This special wristwatch featured a fully mechanical alarm system that its owner could use to better organize and govern his most precious possession - his time. To pull off this technological marvel, Jaeger-LeCoultre equipped these watches with significant inner alarm gearing and even an additional stem and crown, making many elements of a second movement that worked seamlessly in conjunction with the normal timing portion.
Not content with simply creating a wrist alarm, Jaeger-LeCoultre then produced the world's first automatic alarm model, a feat that significantly added to the mechanism's complexity. Using the caliber 825 as a starting point, JLC then created the caliber 916, used in this watch, which was the world's first 360 degree automatic alarm. Previous movement always used a bumper mechanism due to the alarm hammer mechanism which, when activated hit a pin protruding from the inside of the back case cover. The bumper rotor swung back and forth without hitting the pin whereas a fully rotating rotor would. JLC ingeniously solved this problem in their design of the cal. 916 by creating the rotor with a hole in the center that the alarm pin could pass through.
It also had high-capabilities, as it ticked 28,800 per hour and provided for greater accuracy in timekeeping .
It has a very cool retro dial and stylish retro hands that complement it.
The monocoque case, which originally gave the watch excellent water-resistance, is steel with a solid 14K gold fluted bezel suggestive of a Rolex.
In vintage times, as lifestyle paces moved faster and faster, top Swiss firms needed a way to enhance the experiences of their now frequently travelling top clients. The renowned engineers at Jaeger-LeCoultre rose to the occasion by creating the company's famed Memovox alarm wristwatch in 1951.
It is in very pleasing original condition.
The case is excellent original condition and has never been polished. Its untouched dial in just short of perfect mint condition. And its movement is keeping exceptionally accurate time.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Note: Similar alarm watches can be found in Franco Cologni's book, Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Story of the Grande Maison, 2006, pg. 338
Movie References:
The 18K gold version of this same watch has been named the Steve McQueen Memovox, in reference to the fact that he wore this model as the lead character in the original "Thomas Crown Affair" movie. And Robert De Niro wore the steel version in "The Family."
- Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
- Year built: c. 1970
- Serial no.: 2,074,333
- Model: "Memovox"
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Semi-Quicksetting Date (9pm-3am)
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Stainless steel with solid 14K gold bezel
- Case markings (outside): Opening instructions, stainless steel and gold cap
- Case condition: Excellent honest original condition with only light wear, unpolished
- Dimensions: 37mm wide (excluding crowns), 43.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Smoky silver, two-piece, soleil silver inner revolving alarm insert, steel applied Roman indexes, luminous hour sections, original and untouched, just short of mint condition
- Hands: Original, steel batons filled with luminous material
- Movement type: High grade, Cal. 916, self-winding full rotor bi-directional winding automatic, complete second alarm mechanism, rhodium plated, shock protected, 17 jewels, direct sweep seconds, glucydur balance, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator. Approximate 45 hour power reserve.
- Jewels: 17 rubies
- Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn, previously equipped with aftermarket buckle done with JL signature
- Width between lugs: 20mm
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Servicing: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is keeping very accurate time.
- Warranty: 1-year international C.O.T. warranty. Please message us for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
