
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Jaeger Lecoultre Memovox Alarm with Archive Papers
- Maker / attribution
- Jaeger-LeCoultre (maker)
- Date
- c. 1972
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 37 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 9144099897620
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 9144099897620)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Jaeger Lecoultre Memovox Alarm w/Archive Papers (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 9144099897620), this is a wristwatch by Jaeger-LeCoultre, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1972. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 37 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 — Collectors Corner NY
For anyone who appreciates alarm complications, the JLC Memovox might top the list of most desirable models. This particular ref. E.875, circa 1972, is one of the most attractive variants, offering great dimension with a slim case and width of 37mm. This piece is also known as the "Speed Beat" for its high grade caliber 916 which runs at 28.8k beats per hour. This example has remained in excellent vintage condition with a nicely preserved dial and strong case. Not only does this Memovox come with archive papers, the JLC signed bracelet is icing on the cake and will surely draw the attention of collectors of any level. Explore more of our vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches .
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
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.
Related records
Clocks · 1937–1938
Skeleton clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Switzerland, 1937–1938
Science Museum Group, London
Movements & Components · 1953
Automatic watch movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre, 1953, Geneva, Switzerland, showing self-winding mechanism
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1953
Automatic Wrist-watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Geneva, Switzerland, with reserve power indicator complete in steel case, 1953. Back numbered 564556.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1953
Wrist-watch, 'Memovox' alarm, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Geneva, Switzerland, complete in steel case, 1953.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1970
Wristwatch by Heno, Switzerland, 1970
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 1960–1986
'Tri-Compax' calendar chronograph wristwatch in gold case, by Universal, Geneva, Switzerland, 1960–1986.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1969–1970
Beta 21 Quartz wristwatch movement, made in Switzerland, 1970.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · c. 1969
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, ref. 145022-69st, c. 1969
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
