Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox HPG 'Egg'

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 1970s and is one of the funkier takes on JLC's signature complications. Housed in a 37mm, 18K yellow, egg-shaped case with dual signed winding crowns and an as-bold-as-they-come bezel, this a beautifully patinated champagne-brown dial features applied Tritium indices, a matching syringe handset, and a central rotating alarm disc that bears the 'HPG' signature, otherwise known as 'High Precision Guaranteed'. Powered by a self-winding Calibre 916 movement, this piece is outfitted to one of our premium Nubuck leather straps in a Galway Green tone with a matching gold-tone pin buckle. Not many models with the Calibre 916 were produces, and fewer with a precious metal case. The Memovox is continues to be an under-appreciated watch from a storied manufacture, and this particular iteration with its pure 70's funk is probably horology's best kept secret.