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Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Memovox Gold-Filled (Ref. 2265) Silver "Sober" Dial, 1960s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Memovox Gold-Filled (Ref. 2265) Silver "Sober" Dial, 1960s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre (maker)
Date
1960s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
gold-filled
Dimensions
Case 38 mm
Stock no.
JLCMVA2265
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (JLCMVA2265)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Memovox Gold-Filled (Ref. 2265) Silver "Sober" Dial (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number JLCMVA2265), this is a wristwatch by Jaeger-LeCoultre, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold-filled. Recorded dimensions: Case 38 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. 2265 is one of the most desirable alarm references produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre from the 1950s-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 38mm gold-filled 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 # JLCMVA2265 Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre Style Automatic Memovox Model 2265 Serial 4523085 Size Men's Material Gold-Filled Stainless Steel Dial Silver "Sober" Millimeters 38 Bracelet Kreisler 10K Gold-Filled Coffin-Link Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The excellent, oversized case features its original dimensions, showing some light wear with minimal evidence of prior polishing present. The matching twin crowns are likely early replacements, as they are not branded. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in crisp and visible condition; the case back exhibits some light tool marks, which are common for these two-piece case backs. The generic, but likely original to the watch, Kreisler 10K gold-filled coffin-link bracelet retains 11 links that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original silver sunburst "sober" dial is primarily brandless, apart from the "Memovox" text, hence the nickname "sober" dial. The dial is in wonderful vintage condition, showing some gentle marks and age, expected for the era of the watch, though no major damage is present. The tritium lume plots located around the center of the dial and within the alarm arrow all remain at least partially intact, exhibiting light degradation, and have taken on a matching beige patina. The original tritium yellow gold hands match the dial patina and exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection. 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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