22:37
Call me around 5 PM, for a café, my friend. :=) Best, Nicolas.

Sorry Nicolas but....

 
 By: renerod : January 11th, 2012-14:55
Wouldn't it be more correct Palais Garnier??? and not the Opera Garnier??? I think they are diferent places... You know, just taking my chances Best hermano. René

In fact...

 
 By: renerod : January 11th, 2012-15:20
This is the place where Stefan is awaiting texting on his phone 15 Rue Scribe, Paris He he, I learnt a lot of Paris today Best. René

Eagle eye, Hermano. ;)

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-23:16

He he! This google thing is just wunderbar!

 
 By: renerod : January 13th, 2012-08:10
I'm starting to like Paris hermano, very... misterious. One of the erticles I rode says that workers have found interesting things at the sewers: guns, crocs, jewelry and...watches!!!! Once I found ancient potery inside a cave. HAGWE René

The new deep sea vintage chrono looks awesome

 
 By: ED209 : January 11th, 2012-18:03
I like what I see, can't wait to handle this one in person. Thanks Nicolas for the exclusive! Regards, ED-209

truly a gentleman's chronograph.

 
 By: playtime : January 11th, 2012-19:40
very elegant! thx for sharing this J

No idea where this is...

 
 By: Vinontre : January 11th, 2012-20:06
... but I'm extremely glad to see this is how the DSC finally ended up turning out!! Kudos to JLC on a nice, clean design.. and I'm hoping very much for a non-"faux lume" version! ;-) (since this isn't really a tribute to a real vintage watch) ;-) C

As for the " Faux Lume " indexes....

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-23:26
Would some white and cold lume bring smething nice in this cool and warm ambiance, or wouldn't it be a too big contrast between the modern and the retro ( not vintage, retro seems to be a better word ) ? The plexy, the style of the indexes, the case, all ... 

I believe it is beneath La Tour Eiffel

 
 By: russwchow : January 11th, 2012-20:13
Beautiful take on what a deep sea chronograph would have looked like.

Full of suspense & intrigue..

 
 By: fernando : January 11th, 2012-23:27
nicely done Nicolas. Will make a great pair with the DSA Euro ... and the US version to follow? Best F

No US version, my friend. It wouldn't work with two additional subdials.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-23:41
But I agree with you that this Chrono would be a nice brother to your TT DSA. Best, my friend. Nicolas.

The catacombs of Paris...

 
 By: patrick_y : January 11th, 2012-23:52
I would never go into the dark, damp, and wet catacombs under the city of light if it wasn't a guided tour. But if anyone accidentally left a JLC Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph down there, that'd be the only reason why I would bravely go alone in the hopes ... 

There are some good reasons to do things, Patrick.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-23:42
In fact, I think we lost one, there... Best, my friend. Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-01-12 23:43:19

Nice addition

 
 By: Le Monde Edmond : January 12th, 2012-02:11
Nicolas, Your posts are pure pleasure to read. I think JLC made a nice addition to the deep sea family and I like how they didn't make a limited edition watch. Available to everyone which is nice for a change. Have a great day! E

We didn't mention that detail too much, till now, but you're right.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-23:46
I think the fact that it is not a LE is a very good point. Flippers will stay away, while the true lovers will jump on this watch. Will there be an impact on the price? If below the TT DSA retail, yes. We'll soon, now, I think, but the first informations ... 

Great job Nicolas,

 
 By: Mark in Paris : January 12th, 2012-04:17
Thanks for initiating this and summing up the event for us. It's refreshing to find an event that does not deal with the usual launching events. Much more authentic, which perfectly suits to the spirit of the DS collection. The integration of a chrono dis... 

7 place Vendome ...

 
 By: p@trice : January 12th, 2012-06:53
A little presentation in the Jaeger Lecoultre boutique, 7 pace Vendome ... ... ... ... ... Best Patrice...  

Very nice trilogy ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : January 12th, 2012-07:16
Patrice, but what is shown in that picture: One more new version? Thanks! Oliver...  

Hipsss ... ;)

 
 By: p@trice : January 12th, 2012-11:16

So Patrice..

 
 By: fernando : January 12th, 2012-07:18
what do you think? Will you make it three? Cheers Fernando

Why not !!!

 
 By: p@trice : January 12th, 2012-11:17

Thanks for the extra pictures, Patrice. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2012-12:56
No message body

First of all - many thanks for a fantastic preview but...

 
 By: PSV : January 12th, 2012-09:19
On one hand, I find it to be a very attractive piece - and I'm glad it is still comfortably and more historically sized at 41mm. Here is a thought though - it feels a bit like the watch industry is doing a Detroit in terms of reissuing old models and desi... 

Interesting point, PSV.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-08:35
I would tend to agree with you if JLC made some easy money with the release of such watches, exclusively, but you said it and you're right, it is not the case. Vintage is popular because of ITs own qualities, I guess, which are a story, soul, and an undis... 

The Legacy by JLC...

 
 By: foversta : January 12th, 2012-10:48
First of all, thanks Nicolas for the "in-depth" (LOL !!!) presentation.. an unusual place for a rather classic timepiece. I like this watch a lot. It is balanced and has a lot of charm. Max Büsser worked at JLC... and JLC created a watch with the same spi...  

Great watch, great photography

 
 By: Maverik : January 12th, 2012-12:59
Not any place I know so I'm afraid I have to let go on the iPad. And the watch itself, it's simply great. And the photography too. They created a nice setting for some great shots. Cheers!

Amusing link, Fx.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-08:39
In my opinion, the most important is to create a nice watch... Here I appreciate a lot the fact that there is no date, its balanced dial, and its " Vintage Look ". Is this a perfect watch? Certainly not, but the original DSA was far frm being a perfect wa... 

love it

 
 By: cuibono : January 12th, 2012-13:20
does jlc just make the best dive watches or what? the aesthetics are formidable. they're just beautiful.

Well, I would rather see it as a cool sports watch, with which

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-08:45
You can swim, from time to time, with it, without having to worry about its water resistance. A lovely and sensual offer. Nothing less, nothing more. Best, and thanks for your input. Nicolas.

great report nicolas! thank you. [nt]

 
 By: gensiulia : January 12th, 2012-14:37
No message body

My pleasure! Thanks.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-08:46

Truly a beautiful watch.

 
 By: nwp627 : January 12th, 2012-17:01
I have been thinking about the black dialed Master Chronograph for some time now however this watch comes close to taking my breath away. A JLC chrono that can get wet, what else is there to ask for? Just one question is that the same band that my Polaris... 

I was looking for a no date chrono, too.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-08:48
And pretty happy to see it coming, in such a sensual way. As for your questions: 1/ Same band, sadly. 2/ AFAIK, no Panda dial to come. Best, Neil. Nicolas.

Isn't the strap rubber or some such?

 
 By: LwC : January 13th, 2012-10:08
My Tribute DSA came with a rubber strap and I use it swimming. From the image it looks like the new chrono that the diver is wearing has the same strap. BTW I was initially skeptical of the strap but I found it to be quite comfortable and IMO looks approp... 

Same strap and size than the TT DSA, LwC.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-10:16
The strap, which I don't like, is not a big deal, even if I would like to see JLC improving which I consider to be more than a detail, but part of the watch. You like it, it is ok ( be careful though, some broke quickly ), you don't like it, and you will ... 

Hmmm...interesting information

 
 By: LwC : January 13th, 2012-12:09
...and a little disturbing. I wonder if JLC has investigated to determine if the broken straps were the result of a manufacturing or design specification flaw. I hope that if there is an inherent problem with the straps, JLC will make corrected substituti... 

Well, it seems that there were more problems with the TT Polaris strap

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-14:26
Than with the TT DSA. But I am not too confident on these straps... Which is not too problematic for me, as I love playing with other straps. And I found many others which are nicer. A Vintage Tropic, for example, or a Nato... A rugged calf strap would al... 

What a daring approach ...

 
 By: HerrK : January 13th, 2012-01:01
... to have no running seconds on a chronograph - especially for a vintage concept! As far as I know a dial-layout with two subdials at 3 and 9 would imply running seconds of the daytime and minutes of the recorded time being displayed in the subdials. Mi... 

LOL, Schtroumph Grincheux. :))))

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-08:54
I do see your point, and would have preferred a continuous small second subdial at 9 o'clock, instead of the hour subdial. But I always loved the two subdials chonos, more than the 3 subdials. Difficult to centent everybody, eeeh? But who knows, maybe we'... 

Interesting and fun...

 
 By: aldossari_faisal : January 13th, 2012-02:04
in my opinion.... they just made it hard for them selves , they created a watch which is not historically correct yet they borrowed essential design elements from a historical piece... for a re edition i would understand but for this ... this is is what w... 

Good points, Faisal.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-09:05
Like you, I am very pleased to see a no date chrono, at least! As for the watch, it cannot please to everybody, for sure. But it has a lot of charm, I find. Thanks for sharing your opinion, my friend. Best, Nicolas.

As we got more information ....

 
 By: nilomis : January 13th, 2012-05:28
(Got the JLC newsletter today) I have the following observations: The bad: 1) The fixed bezel that marks only the hours... I don't know if I like. 2) The lack of running seconds ... I don't like and, paranoid as I am, I will be pushing the chrono all the ... 

"All great watches have been made" ???

 
 By: RDL : January 13th, 2012-05:42
As stated in my other post, I think too many people think and have thought for too long in the watch industry that all great watches have already been made and use that as excuse to focus on the past. For me personally, innovators like MB&F and Urwerk pro... 

The answer is ... Yes

 
 By: nilomis : January 13th, 2012-06:54
At least for wearable watches, IMHO. I consider those innovators, like the ones that you mentioned, just like the designers of dresses (female) that shows so much innovation that they cross the line between innovation and some sort of personal revolution,... 

I must admit

 
 By: RDL : January 13th, 2012-08:07
I must admit that I thought the same and was an extreme traditionalist (wouldn't look at anything 'modern' ) until I tried a Urwerk 103 in the metal in Basel. Extremely wearable and attractive on the wrist in case you haven't tried it. I agree that some m... 

Let's end here ...

 
 By: nilomis : January 13th, 2012-10:45
I'm not that traditionalist but there are "innovative" watches that will only fit ... Our good and old Flash Gordon: Cheers, Nilo...  

Nothing can beat the real experience, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-10:11
The wrist test is mandatory. As I said, no watch is perfect, and this one is no exception to the rule. But, somehow, I love the flaws of the Deep Sea... It is part of its character. Nonetheless, the small seconds is a flaw I can hear. Best, and thanks for... 

Never say never ... remember.

 
 By: nilomis : January 13th, 2012-10:46
Thanks for remind me. Cheers, Nilo

Time will tell! ;)

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-10:46

Thank you so much, Tony.

 
 By: amanico : January 13th, 2012-14:28

2 Questions

 
 By: hitman : January 26th, 2012-10:49
Thank you for the pictures. I really like the look of this watch. Just have 2 questions. Do you know the thickness of the watch? I would assume 12-13mm based on other JLC chronos. Do we a price estimate yet?

I would rate the height of the case circa 12 mm.

 
 By: amanico : January 26th, 2012-13:34
About the price, I heard something between 8, 500 and 9, 000 Euros. Best, Nicolas

Bonjour Nicolas! Sorry for my rather late input on this thread but...

 
 By: Subexplorer : January 30th, 2012-04:30
... I´m just beginning to explore this wonderful site which is PurisPro, and found today this awesome post of yours! You know, I enjoyed so much the reading and the viewing of these photographs. It´s amazing to somehow "participate" in such an original pr... 

A well known place...

 
 By: amanico : January 30th, 2012-04:32
We had two good answers, from Clavi and Karmin... As for the watch, we'll come soon back to it, with some fresh pics of what is close to be the definitive watch. Stay tuned, and thanks for your kind input. Nicolas

Even for YOU, Nicolas, this may be

 
 By: Mostel : January 30th, 2012-19:18
the most incredible post you have ever made. I can't believe how talented you are at creating excitement over a timepiece. I'm shaking my head, seriously, phenomenal post. I like the watch, too.

what a great 3d

 
 By: gensiulia : May 13th, 2012-10:36
i must read once a month...at least. chris