Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm European Model

Vulcain might have been the first manufacturer to produce a wrist alarm: the Cricket, in 1947. But Jaeger-LeCoultre took the concept and perfected it with the Memovox, released in 1950. Like the Cricket, the Memovox utilizes a unique twin-crown system (the top crown to wind and set the alarm, the bottom winding and setting the time). But JLC developed a different alarm mechanism: a hammer that strikes against a post welded to the case back whereas Cricket models used a resonant two-piece caseback design. In so doing, JLC set itself apart, and created one of the most iconic models of post-war watchmaking. 

Such an icon of horology lends itself very well to adaptation for many different purposes. 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. Released in 1959, the Deep Sea Alarm made waves in that it was the first automatic wrist alarm intended to be worn underwater.

Rated to 200 meters, the Deep Sea Alarm was unmatched by any other manufacture until Vulcain released the Cricket Nautical in 1961. Produced in a very small run of only 950 units over a two year period, two versions of the Deep Sea Alarm were released: one, for the European market, bore the full name of Jaeger-LeCoultre sans the "Deep Sea Alarm" signature on the dial. The U.S. version, however, marketed under the name LeCoultre, bore the model name: "Deep Sea Alarm Automatic." 

Whichever you prefer, the Deep Sea Alarm is rare, and remaining examples that find their way on the vintage marketplace often suffer from very heavy signs of wear, particularly on their bezels. Many a collector dreams of finding one at all - never mind one in excellent condition - at Goodwill, maybe?!

This example is a European model and represents one of the handful of honest examples that have survived to see modern day. It features a 39mm stainless steel case with twin-crowns. The 12-hour bezel is intact and in generally excellent condition, showing a few scars from being dutifully worn and used. Its matte black dial features the Jaeger-LeCoultre signature at 12 o’clock, beautifully patinated triangular luminous plots and alarm indicator, and has been fitted with a professionally color-matched service 'syringe' handset. The DSA's signature engraved SCUBA diver with speargun remains crisp and visible on the caseback

Powered by the self-winding JLC Calibre K815 bumper alarm movement that still sings as loudly and soul-soothingly as the day it left the factory, this was the Grande Maison’s first ever automatic alarm movement that saw use for a full a decade until it was phased out in 1966.

Fitted appropriately to a brand new black Tropic strap to complete the vintage vibe and coming complete with an Extract Of The Archives of Jaeger-LeCoultre, this is a fantastic opportunity to snag one of the most coveted and iconic dive watches of all time.

Few watchmaking concerns are as storied as Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though the maison is not technically a member of the “Holy Trinity” of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, one could easily make the argument that it should be: After all, it was JLC that supplied movements to Patek from the beginning of the 20th century through the early 30s.

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.

But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.

From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.

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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.

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