Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox

The first time one hears a mechanical alarm is a moment few watch collectors will ever forget.

For a generation that has only ever known the annoying buzz of an smartphone, the mechanical ring seems wholly other-worldly — a lost sound from a forgotten era. 

While the mechanical alarm was produced by myriad brands in an array of designs and executions, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Memovox is generally considered the benchmark of the category. Though it was introduced in 1950 as a manually-wound watch — the upper crown wound the spring for the alarm function while the lower crown wound the timekeeping mainspring — automatic models quickly became the norm beginning in 1959. By the early 1960s, the Memovox had become a mainstay in JLC's lineup, adept at mixing innovation, style, and utility.

Operation of the alarm function simple, and is controlled via the top crown:  Winding it charges a spring and holds it under tension until the alarm goes off. Pulling the same crown out allows one to rotate the inner dial and align the triangle on the inner ring with the time at which one desires the alarm to activate. Once activated, simply pulling the top crown out will silence the alarm, allowing the user to set a new time in the manner of a snooze button.

JLC offered the Memovox in many expressions, some of which were sold in the European market, and some of which were sold in the American market. This  Reference E855 is of the former variety and is notable for its oversized, waterproof 37mm case and luxurious 18K yellow gold construction. Boasting dual signed crowns, thick lugs, a smooth bezel, and an acrylic crystal, it features a handsome, two-tone champagne dial with applied 'stick' indices; an inner alarm dial with luminous 'dot' five-minute indices; a luminous 'dauphine' handset; and a date display at 3 o'clock. 

Powered by the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. K825 movement and paired to a brown leather alligator strap with a yellow gold pin buckle, this early Memovox dating to the mid-1960s is in splendid condition, with even patination to the luminous elements, a sharp case, and scant signs of wear. Over 70 years old, it's ready to enjoy a second life on the wrist of an appreciative owner — preferably one who needs a break from his or her smartphone!

This spectacular piece comes from the collection of Zaf Basha, a noted authority on Jaeger-LeCoultre who has published two books: Vintage Military Watches: A Guide for the Collector and Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Ultimate Guide for the Collector. Over the years, Basha put together one of the most impressive assemblages of vintage JLC timepieces in the world, and we're thrilled and honor to offer many of them for sale on Analog:Shift. 

Few watchmaking concerns are as storied as Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though the maison is not technically a member of the “Holy Trinity” of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, one could easily make the argument that it should be: After all, it was JLC that supplied movements to Patek from the beginning of the 20th century through the early 30s.

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.

But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.

From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.