Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph '3 Counters'

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ED209 shares an exclusive first look at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph, dubbed '3 Counters' by the community, from a special SIHH 2012 collection preview. This post highlights the differences and unique features of this modern chronograph compared to its vintage-inspired counterpart, offering detailed live photos and observations.

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2012 has been an exciting year for JLC. From the elegant shape of the Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon to the amazing Duometre SpheroTourbillon there were many watches in the new collection that I've been waiting to handle in person. However the one watch that really drew my attention was the JLC Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph with the 2 counters.

During my recent visit to the JLC Beverly Hills Boutique for the SIHH 2012 collection preview I was surprised that the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph was no where to be found! I was so disappointed. But luckily I noticed a special watch displayed right out in the open that I've never seen it before. I originally thought that it was some type of vintage model but couldn't quite figure out exactly what it was. So I went ahead and asked the staff at the Boutique to show me that watch.

So here it is, live pics of the new SIHH 2012 Deep Sea Chronograph aka '3 Counters' named by our all-time favorite moderator amanico!

When compared to the 2 register chronograph, the '3 Counters' is slightly larger at 42mm in diameter. The dial itself is matte black in color with a textured finish and accented with white superluminova hour markers. The case is stainless steel.

Here's a video of the Deep Sea Chronograph. Please note that this video is optimized for high definition 3D but can be viewed in regular 2D HD in the youtube settings.

Here's a front view of the Deep Sea Chronograph.

I learned that this was a preproduction prototype of the Deep Sea Chronograph, so I was not able to activate the chronograph.

One of the distinct features (and also the most asked about by all the guests in the boutique) was the little white and red circular 'disc' window towards the 12 o'clock position on the dial. This round aperture is actually the chronograph operating indicator. It is made of two discs, one white and one red, and is used to display the status of the chronograph. When the indicator is white it means that the chronograph is ready to be activated to start the time measurement. When the upper chronograph pusher (located on the right side of the case) is activated the disc will display both white and red. When the disc is red it signifies that the chronograph is stopped.

Caseback is in stainless steel and looks the same as the other 2 register Deep Sea Chronograph with the engraved frogman/diver logo. I like how they engraved it with the tiny little bubbles. Water-resistance is 10 bar (100 meters).

Another distinguishing feature is the rotating unidirectional bezel. The bezel turned smoothly but firmly with positive click stops along the rotation.

The Deep Sea Chronograph is paired with a black leather strap with a basketweave pattern and attached to a stainless steel tang buckle.

The 3 Counter chronograph utilizes a sapphire crystal as opposed to the other Deep Sea Chrono which has a plexiglass crystal. From the side angle you can see the raised edges of the sapphire crystal.

The subdial at the 9 o'clock position measures the hours, the subdial at the 3 o'clock position measure minutes. At 6 o'clock is the running seconds. The central sweep hand measures the chronograph seconds.

The movement is the new automatic JLC Calibre 758 that is made of 340 parts, beats at 28,000 vibrations per hour, and has a 65 hour power reserve.

I hope you all enjoyed the pics and video. I really love the dial layout of this 3 counter chronograph and it's made it's way to the top of my wish list.

So after seeing pics of the first Deep Sea Vintage 2 counter chronograph, and now pics of this second Deep Sea 3 register chronograph, which one do you like better?

Regards,
ED-209

This message has been edited by ED209 on 2012-05-12 11:26:53

Key Points from the Discussion

One contributor prefers the vintage Deep Sea Chronograph but appreciates the '3 Counters' version for its cool chrono indicator and rotating bezel, noting the vintage model's aging potential.
The '3 Counters' model is seen as a modern evolution of the mythic DSA, offering a more technical and coherent diving watch experience compared to the more sensual vintage Deep Sea Chronograph.
A contributor strongly prefers the '3 Counters' due to a dislike for 'static' chronographs without running seconds and the perceived inauthenticity of the '2 counter' vintage look, though they dislike the 100m water resistance for a 'Deep Sea' watch.
The original author, ED209, personally favors the more modern '3 Counters' chronograph over the vintage version and looks forward to comparing both before making a final decision.

The Discussion

nilomis

May 12, 2012

My preference, by far, is for the "3 counter" because: 1) I don't like "static" chronographs (the ones without running seconds). 2) The "2 counter" looks vintage but is not. One point that I dislike is a "Deep Sea" with only 100m resistance. Cheers, Nilo

amanico

May 12, 2012

But to each its own. The " 3 counters " has the advantage to be seen as a modern evolution of a mythic watch, the DSA. A technical offer, less sensual than the DSC Vintage, but more technical, and more coherent as a Diving watch. Each of them is really different. Best, Nicolas

ED209

May 13, 2012

Hi Nilo, I agree with you on your preferences. I have the same points about the aesthetics with the 2 counter versus the 3 counter. I think I found my next JLC! Regards, ED-209

ED209

May 13, 2012

Personally I'm not that big on 'vintage' so for me I like the more modern 3 counter chrono. But I'm looking forward to see both together before making up a final decision. Thanks for checking out this post. Regards, ED-209

amanico

May 13, 2012

No message body This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-05-13 22:19:24

MichaelC

May 16, 2012

That I prefer the vintage. But I do like this version very much. The chrono indicator is really cool, with a nice "diver down" touch when operating. I also like the rotating bezel. Alas, having owned and enjoyed a plexi dialed 372 for many months now, I am big fan of the vintage patina and plexi crystal. I think the vintage Deep Sea chrono will age extremely well.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph '3 Counters'

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