Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph ref. Q2068570 Full Set

For one reason or another, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Deep Sea family has always sat a little bit apart from the rest of the dive-watch establishment. Maybe it’s just because JLC doesn't traditionally make many sports watches, but regardless, the collection has a number of spectacular models and the Deep Sea Chronograph that we have here is arguably its most complete expression.

Drawing its design DNA from JLC's Deep Sea Alarm, which was essentially a water-proof version of the Memovox, a wrist-worn alarm clock, the Deep Sea Chronograph answers the question of “can we create a vintage inspired dive watch that also has a chronograph,” of which the answer was an emphatic yes. Borrowing the functionality JLC’s 1930s “chronoflight” onboard instrument whereby its chronograph has an operating indicator that shows if the chronograph is running or not, the Deep Sea Chronograph combines two of JLC’s into one and shares the result through a lens of modern horological expertise and know-how. 

Housing the automatic column-wheel chronograph cal. 758 movement inside of its 42mm stainless steel case which is fitted with a unidirectional dive bezel, the ref. Q2068570 is appropriately modern on the wrist. With elegant and considered proportions and a dial that has gone without faux patina, the whole package reads as a serious watch built by a manufacture that rarely gets enough credit for how capable it is outside the dress-watch categories it's best known for. With the Deep Sea Chronograph it feels like JLC just wanted to create a technically impressive diving chronograph that leaned on their archive without being too loud about it, and the ref. Q2068570 struck the perfect balance.

Offered in excellent condition, this example has not seen much wrist time at all, and so its polished 42mm stainless steel case features no scratches or obvious signs of damage like dents or dings. Its black bezel insert is well-preserved and its dial is pristine. The movement runs and operates as it should, and its functions are as responsive and healthy as ever.

Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model: Deep Sea Chronograph
Reference: Q2068570
Set: Watch, box, papers, and additional JLC strap
Year: 2016
Dial: Black
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic cal. 758
Case Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 13.85mm
Lug-to-lug: 50mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet/Strap: Original JLC leather strap with original stainless steel JLC pin buckle