Vulcain might have been the first manufacturer to produce a wrist alarm: the Cricket, in 1947. But 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 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.