Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm US Edition

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SKU AS03547
SKU AS03547

Why We Love it

Why We Love It

Design, Provenance, Rarity.

A horological 'triple-threat' is exactly what we have here in the Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm. For starters, there are two versions of the 'DSA', with this American market dial being the rarer of the two. Secondly, with less than 950 examples made over its 2 year production run for both US and European market version - these are rare birds. So what you have here is a rare version, of a rare watch. (noticing a trend with 'rare' yet?)

The design, a variation on the 'Tuxedo' dial, with an Art-Deco radial outer track and stylized 'Deep Sea Alarm Automatic' font, is visually striking and instantly draws your eyes. The luminous syringe handset, the fixed black bezel with luminous 12, 3, 6, 9 position markers, add pops of color. Then there is the bracelet. What a bracelet it is! The Longines 'Nautilus' bracelet is a 5-link 'beads-of-rice' with pyramid shaped outer links that showcases both mastery of design and function. The clasp is ratcheting with a built-in divers extension and it is as special and unique as the watch it is on. 

Like many example of purpose-built tool watches, this Automatic Diving Alarm was used, and bears the marks of a watch that served it purpose - the kind of patina that we at Analog/Shift love. Such an icon in the JLC cannon, the DSA was reissued in 2011 and even those have also gone on to be instantly collectable.

At its' core, this is a problem solver watch. In lieu of a rotating dive bezel to time the length of a dive, it uses a mechanical alarm. Don't dive? It times eggs just as well, and with a lot of style.

The Story

The storied Maison of Jaeger LeCoultre dates to 1833, and has no shortages of horological accomplishments and firsts. Known as 'The Watchmaker's Watchmaker' for their technical prowess and innovation, 'JLC' movements power many of the most legendary watches from storied brands throughout history. 

In the late 1950s, brands such as Rolex and Blancpain released some of the first dedicated dive watches: the Submariner and the Fifty Fathoms, respectively. JLC followed suit with the Deep Sea Alarm. The Deep Sea Alarm made waves in that it was the first automatic wrist alarm intended to be worn underwater.

Rated to a depth of 200 meters, the Deep Sea Alarm was unmatched by any other manufacturer until Vulcain released the Cricket Nautical in 1961. Two versions were released of the Deep Sea Alarm: one, for the European market, bore the full name of Jaeger-LeCoultre but lacked "Deep Sea Alarm" on the dial. The U.S. version, however, marketed under the name LeCoultre, bore the model name: "Deep Sea Alarm Automatic." 

Either way you look at it, though, the Deep Sea was rare, with only 950 pieces being produced in its two year run. Existing examples that find their way on the vintage marketplace often suffer from signs of wear, particularly in the bezels. Many a collector dreams of finding one in excellent condition (at a Goodwill, maybe), but those examples are few and far between.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm US Edition

Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm US Edition

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Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm US Edition