JAEGER LECOULTRE JUMBO AUTOMATIC MEMOVOX Wrist Alarm Gents Watch 1970
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:12192043 | Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox |
| Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre | Department: Men |
| Complications: Alarm | Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) |
| EAN: Does not apply |
A rarely seen stainless steel Memovox "HPG"(high performance guaranteed) Jumbo automatic alarm calendar watch from JaegerLeCoultre, dating to 1970. It is great original un-restored condition. The case and factory original dial present very well on the wrist. The cal 916 high beat fully rotational bi-directional automatic movementis running beautifully and keeping time, with the alarm and calendarfunctions working perfectly.... The watch has its original matching signed crowns. It is signed in five places, on the dial, case, two crowns andmovement. This watch has been part of my personal collection for some time and has been one of my favourites, worn regularly. I last wore it at my youngest son's wedding in August. The alarm function made sure we woke up in time on the wedding day. The watch attracted a lot of interest from our guests at the wedding reception, even from my son's friends who use smart phones to tell the time but it was not an occasion to don the mantle of watch dealer! I am now parting with the watch to make way for some new additions coming up on my buying trip to San Diego in October.I have been collecting vintage watches for over thirty years andselling them as an enjoyable lifestyle occupation since 2003. I haveconsistently received excellent feedback and many repeat buyers. Customersatisfaction is very important to me so if you do have any problems please getin touch. I will always do my best to help. I often assist customerswho ask for my help several years after they have purchased a watch from me; soonce you have bought a watch, you will remain an important customer. You canemail me to ask any questions.Please scroll right down to see morephotographs and details.
Case: stainless steel, in very goodcondition measuring approximately 37 mm across, excluding the signed crownsand 41 mm in overall length. The inside of the rear cover issigned LeCoultre. It is showing the expected light marks from responsibleand probably infrequent use over 49 years but absolutely no signs ofabuse, dents or scratches of any significance that I could see to point out toyou.Dial: factory original with a textured outer border and satin silver inner dial, signed “LeCoultre Automatic Memovox Swiss”. It isalso marked "HPG" which signifies "High Precision Guarantee". Applied silvercoloured batons mark the hours, the hands are in good shape and the crystal isclean and clear. The dial is showing some light patina but it is in amazingcondition for a 49 year old watch. Any restoration would be a crime, diminishing the value of this watch significantly.Movement: high grade 27jewelled automatic cal. 916 movement, adjusted to three positions, runningstrongly and keeping time. It is a high beat movement, running at 28000 A/hcompared with 18000 A/h for the previous cal.815/825 bumper models. Thisprovides for greater accuracy in timekeeping and is why the dial on this andother models housing the cal. 916 are marked "HPG" (high precision guaranteed).The 916 was the first automaticalarm watch produced by any watchmaker with a rotor that would turn a full 360degrees. Previously they always housed a bumper mechanism due to the alarmhammer mechanism which, when activated hit a pin protruding from the inside ofthe back case cover. The bumper rotor swings back and forth without hitting thepin whereas a fully rotating rotor would. This problem was ingeniously overcomewith the cal. 916 by the alarm pin on the case cover passing through a hole inthe centre of the rotor. If you look at the photos below you can see the pin onthe inside of the cover. The watch is set and can be wound by the lower crownand the alarm is wound and set by the upper crown. The calendar functionoperates correctly. The serial number on the movementdates the watch to 1970.Strap:fitted with a generic brown leather strap, which attached to the watch measuresapproximately 219 mm from buckle tip to last hole. This is a fabulous watch, manufactured by one of the most prestigiouswatchmakers in the world and in great original condition. It isin fully working order, highly collectable as well as suitable for wear. Do notmiss the opportunity to purchase this iconic vintage watch.
Jaeger LeCoultre Watch Co. HistoryI am sometimes asked why some Jaeger LeCoultre watches are signed LeCoultre. This has much to do with the complex United States duty regulations that made it more cost effective to import Jaeger LeCoultre movements, dials, crowns and hands into the USA from Switzerland and for the cases to be manufactured in the States. In the 1950’s the Longines Wittnauer group was the distributor of LeCoultre watches and Vacheron & Constantin watches sold in North America. The Longines Wittnauer group did not manufacture Jaeger LeCoultre watches as some people mistakenly believe, the movements were produced in the Swiss Jaeger LeCoultre factory at Le Sentier and were identical in every way to movements distributed within Europe other than the LeCoultre markings on the watch. The cases were manufactured under licence in the United States and were marked "Cased and Timed in the USA by LeCoultre". In approximately 1985 the brand name "Jaeger LeCoultre" was adopted worldwide.Some people believe that because LeCoultre movements are signed "VXN" on the bridge (denoting Vacheron & Constantin), they were manufactured by Vacheron & Constantin. This is incorrect. Jaeger LeCoultre supplied movements to Vacheron & Constantin, which were used in their watches but not vice versa. The only collaboration that ever took place between these two prestigious watchmakers was the "Galaxy" diamond dial model. The Galaxy was marketed by both companies; with the case marked "Vacheron & Constantin - LeCoultre Inc." and the dial signed "LeCoultre". A more comprehensive explanation of these often mis-understood issues is provided in the excellent text book “Jaeger LeCoultre a Guide for the Collector” by Zaf Basha. For those who are interested in the history of famous watchmakers, the Jaeger LeCoultre watch company is one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers. Antoine LeCoultre opened a small factory in Le Sentier in 1833 where current factory remains. LeCoultre quickly built a reputation for quality and precision, so much so that he became the leading supplier of movements to the watch making industry in Switzerland. In 1925 Antoine’s grandson, David, merged the company with that of Edmond Jaeger, which is when the current day company, Jaeger LeCoultre came into existence. It is one of the few Swiss companies still producing its own movements, cases, dials and bracelets. This gives the company total control over the quality and precision of its watches and is a contributory factor for it being one of the small number of elite watchmakers with a world wide reputation for quality and precision. Jaeger LeCoultre has been one of the most innovative watchmakers in the world, having produced a number of revolutionary inventions including the Atmos “Perpetual Motion Clock” (which operates by changes in air pressure) and the creation of the world’s smallest mechanical movement which weighed less than one gram. Terms of Sale I pack my watches very well to avoid damage but very occasionally a problem may occur due to rough treatment in transit or the use of scanning equipment by Customs or the postal services which can magnetise the watch mechanism. I warrant that the watch you purchase will, when you receive it, be as described in the listing. If there is a problem when you receive your purchase I provide a no quibble full refund option. Alternatively I will undertake any repairs that are necessary if the watch is damaged or if in any other way differs significantly from the description. If I have not stated that the watch has been serviced, you may wish to have this work done, particularly if you intend to wear the watch on a daily basis. On request, I can provide you with details of independent watchmakers to whom you can send your watch for servicing. I provide comprehensive details of my watches, including very clear photographs taken with a high resolution macro lens which shows detail not visible to the naked eye. I also invite you to ask questions if there is anything else you need to know. Please take care to consider the dimensions of the watch case as if it is a gentlemans’ Art Deco rectangular vintage watch, they were made significantly smaller than contemporary watches. You are buying a used watch so there will be signs of use. Please do not expect quartz accuracy from a vintage watch. In the 1940’s/1950’s the accepted timekeeping tolerance for a new 17 jewel manual watch was within three minutes a day. All of my watches are professionally inspected and tested before sale and if they are not running smoothly and keeping reasonable time I have them serviced and/ or have any other work undertaken that is needed to ensure the watch is in running condition. However please bear in mind that a fault can develop unexpectedly at any time as with any used item so I am unable to provide any on-going warranty. Please also note that I provide no guarantee that my watches are waterproof. I would always strongly recommend keeping any vintage well away from moisture. Listing and template services provided by inkFrog
