Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox

The first time one hears a mechanical alarm is a moment few watch collectors will ever forget. For a generation that has only ever known the annoying buzz of an smartphone, the mechanical ring seems wholly other-worldly — a lost sound from a forgotten era.  While the mechanical alarm was produced by myriad brands in an array of designs and executions, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Memovox is generally considered the benchmark of the category. Though it was introduced in 1950 as a manually-wound watch — the upper crown wound the spring for the alarm function while the lower crown wound the timekeeping mainspring — automatic models quickly became the norm beginning in 1959. By the early 1960s, the Memovox had become a mainstay in JLC's lineup, adept at mixing innovation, style, and utility. Operation of the alarm function simple, and is controlled via the top crown:  Winding it charges a spring and holds it under tension until the alarm goes off. Pulling the same crown out allows one to rotate the inner dial and align the triangle on the inner ring with the time at which one desires the alarm to activate. Once activated, simply pulling the top crown out will silence the alarm, allowing the user to set a new time in the manner of a snooze button. JLC offered the Memovox in many expressions, some of which were sold in the European market, and some of which were sold in the American market. This Reference E855 is of the former variety and is notable for its oversized 37mm stainless steel case and its stunning Gay Frères bracelet. Boasting dual signed crowns, downward-sloping lugs, and an acrylic crystal, it features a handsome, two-tone silver dial with applied 'stick' indices; an inner alarm dial with luminous five-minute 'dot' indices; a luminous 'dauphine' handset; and a date window at 3 o'clock. Powered by the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. K825 movement, this incredible mid-1960s Memovox comes paired to a spectacular stainless steel multi-link bracelet from celebrated bracelet maker Gay Frères. Signed on its blade clasp with the Jaeger-LeCoultre logo and dating to April of 1969, it elevates the watch to the level of a prime collectible.  In excellent condition with beautifully aged lume and a gorgeous dial, this Reference 855 is a JLC lover's dream come true. Heck — the bracelet alone is worth the price of admission! This spectacular piece comes from the collection of Zaf Basha, a noted authority on Jaeger-LeCoultre who has published two books: Vintage Military Watches: A Guide for the Collector and Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Ultimate Guide for the Collector. Over the years, Basha put together one of the most impressive assemblages of vintage JLC timepieces in the world, and we're thrilled and honor to offer many of them for sale on Analog:Shift.