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"All great watches have been made" ???
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 prove that there can be creativity and real innovation in the watch industry. Fantastic concepts - I think in 30-50 years will hail a watch like the Urwerk-103 as an iconic piece that triggered a new epoch of watchmaking (and see all the 'avantgardist' watchmakers that have come up since then). I think it's a great fallacy in every area of life or business to think that 'all great has already been invented'. There is always room for real innovation. But just defining the question of 'what could a watch in the 50's have looked like but wasn't built?' is maybe fun but not innovative.
SIHH 2012:The unveil of a Mystery Piece, in a Mystery Place: Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph.
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...
Amazing pics Nico...as usual...
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....
the Parisian sewers....I believe some of the finest in the world which also have street names..!! Yours, Andy.
Catacombs of Paris
Awesome post!!! Excited as much as first time we meet in person..... you remember...ehhh Best Damjan
My attempt
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
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...
Well just in case it is not the Opera Garnier.
Then it might be the "egouts" of Paris, meaning the sewers that can be visited. Best regards, George
Interesting and logic progression..
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
Received a warm welcome, as warm as the watch is! Best, Mo. Nicolas.
Aesthetically sublime no complaints whatsoever.
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.
That is exactly its purpose. No second, except the chronograph second, here. Well seen. Best, Nicolas
Great post, Nico !
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.
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
I like like the watch very Much Nico. My stab in the dark, was it at Regard de la Lanterne ? cheers,dreamer
Excellent news! :)
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.
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?
That was fast from whom? I will be quickly be following yours steps. Best regards, George
Hej, my friend .. THIS was really quick ! .. Chapeau !! :)
.. 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!
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... ;)
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...
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...
The beginning of a new product line ?
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.
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?
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? ;)
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. ;=)
Merci!
I will return on the morning with more.. But initial response is well done again JLC!
just reread your post..
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.
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 !..
.. ( 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.
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.
Outstanding post ...
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. ;)
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...
Thank you so much for the kind words, Nilo. There was nothing else than fun and pleasure,
That was the only goal of this presentation. And, of course, to share with you this new piece, in avant premiere. Best! Nicolas.
Many thanks for this exclusive news Nicolas
This will surely be a winner. Regards, Richard.
Great. What about the dimensions and movement info?
As you can see, we always want more. Thanks, Nilo
Sure! The Cal 751 is not a new movement.
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
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!!
Not sure if it was this one or elsewhere but huge congrats to you!
Thanks, Michael.
I hadn't even noticed. I am glad it was on the JLC forum, where it all started for me. Best, respo
Your guess is right, Respo.
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...
...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.
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.
Not always in Paris! I saw a lot of events in London and BH, lastly.
But yes,we had an excellent and unforgettable moment, here, between friends. Best, Patrick. Nicolas.
WOW, SUPERB, NO DISAPPOINTMENT FROM MJLC AGAIN THIS YEAR...
... 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!
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.
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?
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!
Oh yes, sorry Daniel, I've just ridden you message after wrinting mine! Mean you're totaly right. ;-(( Olivier
No, no, no, expwmbat...
....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.
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...
HQ post. Love it.
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
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.
The purpose is to offer something which could / should have existed.... And to introduce a hell of a beauty. Best, Francois. Nicolas.
Just a picture as hands???
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.
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!
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!....
I absolutely love this watch. I guess I know what my second JLC will be!
very cool and refreshing post
as the temperature of the water!!!! Fantastic pictures as well, thanks Nico. Matt
Thanks for the "in depth" report Nicolas
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.
Not for flippers, just for lovers. Lovers of fine things. Thanks and best, my friend. Nicolas.
WELL WELL WELL!!!!.....................what can I say......
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.
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! :)
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Yes. I am really tired of watch companies putting on faux patina on the lume, to make it vintage looking.
Out of the ordinary
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. ;)
Call me around 5 PM, for a café, my friend. :=) Best, Nicolas.
Sorry Nicolas but....
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...
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
He he! This google thing is just wunderbar!
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
I like what I see, can't wait to handle this one in person. Thanks Nicolas for the exclusive! Regards, ED-209
No idea where this is...
... 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....
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
Beautiful take on what a deep sea chronograph would have looked like.
Full of suspense & intrigue..
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.
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...
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.
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
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.
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,
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 ...
A little presentation in the Jaeger Lecoultre boutique, 7 pace Vendome ... ... ... ... ... Best Patrice...
Very nice trilogy ...
Patrice, but what is shown in that picture: One more new version? Thanks! Oliver...
First of all - many thanks for a fantastic preview but...
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.
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...
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
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.
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
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
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.
Truly a beautiful watch.
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.
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?
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.
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
...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
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 ...
... 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. :))))
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...
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.
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 ....
(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" ???
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
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
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 ...
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.
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...
2 Questions
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.
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...
... 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...
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
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.
