1960s Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox
Why This Watch Matters This is a stunning example of a Memovox in a monochromatic silver color way. Plus, it brings out a child-like excitement setting the alarm function every time. The Full Story The Memovox is undeniably one of the iconic models in Swiss watchmaking history. This interesting alarm design was introduced in the 1950s, competing with the Vulcain Cricket. This example with the bumper automatic movement with alarm and date functions first appeared on the market in 1959. It was the first of its kind, but the bumper movement with the hammer moving back and forth was not the best design since it created a constant shock inside the movement. On the outside, the case & dial designs were clean, mid-century modern. The 37mm case size was fairly large for the period; today it allows the wearer to seamlessly integrate the look with his or her outfit. The two-tone satin silver dial has aged beautifully, giving off a light champagne shimmer from within. The sliver of black paint against the silver-tone faceted markers and hands provide a nice contrast for visibility. The minimally applied lume on the indexes, hands, and alarm pointer also adds to the practicality of the piece. This is a wristwatch that reflects a certain level of mature, understated beauty with an ambitious direction for design and engineering; perhaps the design best encapsulates the mindset of the world in the 1950s and 1960s. The Fine Print Maker: Jaeger-LeCoultre Model: Memovox Reference: E855 Year: 1960s Case No: 1031027 Movement No: 2028929 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 13mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Jaeger-LeCoultre bumper automatic movement caliber 825 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Textured Tan Calfskin Strap Lug Width: 18mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The watch exhibits a beautiful patina overall. The case shows very light scratches and still retains a great, sharp form; the engraving on the back is still very crisp as well. The dial is generally in very good condition. Under a loupe, very minor spots are visible on the outer side of the dial. Also, there are some very light scratches on the center of the dial and on the edges of the date window. There is discoloration and disintegration of the lume in a few areas. Some lume particles have dispersed on the dial. On the minute hand, the black paint and the lume are missing in a very small section. The movement is in running condition with the alarm function working properly. While the alarm is working, the sound is slightly muffled compared to other Memovox examples.224947109903, 1960s Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox, Why This Watch Matters This is a stunning example of a Memovox in a monochromatic silver color way. Plus, it brings out a child-like excitement setting the alarm function every time. The Full Story The Memovox is undeniably one of the iconic models in Swiss watchmaking history. This interesting alarm design was introduced in the 1950s, competing with the Vulcain Cricket. This example with the bumper automatic movement with alarm and date functions first appeared on the market in 1959. It was the first of its kind, but the bumper movement with the hammer moving back and forth was not the best design since it created a constant shock inside the movement. On the outside, the case & dial designs were clean, mid-century modern. The 37mm case size was fairly large for the period; today it allows the wearer to seamlessly integrate the look with his or her outfit. The two-tone satin silver dial has aged beautifully, giving off a light champagne shimmer from within. The sliver of black paint against the silver-tone faceted markers and hands provide a nice contrast for visibility. The minimally applied lume on the indexes, hands, and alarm pointer also adds to the practicality of the piece. This is a wristwatch that reflects a certain level of mature, understated beauty with an ambitious direction for design and engineering; perhaps the design best encapsulates the mindset of the world in the 1950s and 1960s. The Fine Print Maker: Jaeger-LeCoultre Model: Memovox Reference: E855 Year: 1960s Case No: 1031027 Movement No: 2028929 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 13mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Jaeger-LeCoultre bumper automatic movement caliber 825 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Textured Tan Calfskin Strap Lug Width: 18mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The watch exhibits a beautiful patina overall. The case shows very light scratches and still retains a great, sharp form; the engraving on the back is still very crisp as well. The dial is generally in very good condition. Under a loupe, very minor spots are visible on the outer side of the dial. Also, there are some very light scratches on the center of the dial and on the edges of the date window. There is discoloration and disintegration of the lume in a few areas. Some lume particles have dispersed on the dial. On the minute hand, the black paint and the lume are missing in a very small section. The movement is in running condition with the alarm function working properly. While the alarm is working, the sound is slightly muffled compared to other Memovox examples., 350000
