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

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm (Ref. E855), 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
Dimensions
Case 37.5 mm
Stock no.
JLCMVE855
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (JLCMVE855)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm (Ref. E855) (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number JLCMVE855), 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. 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 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 # JLCMVE855 Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre Style Memovox Model E855 Serial 11XXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver Millimeters 37.5mm Strap Jaeger LeCoultre Stainless Steel G+F Bracelet W/ JLM Ends CASE & BRACELET The excellent case retains sharp finishing and displays honest wear from use. The Jaeger LeCoultre signed crowns remain original to the watch. The two parts caseback remains in excellent conditon and the serial engraving is clearly visible. The original Jaegar LeCoultre "Gay Freres" bracelet with JLM end pieces is stunning and remains in excellent unpolished condition, showing normal stretch for a bracelet of this era and age. DIAL & HANDS The original silver dial remains in beautify vintage condition and has taken on a unique and lovely light green patina that is consistent throughout the dial. The tritium lume plots on the inner minute track have taken on a dark patina and all remain visibly intact however some plots show light degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.

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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