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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Jaeger-LeCoultre “Vogue Chronograph” Ref. E2643

Partially verified

This Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatch, reference E2643 and dated by the source to circa 1970, features a stainless steel case measuring approximately 40 mm across. The source reports case serial number 296269, a screw-down back, and a rotating world time bezel. Its black dial features three silver-colored subsidiary dials for a 30-minute counter, 12-hour totalizer, and running seconds, flanked by an outer tachymeter scale. The watch is powered by a hand-wound Valjoux 72 caliber lever escapement movement operating a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, which the source notes is unsigned.

Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. E2643 chronograph showing dial and world time bezel
Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. E2643 chronograph showing dial and world time bezel — Dorotheum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorotheum.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
E2643
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1970
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
296269

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 Exterior Components

The watch features a stainless steel case reported at approximately 40 mm in diameter and stamped with case number 296269. It is constructed with a screw-down back and a rotating world time bezel inscribed with global city names. Direct observation of the provided photograph shows it paired with a perforated black leather rally-style strap fitted between the lugs.

The auction catalog reports that the case, case back, and crystal are partially scratched. Neither the movement nor the interior of the case back is illustrated in the provided sale image, so internal marks are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stainless steel, number 296269, screw-down back, rotating world time bezel, diameter approx. 40 mm”
  • “Case, case back, and crystal partially scratched.”
  • “Perforated black leather rally-style strap fitted between the lugs.”

Dial Configuration

The black dial features applied rectangular hour markers, an outer tachymeter scale, and three contrasting silver-colored subsidiary registers. Visual observation confirms the three-register arrangement set against the black main dial.

According to the source description, the sub-dials provide a 30-minute counter, a 12-hour totalizer, and small running seconds. The auction text notes that reference E2643 debuted in the late 1960s as a sports chronograph, sold in North America as the “LeCoultre Shark Deep Sea” in a diving bezel configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Black, hour markers, 3 silver-colored sub-dials for 30-minute, 12-hour counters, and small seconds, tachymeter”
  • “Black dial with three white/silver subsidiary registers and rectangular hour markers.”
  • “Reference E2643 was introduced in the late 1960s. With this watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre responded to the growing demand for sports chronographs. On the North American market, this model was sold as the “LeCoultre Shark Deep Sea” in a version with a diving bezel.”

Reported Movement and Technical Characteristics

The movement is catalogued as a hand-wound Valjoux 72 caliber with a lever escapement and column-wheel mechanism operating the chronograph stopwatch function. The auction description explicitly notes that the movement is unsigned.

Because the caliber is neither visible in the provided image nor documented with movement serial numbers, internal finishing, component markings, and mechanical operational status remain unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Hand-wound, lever escapement, Valjoux 72 caliber, stopwatch function via column wheel”
  • “Movement unsigned.”

Open research questions

  • What specific city names and layout appear on this rotating world time bezel?
  • Does the inside of the case back display Jaeger-LeCoultre brand signatures or reference E2643 engravings?
  • Why is the Valjoux 72 caliber unsigned, and does it show any bridge codes, import stamps, or aftermarket replacements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre “Vogue Chronograph” Ref. E2643
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ReferenceE2643“Ref. E2643”
Case number296269“number 296269”
Case materialStainless steel“Stainless steel”
Case diameterapprox. 40 mm“diameter approx. 40 mm”
CaliberValjoux 72“Valjoux 72 caliber”
Movement signatureUnsigned“Movement unsigned.”
Bezel typeRotating world time bezel“rotating world time bezel”
Chronograph controlColumn wheel“stopwatch function via column wheel”

Visible details

  • Black dial with three white/silver subsidiary registers and rectangular hour markers.
  • Rotating world time outer bezel printed with world city names.
  • Perforated black leather rally-style strap fitted between the lugs.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the movement is unsigned.
  • Source reports case, case back, and crystal are partially scratched.
  • Movement and case back interior are not shown in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

Jaeger-LeCoultre “Vogue Chronograph” - Wrist and Pocket Watches 2026/05/22 - Realized price: EUR 6.500 - Dorotheum

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 058aab79a5

Terms in this record

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

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