Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue explores the shared heritage of vintage Girard-Perregaux and Jaeger-LeCoultre divers, focusing on their use of the patented Super-Compressor case from Ervin Piquerez S.A. He highlights the ingenious design that uses water pressure to enhance water resistance and conducts a detailed side-by-side comparison of the GP Deep Diver 9108 and JLC Deep Sea E 558.
Friends,
If you are a fan of vintage divers watches…
And the hatch pattern on a crown puts a smile on your face…
Or even better - if the crown bears the GP sign!
Then you are probably like me…
I love Super-Compressor case watches!
Many have probably heard of Super-Compressor or ESPA.
“Super-Compressor“ refers to a watch case patent that uses the water pressure to tighten the watch case to endure water.
The deeper into the water, the higher pressure, the tighter case. Brilliant!
ESPA stands for Ervin Piquerez S. A. the company that patented the Super-Compressor case.
Many brands used these Super-Compressor cases from ESPA.
Girard-Perregaux and Jaeger-LeCoultre among others.
(Side note: a common misunderstanding is that the JLC Polaris E 859 has a Super-Compressor case. The Polaris has a Compressor case and not a Super-Compressor case. It is the same theory behind the Compressor case but different execution.)
Last weekend I already posted a side-by-side shot of the Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver reference 9108 and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea reference E 558.
There we could see the similarities of the cases.
The biggest difference is in the size: Deep Diver is 40.5 mm wide and 43 mm lug to lug while the Deep Sea is 37 mm wide and 40.5 mm lug to lug.
But if we look closer there are some more subtle differences…
The profiles are quite similar but the crystal on the GP is only slightly doomed mineral glass while the JLC have a much more doomed plexi.
Side profiles are also the same but again, here the Deep Sea has a more pronounced curve on the lover part of the case.
From the crown side there is another interesting detail which both share: the inner bezel crown at two o’clock is on a higher plan than the time crown at four.
From the back you see the JLC case going inwards much more than the GP case.
Both have screw down case backs which most Super-Compressor cases have. Will come back to this topic.
Inside of the Girard-Perregaux is the Cal 461 and inside the Jaeger-LeCoultre is the Cal 883. Both automatic movements which is logic in a divers watch.
And finally we get to see the Super-Compressor. Inside of the case back is an “extra layer” that by pressure is pressed outwards to the o-ring seal.
The Deep Diver case from February 1970, while the Deep Sea case is a bit older, March 1969.
Interesting is that the JLC have the ESPA helmet and Super-Compressor on the inside of the case back while the GP does not even if the case was made by ESPA.
But both clearly use the same construction!
But the biggest difference between the two I have found is on the wrist!
The Jaeger-LeCoultre is due to its size less funky and with the black dial it comes off almost as elegant…
The Girard-Perregaux on the other hand is bigger, brighter, funkier, almost anything but elegant…
It is a Super-Cool watch!
Hope you enjoy this comparison!
Best
Blomman
The Girard Perregaux Deep Divers reference 9108 is a notable example from the brand's mid-century sports watch offerings. This particular reference is recognized for its robust construction and functional design, characteristic of watches intended for active use during its era. It represents a specific period in the brand's development of water-resistant timepieces, distinct from later iterations.
The watch typically features a stainless steel case, housing an automatic movement. The case diameter is generally in the range of 40mm, providing a substantial presence on the wrist. The crystal protecting the dial is commonly acrylic, consistent with watches of this period, chosen for its durability and resistance to shattering under impact. The movement provides a reliable power reserve suitable for daily wear.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in vintage sports watches and the historical development of water-resistant designs. It offers a glimpse into Girard Perregaux's approach to tool watches before the widespread adoption of modern diving watch standards. The 9108 is appreciated for its authentic vintage aesthetic and its place within the brand's heritage of functional timekeeping instruments.
The JLC Deep Sea is even older, as the first ones came in 1967: Please don't forget to bring the GP with you. I am very impatient to discover it in the flesh. I already love it! Best, Nicolas
I need to find me one soon(ish). Thanks for the comparison report and photos, fantastic as always. CC
1967 was the year of the Deep Sea release? Mine is from March 1969 and the Deep Diver from February 1970, so less than one year in between the production of these two cases! Yes, will bring it - one to hunt for sure, my friend! Best Blomman
This is one the Vlad will fight you for! Thank you, my friend. Best Blomman
Earlier than this one. Yes, I saw some laters one. Best, Nicolas
The Deep Sea were still in the catalog in 1971: Best Blomman
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