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Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm (Ref. E855) 10k Gold Filled, 1960s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm (Ref. E855) 10k Gold Filled, 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 37.5 mm
Stock no.
JLCMVE855GF
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (JLCMVE855GF)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm (Ref. E855) 10k Gold Filled (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number JLCMVE855GF), 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 37.5 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 LeCoultre Memovox ref. E855 is one of the most desirable alarm references produced from LeCoultre from the 1960s. 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. The alarm is crisp and noticeable which is a key feature of the cal. 825 automatic bumper movement. The ref. E855 features an excellent 10k gold-filled 37.5mm case, which is oversized for the 1960s era of its creation. 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 # JLCMVE855GF Brand LeCoultre Style Memovox Model E855 Serial 11XXXXX Size Men's Material 10K Gold Filled Dial Silver Millimeters 37.5mm Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The 10k gold-filled case is in fantastic condition, appearing to have been lightly polished in the past with only minimal signs of use. The twin crowns are early replacements. The factory markings on the case back remain legible and crisp. The watch will come supplied on a 2ps handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original silver dial is in excellent vintage condition showing some light markings from age on the outer portion of the dial. The tritium lume plots of the minute track have aged to a gorgeous golden coloration, the tritium in the alarm arrow has taken on a dark patina, under U.V. light inspection none of the lume plots exhibit degradation. The original tritium hands have taken on a darker patina as well, and show no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. 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

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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