Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love it
–The first time you hear a mechanical alarm will stick with you. For the generation that has only ever known the annoying buzz of an electric clock, the mechanical alarm seems wholly other-worldly - a lost sound of a lost era.
The Memovox was introduced in 1950 by Jaeger Lecoultre, and while these early models were entirely manually wound (the upper crown wound the spring for the alarm function while the lower crown wound the timekeeping mainspring), automatic models, released in 1959, quickly became the norm. The Memovox was the perfect mixture of innovation and style and by the early 1960s, the watch had become a mainstay in JLC's lineup. And while the mechanical alarm was used by scads of brands in an array of designs and executions, the Memovox from JLC is generally considered the benchmark of the model.
Operation of the alarm function is controlled through the top crown. Winding it (as you would a manual movement), charges a spring and holds it in tension until the alarm goes off. Pulling the same crown out allows you to rotate the inner dial, and align the triangle on the inner ring with the time at which you desire the alarm to activate. Once activated, simply pulling the top crown out will silence the alarm, allowing the user to set a new time (think: snooze).
JLC offered the Memovox in many expressions, many of which were small (34mm) gold-plated or solid gold options. While these offer an interesting twist on a typical dress watch, the rarer steel variants that weighed in at roughly 37mm are the most sought after today. These 'jumbo' Memovoxes are truly stunning and eternally wearable on the modern wrist.
This particular example features the desirable Cal. 825 automatic unit, offering the added complication of a date window at 3:00. Additionally, it comes with its original box, guarantee booklet and card with matching serial numbers showing a date of sale of March 4th, 1971.
It's not often that we come across jumbo Memovoxes. Even rarer are the days of finding them with their original box and papers. Combining equal parts wearability and collectibility, this vintage Memovox is one you won't want to miss.
For more information on vintage Memovoxes, check out Hodinkee's "Week On The Wrist" Feature HERE.
A:S Guarantee
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A:S Guarantee
+Our Pledge
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 one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.
International Buyers
Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
+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.
Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox
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- Sold