JLC Deep Sea Chronograph Black SIHH 2013

amanico · 2013-03-01T00:00:17Z

First look at the JLC Deep Sea Chronograph Black from SIHH 2013. Discover its 44mm ceramic-aluminum case, applied indexes, and strap improvements.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico presents an insightful first look at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph "Black" from SIHH 2013, detailing its significant updates from the 2012 model. This article provides a comparative analysis, focusing on the five key changes that redefine this modern dive chronograph.

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You still have in mind the Deep Sea Chronograph released in 2012:

A stainless steel 42 mm case, with a turning bezel.

Here is the link to the review I wrote, for those who want to know more about it:

jlc.watchprosite.com

This year, JLC decided to give to this model some changes.

Five changes, to be precise.

- The size of the case, which gains 2 millimeters ( 44 mm, now ).

- The material used for the case:

A blend of aluminium ( for the lightness ) and ceramic ( for the hardness ) powder. The defy is to succeed in sending the ceramic up to the surface of the case.

- A subtle detail, which is not easily noticeable: The indexes are applied, with a metal surround, now, and filled with white super luminova.

- The gridwork on the crown and pushers. Another glimpse to the Past.

- For those who were not happy with the strap, JLC reworked it. This is a printed leather strap which is water proof. Enough to resist to sweat, and whose quality has really improved. Very nice!

Here are the live pictures for your eyes only:

The case back still bears the lovely diver swimming among the bubbles:

For those who prefer warmer indexes, you have excactly the same watch, but with faux patina on the markers, hands and on the bezel triangle:

Please note that this last version, with the faux patina, is a Boutique Edition, only available in the JLC Boutiques, then.

One personal comment.

When I knew that JLC released a bigger Deep Sea Chrono, I was afraid that the case would loose its natural elegance.

As you well known, the case of the Vintage Deep Sea Alarm was 39, 5 mm big, and when you enhance the diameter of the case, the risk is to ruin the original balance of the profile, which is one major point of the watch.

I don't know how they did, but the new Deep Sea Chrono " Black " doesn't look bigger in the real, which is quite surprising when you add 2 mm to a case ( compared to the Deep Sea Chronograph ), and the profile is well preserved.

To be considered, if you are a fan of black watches.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts.

Best,

Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-03-01 00:02:31 This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-03-03 04:27:19

Key Points from the Discussion

The 2013 'Black' model is an addition to the JLC Deep Sea Chronograph line, not a replacement for the 42mm steel version, which remains unchanged.
The use of a blend of aluminum and ceramic powder for the case material is highlighted for its lightness and hardness, though concerns about scratch resistance are raised based on experiences with ceramic bezels.
The new applied indexes with metal surrounds and white Super-LumiNova, along with gridwork on the crown and pushers, are noted as subtle yet significant aesthetic and functional improvements.
The reworked, waterproof printed leather strap is praised for its improved quality and comfort, addressing previous criticisms.
There is a preference among some collectors for the 'faux patina' version with warmer indexes, hands, and bezel triangle, available as a Boutique Edition, while others dislike the 'fake' retro look.
Despite the 2mm increase in case size to 44mm, the new Deep Sea Chronograph 'Black' surprisingly retains the natural elegance and balanced profile of its predecessors.
The decision to call this model 'Deep Sea' is questioned by some, given the departure from the original Deep Sea Alarm's non-turning bezel and overall aesthetic.
The dial's busy appearance, with both a third sub-dial and a motion indicator, is a point of contention for some members.

The Discussion

watchme

Mar 1, 2013

Nice review, Nicolas...

I'll have to wait to see it in the metal. The functional, but slightly quirky, "off, engaged, stopped" indicator is intersting. The only concern I have is the Ceramic powder on the case, rather than a ceramic case itself. My Navy Seals Chrono GMT's bezel has developed 2 scratches, so this system isn't scratch-proof. Thanks for the write-up. -Dean

amanico

Mar 1, 2013

Time is the best tool to measure the resistance to scratches.

Sorry to hear that, Dean. Best, Nicolas

Mark in Paris

Mar 1, 2013

Ask it to a woman: black makes look slimer!

Thanks for this 7 differences report between the new version and the previous one. I think the new "faux" patina is not something I like that much (idem on the Tribute to deepsea first models). Beside the Neo-retro look, it is too much and adds a touch of "fake" that I don't really like. To modern maybe for a tribute watch. I prefere a tribute that uses normal luminova coating. I think this version brings a bit more the Tribute to deepsea toward the modern area, whereas the steel case and Tribut

amanico

Mar 1, 2013

The TTP was the first one, not exempt of flaws, but with a great personality.

While this Deep Sea Chrono is more in the register of the Sci FI Tribute. ;) Both are very different. Best and thanks for your input, Mark. Nicolas

ocwatching

Mar 1, 2013

I don't know..

Upon first glance..this piece looked like a FF chrono... And I am not sure if the "retro" them is uniform with the ceramic black/alum combo. Maybe I will change my mind in person. Thanks for the photos and prose as alwasy..

amanico

Mar 1, 2013

To be seen in the flesh. Not my favourite Deep Sea, as I am not a big fan of

Black cased watches. But this is just me. And my damn tastes. ;) Best, Nicolas

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