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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Deep Sea Ref. E558

Partially verified

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Deep Sea, reference E558, is a self-winding stainless steel diver’s wristwatch produced circa 1967. The watch features a tonneau-shaped case measuring 36 x 40 mm, which the auction description notes was manufactured by EPSA (Eugene Piquierez S.A.). It is powered by the 17-jewel caliber 883 movement. A distinguishing feature of this model is the inner revolving bezel, controlled by a second crown positioned on the side of the case. The black dial, signed by the manufacture, includes a date aperture. This specific reference is documented as part of a production run estimated at 1,500 examples manufactured between 1967 and 1971. The watch is presented on a striped fabric strap and retains its original hands, with the signature appearing on the dial, case, and movement.

Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Deep Sea reference E558
Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Deep Sea reference E558 — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
E558
Catalogue / lot identifier
369
Source-reported date
circa 1967
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1264137

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case measuring 36 x 40 mm including the lugs. The case construction features two winding crowns, one of which operates the inner revolving bezel for diving timing functions. According to the provided information, this case was manufactured by the specialist firm EPSA (Eugene Piquierez S.A.), a major supplier for dive watches during this period.

The dial is black with applied markers and is signed by Jaeger-LeCoultre. It includes a date display at the 3 o'clock position. The hands are original to the watch. The overall condition of the case is described as slightly scratched, while the dial is graded as very good.

Evidence for this section
  • “tonneau, self-winding, stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with inner revolving bezel”
  • “the case was made by EPSA (Eugene Piquierez S.A.)”
  • “Dial: 2-01 Very good”
  • “Case: 2-8 Very good Slightly scratched”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 883, which is a self-winding movement featuring 17 jewels. The movement is signed by the manufacturer, consistent with the dial and case.

This caliber was utilized within the Master Mariner Deep Sea model, which the notes characterize as a development following the Polaris automatic dive watch with alarm. The watch utilizes an inner rotating bezel rather than an external one, controlled by the secondary crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 883, 17 jewels”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “the Master Mariner was another version of the continued development of dive watches after the famous Polaris”
  • “Signature Dial, case and movement”

History and Production

Known to collectors by the nickname 'Barracuda', the reference E558 was produced between 1967 and 1971. The manufacturer indicates that total production of the 'Deep Sea' variation reached 1,500 examples.

The documentation identifies the watch as a specific example within this manufacturing period, with the case number 1264137 confirming its identity. The provenance of the case design is linked to the broader production context of EPSA-manufactured dive watches during these years.

Evidence for this section
  • “Known to collector’s as the Barracuda”
  • “the “Deep Sea” was made in 1500 examples between about 1967 to 1971”
  • “Case No. 1264137”

Open research questions

  • What specific visual identifiers confirm the case number aligns with the 1967 production date?
  • Are there documented variations in the dial text for different production years between 1967 and 1971?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Deep Sea Ref. E558
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJaeger-LeCoultre“JAEGER LECOULTRE”
ReferenceE558“REF. E558”
Serial Number1264137“Case No. 1264137”
Caliber883“Caliber 883, 17 jewels”
Dimensions36 x 40 mm“36 x 40 mm (with lugs)”
Case ManufacturerEPSA“the case was made by EPSA (Eugene Piquierez S.A.)”
Production Estimate1500“the “Deep Sea” was made in 1500 examples”
Datecirca 1967“Year circa 1967”

Visible details

  • Features two crowns on the right side of the case
  • Equipped with a striped fabric strap
  • Displays a date aperture at the 3 o'clock position
  • Includes a rotating inner bezel with Arabic numerals at 15, 30, and 45

Research qualifications

  • Movement requires an overhaul per auction description
  • Case condition is described as slightly scratched

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

JAEGER LECOULTRE, REF. E558, MASTER MARINER DEEP SEA, STEEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7fb90d6f67

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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