Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox, mid 1960s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

The first time one hears a mechanical alarm is a moment few watch collectors will ever forget. For a generation that has only ever known the annoying buzz of an smartphone, the mechanical ring seems wholly other-worldly — a lost sound from a forgotten era. While the mechanical alarm was produced by myriad brands in an array of designs and executions, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Memovox is generally considered the benchmark of the category. Though it was introduced in 1950 as a manually-wound watch — the upper crown wound the spring for the alarm function while the lower crown wound the timekeeping mainspring — automatic models quickly became the norm beginning in 1959. By the early 1960s, the Memovox had become a mainstay in JLC's lineup, adept at mixing innovation, style, and utility. Operation of the alarm function simple, and is controlled via the top crown: Winding it charges a spring and holds it under tension until the alarm goes off. Pulling the same crown out allows one to rotate the inner dial and align the triangle on the inner ring with the time at which one desires the alarm to activate. Once activated, simply pulling the top crown out will silence the alarm, allowing the user to set a new time in the manner of a snooze button. JLC offered the Memovox in many expressions, some of which were sold in the European market, and some of which were sold in the American market. This Reference E855 is of the former variety and is notable for its oversized, waterproof 37mm case and luxurious 18K yellow gold construction. Boasting dual signed crowns, thick lugs, a smooth bezel, and an acrylic crystal, it features a handsome, two-tone champagne dial with applied 'stick' indices; an inner alarm dial with luminous 'dot' five-minute indices; a luminous 'dauphine' handset; and a date display at 3 o'clock. Powered by the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. K825 movement and paired to a brown leather alligator strap with a yellow gold pin buckle, this early Memovox dating to the mid-1960s is in splendid condition, with even patination to the luminous elements, a sharp case, and scant signs of wear. Over 70 years old, it's ready to enjoy a second life on the wrist of an appreciative owner — preferably one who needs a break from his or her smartphone! This spectacular piece comes from the collection of Zaf Basha, a noted authority on Jaeger-LeCoultre who has published two books: Vintage Military Watches: A Guide for the Collector and Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Ultimate Guide for the Collector. Over the years, Basha put together one of the most impressive assemblages of vintage JLC timepieces in the world, and we're thrilled and honor to offer many of them for sale on Analog:Shift.