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Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Memovox Alarm (Ref. E853) "Cal. K815", 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Memovox Alarm (Ref. E853) "Cal. K815", 1950s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre (maker)
Date
1950s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 37 mm
Stock no.
JLCMVAE853
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (JLCMVAE853)
Catalogue title (original)
1950s Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Memovox Alarm (Ref. E853) "Cal. K815" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number JLCMVAE853), this is a wristwatch by Jaeger-LeCoultre, made in Switzerland, dated 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 37 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Memovox ref. E853 is one of the most desirable alarm references produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre from the 1950-60s. This reference employs the Cal. K815 movement, which is the very first automatic alarm movement and utilizes a "bumper rotor" for its automatic winding system. The double-crown feature allows for winding and setting the time, as well as setting the alarm. The top crown sets the alarm complication of the timepiece. This exquisite automatic Memovox features a noble 37mm case, making this creation oversized for its era. The case sits nicely on the wrist and has a classic and timeless appearance while remaining relevant by today's wristwatch sizing standards. This piece would make a great addition to an existing collection and be a great and classic timepiece as a stand-alone piece. SPECS Stock # JLCMVAE853 Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre Style Automatic Memovox Model E853 Serial 78XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver Millimeters 37 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The wonderful case is in outstanding condition with its original dimensions and finishing still present with only gentle signs of use shown. The case retains its original signed twin crowns that operate both the watch and alarm functions. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in crisp and visible condition, the case back exhibits some light tool marks which is common for these two-piece case backs. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original silver two-piece dial is beautiful and in very presentable condition, featuring a subtle warm color-hue that accentuates the vintage aesthetic of the watch. The radium lume plots located around the center of the dial have aged to a dark brown/grey coloration and all remain intact, though some plots exhibit light degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original dauphine-style hands are in great condition, under U.V. light inspection the hands appear to have been restored with tritium early into the watch life and are a light teal color. ACCESSORIES

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Automatic (self-winding) watches

Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.

What to look for

  • A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
  • 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
  • A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.

Dating clues

  • Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
  • Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
  • Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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