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Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm 18K YG (Ref. 3151) 'Cal. P489/1', 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm 18K YG (Ref. 3151) 'Cal. P489/1', 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
Stock no.
JLCMV3151-2
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (JLCMV3151-2)
Catalogue title (original)
1950s Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm 18K YG (Ref. 3151) 'Cal. P489/1' (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number JLCMV3151-2), 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. 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

With a rich history that dates all the way back to 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre (colloquially referred to as JLC) is often referred to by collectors as “the watchmaker’s watchmaker” and is easily one of the industry’s most celebrated luxury timepiece brands. Although the manufacturer’s archives are packed full of interesting and noteworthy designs, it's the Memovox ref. 3151 that turns heads as one of the most desirable alarm references produced during the 1950s. Featuring a double-crown that allows for winding and setting the time, as well as setting the alarm. The alarm is crisp and noticeable which is a key feature of the manual cal. P489/1 movement. This Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. 3151 is whimsically functional and doubles as excellent dress pieces that suit today's fashion perfectly. This piece would make a great addition to an existing collection and be a great and classic timepiece as a stand-alone piece. Stock # JLCMV3151 Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre Style Memovox Alarm Model 3151 Serial 572XXX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 35 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The 18K yellow gold case is in exceptionally well-preserved condition, exhibiting no evidence of previous polishing with crisp factory finishing on display and light signs of use present. The twin, unsigned crowns located at the 2 and 4 o'clock are believed to be original to the watch. The case back retains extremely deep factory engravings and crisp factory finishing. The watch comes supplied on an era-correct vintage 2pc leather strap and the original unsigned gold plaque tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original non-luminous silver dial is truly impressive, especially for its age, showing no damage, notable discoloration, or obscene elements of age. The text all remains in perfect condition, including the blue text for the alarm portion of the dial. The original yellow gold dauphine hands are in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

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

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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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