Jaeger-LeCoultre
Perhaps the most interesting, 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 and was the first automatically wound alarm wristwatch.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox was first officially launched in 1951 and was the first commercially successful alarm wristwatch. The watch here is dated to 1951 by the movement serial number, making this a very rare 1st edition in pink gold. It also comes with its original, very rarely seen Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox presentation box, making this a very special piece.
The off-white dial is completely original, unrestored and untouched and has a wonderful even patina.
The Watch Dial
Simply stunning. Elegant and understated with a two-tone off-white centre with silver round the outer edge and furnished with raised standard Arabic numerals and ‘arrowhead’ hour indices, matched by the original unrestored gilt ‘dauphine’ hands. The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ below 12.
The centre rotating disc carries the pointer for setting the alarm function which is set and wound using the upper crown, whereas the time is set and the watch is wound using the lower crown.
This watch has been very well cared for and after cleaning and close inspection has simply required some gentle and careful hand-polishing. This is the original dial which is completely original, unrestored and untouched and shows some wonderful signs of ageing in the form of some very gentle and even fading, some very light freckling and an even patina.
Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusual condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.
Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.
The Movement
The watch carries its original Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre P489/1, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement which is running perfectly. The alarm function is also working perfectly with quite a loud buzz which lasts for 15 seconds and which can also be felt on the wrist.
This watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage JLC specialist watchmaker and having had it on test on our electronic timegrapher, it is running within -10 seconds per day when fully wound. This is outstanding for any watch of this age. The movement also has a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound. It has been very well maintained and cared for, evidenced by the movement which 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, therefore we have no hesitation in offering this watch with a 12 month warranty on the movement*.
The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Swiss’, and carries the calibre number P489/1, along with the serial number 816159 which dates this watch to 1951.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The heavy 18ct pink gold watch case measures 35mm, excluding the unsigned Jaeger-LeCoultre crowns. This is considered quite a large case, as typical Jaeger-LeCoultre watch cases sizes were usually 33mm at the time this watch was made.
The case is of a superbly made two-piece design for increased dust and moisture protection. It has a thin integral bezel and beautiful lugs which add elegance and style to the watch. The case is in excellent condition and has simply required a very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish. The watch has obviously been very well cared for as there are no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye.
Inside the case-back, all is properly marked and as expected with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the exterior of the case-back shows the serial number 572182. This external case number is clear, indicating the watch case has not been over-polished. Importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.
Please note – vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new, high quality brown lizard strap has been fitted, which we feel complements the watch nicely, along with a gold-plated JLC buckle. 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. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range straps if you wish here.
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 1951.
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”.
The original Jaeger-LeCoultre presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
Payment and Delivery
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 who happen to visit London 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 hand 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 superb 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!
Even though it is over seventy years old, this watch is still completely fresh, reliable and highly practical to wear as an everyday watch should you so wish, but mostly, it is a thing of beauty to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. Should you wish to view it this way, it will also make an excellent investment or heirloom piece, because as each year goes by, and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever greater, limited supply, linked with particularly high demand from the Far East, means prices will inevitably climb ever higher!
A beautiful example of a timeless classic from one of horology’s most prestigious names, which if treated with care, will provide excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!
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.
If you have any questions please call us on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas, on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or 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.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
