A large size stainless steel Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox alarm watch. This very handsome and rare piece was part of the brand's continuation to develop more interesting and varied models post World War Two. Models such as "Powerwind", "Futurematic" and "Memovox" were propelling Jaeger LeCoultre to the forefront of watch innovation during this time. These aforementioned models marked the first production watch to include a power reserve. Launched by Jaeger LeCoultre in 1952, it was heralded as the "world's first fully automatic wrist watch".
The wrist alarm was not a new concept, initially launched by Eterna in 1914. However, they did not gain widespread popularity until the introduction of the Vulcan "Cricket" in 1947. It was this well made, loud and fairly inexpensive model that introduced the wrist alarm to the wider public, and President's alike! Off the back of this growing segment of the watch market, Jaeger LeCoultre developed their own model to compete in 1949. This initial model was powered by the manually wound caliber 489 movement, and was officially unveiled to the public at the Basel watch show in 1951.
Memovox, from the Latin "voice of memory", came in a large variety of cases and models, and with both manually wound, and automatic movements. In 1956 the caliber 815 included an oscillating weight fixed at the centre of the movement, limited by two bumpers, equipped with tiny shock-absorbing springs. Also, the nature in which the sound was created differed from other watches. A hammer struck a post which is welded to the inside of the case back.
Regarding this example, the large, over 35mm case remains in almost perfect, unpolished condition. There are light scratches to the case back where an untrained watch maker has attempted to open the case without the correct tool, but it is not overly disturbing. Perhaps the best feature to this watch is the original charcoal and black dial, which is all original, and stamped with an underline LeCoultre signature at the six o'clock position. It is in superb condition throughout, bar a little whitening near the logo. The inner, alarm disc is closer to black in colour, and marked Memovox below the small luminous filled triangle alarm marker to help pin-point the alarm setting. Another unique feature to this watch is the small raised applied pyramid marker set with a small diamond at the twelve o'clock position. Another example of this watch is yet to be found with this dial layout.
It has the appearance of a more formal, tuxedo look to it for evening wear. But, would look equally suitable with a dark suit for a work environment. The stainless steel lugs are brushed on the top, and the bezel polished with a matte sunburst effect, all original and intact. It gives almost a gunmetal PVD look overall. Rather than being polished to a high shine, it has a very modern, refined look. The dauphine hands are non luminous, another factor making this watch a more formal wear.
The overall proportions combine to make it a more dressy option. The fact that there is a lot of negative space with very little in the way of markings, logos or hour markers give the overall elegant and refined appearance. It is interesting that the handset does not extend beyond the alarm disc. Quite unique to this example, and help lessen intrusion on the dial as a whole.
The two crowns; one for setting and winding the alarm, and one for setting and winding the time are both original, and signed "JL". This is a US market watch, hence the dial being signed LeCoultre, and not Jaeger LeCoultre. The movement is the manually wound caliber 489, and presented in excellent condition. The watch dates toward the early 1960's and would be a welcome addition to any collection.
