Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Speedbeat

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SKU AS02551
SKU AS02551

Why We Love it

In making the Memovox, Jaeger-LeCoultre truly outdid itself. True, alarm wristwatches had been made before, by Vulcain most prominently. But it’s the Memovox that has gone down as a classic of post-war watchmaking.

It was the perfect mixture of innovation and style. The round case with its twin crowns—one to set the movement and the other to wind the alarm—was distinctive. And it was with the dial that JLC experimented the most.

We’ve seen your standard silver or black, even silver with funky striations like a demented Easter egg. We’ve even seen a deep oxblood like the color of your favorite patent leather Oxfords. But never before have we ever seen… purple.

True, this might have been just the result of time and light and age. What must have originally been blue—as evinced by the outer chapter ring, a deep sapphire barely touched by the years—has, in the center, mellowed to a purple that Prince would have loved. On a purple strap, it’s just about the funkiest Memovox we’ve ever had in our shop.

But lest you think that this beauty only runs skin deep, the inside of the watch is just about as beautiful as the outside.

The calibre 916, contained in this watch, was introduced in 1969 and boasted a beat rate of 28,800. It was also the very first alarm watch to depart from the usual bumper with a free-rotating rotor. Like with the earlier alarm calibers, the alarm in the Calibre 916 was sounded by a hammer striking against a post on the case back. Unlike the previous calibers, the calibre 916 featured a hole in the center of the rotor that secured the post. The Calibre 916 improved an already-innovative model and was so successful that Girard-Perregaux used it in their Gyromatic alarm (ref. GP 080). 

Distinctive, well-constructed, innovative, this Memovox is a must-have for the collector who desires an alarm watch that differs from the norm. 

A:S Guarantee

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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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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 Speedbeat

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Speedbeat

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Speedbeat

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