JLC Master Mariner Dolphin E 22 059 Vintage Diver

amanico · 2014-10-11T00:13:49Z

Discover the rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Dolphin (Voguematic) E 22 059, a vintage ladies' diving watch with interchangeable bezels and a unique history.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico introduces a rare and often overlooked vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre diving watch, the Master Mariner Dolphin or Voguematic, reference E 22 059. His detailed post sheds light on this ladies' diver, highlighting its unique history, dual nomenclature, and extreme rarity, with only 501 pieces produced between 1967 and 1969.

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You all know at least one or two Vintage JLC Diving watches, such as The Polaris, the Deep Sea, and the Chronograph.

But did you know that JLC also released a Vintage Diving watch for Ladies?

Here you are.

As for some other watches from " La Grande Maison ", we are not really certain of its name.

Called Dolphin Deep Sea in the US Catalog, in Europe, another name was dedicated for this watch: Voguematic ( Swiss Cataolgue from 1967 ).

One thing is sure, its reference is E 22 059.

If we don't often see it, it is maybe because it is a really rare bird, as only 501 were made between 1967 and 1969.

Let's see this watch in the detail.

1/ The Case.

The first feeling when you see this watch in the flesh is that it is very small, and it is!

Although ...Once on the wrist:

Small, yes, but ridiculously small, no.

This Diving watch, like the others, can be worn on a 16 mm tropic strap, or on a bracelet, like shown on this picture ( US Catalog from 1969 ) :

The case is 30 mm " big ", and the distance between the lugs is 16 mm.

The relative thickness of this Vintage Diving watch for ladies ( around 9 / 10 mm ) makes it look a bit chunky. though.

The angular lugs " break " the overall sweetness of this round watch, too:

The lugs are very flat and large for a watch of this kind, and make me thing to those of the Shark Chronograph, in smaller, of course:

Compared to its modestly sized case, the " JL " signed non screw in crown looks big :

The Ref E 22 059 has a screw in slightly domed case back, which insures the watch a water resistance to 100 meters.

It has to be said that the whole Stainless Steel case is polished, no brushed parts, here.

The inside of the case back bears some informations:

- LeCoultre

- Swiss.

- Acier Inoxydable.

- The reference number of this model.

- The case number of the watch.

2/ The movement:

The Cal 833 is a shock protected automatic movement, beating at 19 800 vibrations per hour, displaying a center second.

Do we need more when it comes to be a toolwatch?

It is a very small movement ( 14, 38 mm big, 4, 75 mm high ).

In fact, I wasn't used to see this kind of automatic movement in the JLC family, and I wonder if it is not one of those very few outsourced calibers used by " La Grande Maison ".

A better look on these 2 following pictures

As you can judge by yourself, the level of finish and the decoration is not at the top, and we can say that it is inferior to what we use to see.

3/ The dial is the soul of this watch:

Under the domed plexy, surrounded by a classic diving bezel, you'll find a sober and very legible dial.

The sensual and very warm plexy:

Big 15 minutes indexes, and smaller 5 minutes, both sharing the same shape, and both luminous:

The hands are sectored and have an uncommon large dimension, to enhance the legiblity.

As on some other Vintage JLC Diving watches ( but not exclusively JLC ), the tritium is applied on a white painted frame.

The close ups will reveal the rugged finish, which I like a lot, as it looks like the dial was made from a volcano stone:

Conclusion:

Among the " Armada " of Vintage JLC diving watches for men, this model for Ladies is a bit isolated.

But it does have all a Diving watch must have: Legibility and reliability, without blingy details.

It is a real toolwatch, a small one, but a real one, definitely.

Isn't it worth including it in a Vintage JLC Collection?

My answer is a firm and massive ...YES!

Best to all.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Dolphin (or Voguematic) Ref. E 22 059 is a rare vintage ladies' diving watch, with only 501 pieces produced between 1967 and 1969.
This model featured interchangeable bezel inserts, including options for minutes (60), hours (12), and world time, as indicated in vintage JLC advertisements.
The watch is notably small in size, which might be a factor in its current market appeal, with some wishing for a larger modern reinterpretation.
The Master Mariner Dolphin is sometimes confused with other JLC Master Mariner references that share similar design elements, such as a red lollipop seconds hand.
There is a desire among collectors for JLC to revisit this vintage diver, despite concerns about its original outsourced movement potentially hindering a modern re-edition.
The watch holds sentimental value for some, being considered a potential heirloom for family members.

The Discussion

hs111

Oct 11, 2014

.. all the ingredients to make it a valid member of the (J)LC Diver family. Somehow I always mix it up with another Ref, which has a red lollipop-type seconds hand, and some common DNA ( Master Mariner ?)... - Darn, can't remember any more ! .. 2 Interesting little issues, 1/ the story about the ".. 3 interchangable (!!) inserts", mentioned on your ad: for me your Le Coultre ad with various divers, which also mentions the Shark, - Ref 2643/2 , then with the World Time insert ( the one, we both h

blomman Mr Blue

Oct 11, 2014

Great reading! :) This watch happens to be on the top of Juniors wish list... But I suspect that his real intentions is that he wants the bigger brother...! ;) More serious, I suspect your right regarding this to be a more generic watch. I have seen several very similar ladies divers watches from this time period. Here is one example from 1968, Sandoz. Also the GP Deep Diver looks very similar with the same bezel construction, supported by a plastic ring from underneath. Thank you for a great re

only5402

Oct 11, 2014

... to have one wish free, it will be: make the diameter bigger size! Also than in the current collection it could have it's place. Many thanks for giving us such a complexe, laborious presentation, without knowledge about feedback for such a rare exotic. regards Stephan

watchthatman

Oct 11, 2014

of your example is impressive! Domed plexi really has a way of casting a spell...

amanico

Oct 12, 2014

Credit picture: Jean Luc: And yes, my daughter has put an option on the MM Dollphin! ;) Best, my friend. Nicolas

amanico

Oct 12, 2014

Superb " Father and Son " pictures! All the best, Nicolas.

JLC Master Mariner Dolphin E 22 059 Vintage Diver

Key Points from the Discussion

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