Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph SIHH 2012

To avoid any confusion, we are now speaking about the Second one, not the " Vintage " with its two counters.

If JLC wanted to re visit the Past with the " Vintage, we have a totally different and modern approach with the Deep Sea Chronograph which I named the " 3 counters ".

The " Vintage ":



The " 3 counters "



For the little story, the " 3 counters " was part of our mysterious adventure in Paris, on the 19th of December, but I opted for a dedicated presentation.

Here are some pictures of the second star of the day:





The 2 Deep Sea Chrono Brothers together:



And for those who wondered what the little bird on the lake was waiting for, here is the explanation.

JLC invited the very same diving team to a dive in the " Lac des 4 Cantons " on the 26th and 27th of April

Here are some pictures of this second adventure ( Crédits photos - Emmanuel Donfut / Balao / Stefan Ciejka )

The Lac des 4 Cantons " map:



The famous little bird:



The place:





On the boat:







Before the dive:







It is time for some action, now:







Back to the watch, now...

The only common points between these 2 Deep Sea Chronographs are: the nicely engraved case back, the shape of the minute and hour hands, and the big triangular indexes.

Indeed, which immediately " jumps " into our eyes is that very modern and technical expression of the " 3 counters ".

You will immediately notice, indeed, the colder overall look of the watch.

Here, no Vintage patina on the hands or indexes, but a white luminova.

The " Vintage " plexy has been changed for a sapphire.

The bezel has received a big improvement, as it TURNS, on this version, and is designed on a modern way, too;

The dial is organized in a different way, with a third counter, and ... this small " porthole " between the axis of the minute and hour hands, and the Jaeger-Lecoultre signature.

That is a surprising detail, which deserves some explanations about its use, its raison d'etre.

To well understand what it is, you have to first get a look at the Chronoflight, which was made in the late Twenties:





Like on the Chronoflight, the Deep Sea Chrono " 3 counters " shows a chronograph operating indicator, which provides the same informations:

- White Zone: The Chronograph is not working.

- When the disc turns, it show the red and the white zone: It is the signal that the chronograph is working.

- Red zone: The chronograph has stopped. Then, if you reset it to zero, the port hole will show the white zone.

Hopefully, there is no date on this version, as I wonder where they would have locate it...

You will also be pleased by the case, which is the same than the Tribute to DSA and the Vintage Chronograph, but one millimeter and a half bigger ( 42 mm ).

Though, that size increase doesn't ruin the elegant profile of the case, the proportions and volumes being saved.





Definitely the 2 Deep Sea Chronos are hunting on different grounds.

The " Vintage " is more glamour, its natural ground is sensuality and nostalgy, but it is not a true diving watch, according to our current standards, even if it is water resistant to 100 meters.

The " 3 counters " is colder with its modern look, but its sapphire, its chronograph operating indicator allows it to play under the water ( same water resistance than the " Vintage, by the way ).

One is the watch JLC could have released in the late Fifties, the other is a modern creation.

But both will have their own fans, undisputably.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts and comments,

Best.

Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-05-10 14:37:15 This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-05-14 00:38:30