Jaeger-LeCoultre
Regarded by many as the most creative and adventurous of all the major high-end watchmakers, Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833, has had an incredibly inventive history, developing over 1,250 mechanical calibres, registering over 400 Patents and playing a tremendous role in the development of the industry as a whole. Whether it is the keyless watch, Calibre 101, the iconic Reverso or the Memovox alarm, it would be difficult to imagine a historical account of watchmaking without the mention of Jaeger-LeCoultre. The company has always been a true ‘Manufacturer’ of the finest quality watch movements. This is unusual because more often than not, high-end brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin would often buy in movements for particular needs. For example, in 1967 when Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin needed an ultra-thin automatic movement, it was to Jaeger-LeCoultre they turned, to produce one for them. Furthermore, the exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 920, is still in production and in use today by both Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet.
Description
The name ‘Memovox’ is composed of the two Latin words ‘memo’ and ‘vox’ which respectively mean ‘remember’ and ‘voice’. By most accounts, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox came to the market in 1950 with the hand-wound Calibre 489 movement. However, in 1956, the Cal. 489 was replaced with the Calibre 815, making the Memovox the first automatically wound alarm wristwatch. The Calibre 825 which you see here, is, in fact, the Cal.815 automatic with the addition of a date function which as such was another groundbreaking world ‘first’, for Jaeger-LeCoultre. It is even more impressive that Jaeger-LeCoultre is still the only watch company which has managed to produce and make a commercial success of a mechanical automatic movement which features both an alarm and a date function.
The World Timer variant was introduced in 1958 and marketed for “businessmen, stock brokers, journalists and travellers”. Also known as the World Time, this model has a special inner alarm disk which can be set to allow the wearer to read the time in 24 other cities around the world. This highly advanced model was produced until 1965.
Following a full restoration, this superb Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic, alarm and date watch is now in tip-top condition and running and operating perfectly. Naturally, it is complete with its original JL signed winding crowns and JL signed gold-plated buckle.
The Watch Dial
The silver-white dial, with date function and centre minutes track, features its original ‘Dauphine’ hands which are matched with applied gilt lined batons. The starburst silver centre rotating disc, used for setting the alarm function, contrasts with the slightly whiter outer dial and the gold case. The different finishes on the dial catch the light beautifully as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The watch and dial look much better in real life and as usual, Jaeger has done an excellent job of keeping the dial very clear and simple, considering the alarm and world time functions of the watch.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by the U.K’s foremost dial restorers.
The Movement
Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are rightfully regarded as some of the very finest produced by any manufacturer, which is why so many other ‘manufacturers’ have sourced their movements from this extraordinary watchmaking dynasty. The two defining characteristics of the Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 825 are its bumper winding system and the hammer alarm. You can feel both moving back and forth while the watch is on the wrist, but this is charming, rather than annoying and the bumper mechanism soon becomes hardly noticeable.
The watch movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage JLC specialist watchmaker and after having been on test on our electronic timegrapher, it is running arrow straight, within +4 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any watch of this age. The movement also has a power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound. This movement has been very well maintained and cared for and is in sparkling condition.
The alarm is wound and set with the crown at 2 o’clock. When the alarm sounds it is perfectly loud enough to hear without being too loud and one can also feel the alarm gently vibrating on the wrist. It will sound for 20 seconds, unless you wish to silence it immediately, by pulling out the same crown at 2 o’clock. This is very convenient since the alarm has its own alarm spring, which takes quite a bit of winding from its fully unwound state. Of course, if you only want the alarm to sound for around 5 seconds and for it not to be so loud, then it may be wound to around a quarter of its fully wound state. The movement on this watch is running and functioning perfectly. We therefore have no hesitation in offering this watch with 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.
The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’, ‘Swiss’, and carries the calibre number K825 and the serial number 1695866, which dates this watch to 1964.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The heavy, Swiss made 18ct Yellow Gold watch case measures 37mm, excluding the correct twin Jaeger-LeCoultre signed crowns.
The substantial case is of a two-piece construction with a heavy screw-down case-back. The broad integral bezel, along with the silver-white dial makes this watch truly impressive on the wrist. It is perhaps the most ‘classy’ of all the Memovox releases from inception until the present day. The swept back lugs and taper back, lift the watch slightly on the wrist, to help make the alarm a little louder. The screw-down case-back has never been engraved and is of full thickness.
This watch has been very well cared for and after cleaning and close inspection has simply required some gentle and careful hand-polishing to bring it back to its almost ‘as new’ condition. It is in immaculate condition with no dings or scratches visible to the naked eye.
The inside of the case-back carries the Jaeger-LeCoultre signature and Swiss 18ct hallmarks. On the outside of the case-back, is signed “Memovox” with the case serial number 928408 .
Please note – although this watch was specified as waterproof when new, and even though the rubber seals have been replaced on the crowns and case-back, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
The watch has been fitted with a high quality Tan Lizard skin strap with a gold plated Jaeger-LeCoultre buckle. We think this contrasts very nicely with the yellow gold case and the dial. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know, and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin and we can obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1964.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
A Jaeger-LeCoultre presentation box is included in the sale of this watch.
If you would like to pay by bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
A rare World Timer Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox with a landmark movement, in tip-top condition. This is a completely reliable and practical watch to wear as your everyday watch and it will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to use, treasure and enjoy. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger, limited supply allied to high demand means prices will inevitably climb higher and higher!
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
