
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox in Steel Execution Ref. E855 with Steel JLC Bracelet Silver Dial, 1960s
- Maker / attribution
- Jaeger Lecoultre (maker)
- Date
- 1960s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- steel
- Dimensions
- Case 37 mm
- Stock no.
- w-3006
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (w-3006)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox in Steel Execution Ref. E855 with Steel JLC Bracelet Silver Dial (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number w-3006), 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: steel. 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 — Bulang & Sons
This is a beautiful and rare example of the iconic Memovox alarm watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The word 'Memovox' was coined by Jaeger-LeCoultre and is an amalgamation of two Latin words: 'Memor,' meaning 'remembering,' and 'Vox,' meaning 'voice.' This steel execution LeCoultre Memovox Ref. E855 is one of the most sought-after alarm models created by JLC in the 1960s. The dual-crown design enables both time setting and winding while also allowing for alarm adjustment. The upper crown is specifically used for setting the alarm function. The alarm itself is sharp and distinct, a hallmark of the Cal. 825 automatic bumper movement, which has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. This JLC is fitted with a fine 7-row steel bracelet, signed Jaeger-LeCoultre / NSA—super nice! The watch is also accompanied by some older invoices for servicing the movement. This cool alarm watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker, and trust us—the alarm is practically shouting your name! Get in touch and make this one yours! Specifications: - Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Reference E855 - 37mm steel case with two crowns - Lucky number 111xxxx serial, dating to the 1960s - Date function - Older service invoices - Silver dial with applied logo - Alarm system function - Cal. 825 automatic movement - Original JLC / NSA signed 7-row steel bracelet - Fully serviced by our watchmaker
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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