LeCoultre Memovox Bumper-Wind Automatic, 1950s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

The first popular mechanical alarm wristwatch was the Vulcain Cricket. It gained many accolades upon its debut in 1947, making its way onto the wrists of numerous notable individuals — including several U.S. Presidents. In the late 1940s, Jaeger-LeCoultre began producing its own mechanical alarm watch to compete with the popular Cricket. Utilizing a unique twin-crown system and a unique alarm mechanism — the Memovox employs a hammer that strikes against a post welded to the caseback, whereas the Cricket uses a resonant, dual-case back design — JLC set itself apart and in so doing, created one of the most iconic models of post-War watchmaking. LeCoultre's earliest Memovox expressions were largely available in Europe, while American-market models — cased in steel, two-tone, or in 14K gold in an array of dial configurations — were offered as early as 1951. This particular example dates to the 1950s and bears the hallmarks of a U.S. model, the most distinct of which is the use of a “LeCoultre” signature rather than “Jaeger-LeCoultre” branding on the dial. (Another sign, located inside the snapback case, is a stamp reading “Cased and Timed in the United States.”) Housed in a 37mm 10K gold-filled, two-tone stainless steel case with dual winding crowns, an acrylic crystal, and a smooth bezel, it features a luminous, two-piece silver-tone dial with an inner, rotating alarm-setting disc. Applied ‘dart’ and ‘Arabic’ quadrant indices are joined by luminous ‘dauphine’ hands, while the self-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 815 bumper movement provides power. The dial and luminous elements are in absolutely stunning condition on this particular example, suggesting it likely spent some time visiting home in Le Sentier in recent years - as it shows signs of a professional dial restoration, or perhaps an old-stock replacement, likely by the manufacture. This is the spa treatment we all deserve when we're pushing 70! With its handsome dial and delightful alarm sound, this piece is sure to make you smile every time you strap it on your wrist!