Vogue aka Shark chronograph

JAEGER-LECOULTRE, VOGUE CHRONOGRAPH

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is very proud to introduce here a rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with « reverse panda » black dial, inner tachometer scale and diving revolving bezel: The Vogue Chronograph. Jaeger-LeCoultre created this diving watch combining a chronograph with interchangeable bezels to fulfill any active and sporty wrist of the time. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reference E 2643 was launched in the late 1960s and was marketed as the “Shark Deep Sea” in the U.S., and as the “Vogue Chronograph” in Europe. The “LeCoultre” signed-dial indicates that it was made for the American market, while the « Jaeger-LeCoultre » signed-dial, such as the present watch, indicates that the model was delivered for Europe.

Like the time-only Barracuda model, the Vogue (or Shark) were fitted with « all-proof cases » and were water-resistant to 400 feet, 120 meters. The barracuda model was water-resistant to 666 feet (see advertising).  The inside case back is engraved « LeCoultre Co Swiss » and « E 2643 ». This unusual diving chronograph is housed in a massive almost 41 mm diameter steel case. Water-resistant to 120m, featuring broad, lapidated lugs, the masculine lines and case dimensions, combined with its modern styling, make it difficult to believe this watch is nearly a half-century old. The two-tone reverse Panda matte black « T SWISS T »  dial featuring an inner  tachymeter scale along the outer edge, with its two subsidiary off-white registers, gives it a sporty aesthetic with great legibility. These kind of configuration black dial with silvered/white registers is also called « Reverse Panda » dial by collectors (the « Panda » dial being a white plate with black/silvered registers). The hour makers have developed a warm and natural patina throughout.

Born to be fitted with interchangeable bezels, such as a traditional 60-minute diver’s bezel, such as the present watch, a telemeter bezel, or a World Time bezel, this robust water-resistant chronograph watch had the ability to measure a large variety of time-related functions, including speed measure thanks to its inner tachymeter scale.  In the United States, the model was available with two additional bezels.

Under water, in the air, on land, the present watch can be considered a chameleon, as the watch can adapt to the wearer’s needs by changing the bezel. The model was the « best you can get » at the time for a 1970s sports watch. The present watch is further enhanced by its original, great overall condition which will appeal to the collector of unusual and rare sports watches. The serial number on the case back is no more lisible, like a lot of all surviving examples, however the inscription « Stainless Steel » is still visible and deeply engraved. Dial, case and movement are signed. The model is illustrated and described in Jaeger-LeCoultre One, Yearbook 2008, as well as in Jaeger-LeCoultre, La Grande Maison, by Franco Cologni, page 337. The size between the lugs is 20 mm.

A collector !! do not miss it!!

Condition: great and original overall condition, some signs of wear in places, case back slightly repolished, edges of the lugs preserved, movement in working condition, overhaul recommended.