The Paris Vintage Memovox Exhibition: An unique moment in a Collector's life.

Dec 01, 2010,00:59 AM
 


From the 25th to the 28th of November, was held in Paris, at the famous auction house Artcurial ( 7, Rond Point des Champs Elysées ) one of the most impressive - if not THE most impressive - exhibition of Vintage Memovoxes.

A collector - a friend - accepted to share some of his most interesting pieces for that occasion.

All the Memovoxes which were made from 1950 to the early 80ies were not present, but an exhaustive collection of this iconic watch from our beloved Manufacture seems an impossible task to achieve.

But the big merit of this exhibition is that the current authentic models, side by side with some very rare and almost never seen treasures are gathered in 5 display windows, for our intense and biggest pleasure:

1/ The Manual wind Memovox.

2/ The Automatic Memovox.

3/ The Memovox from the 70ies.

4/ The special series.

5/ The Alarm clocks and documents.

I'm not happy at all with the pictures taken during this exhibition - Was it because of the bad light conditions, the excellent Champagne, or both? - but I managed to get a private photography session with the owner of these marvels, which I will post later.

Anyway, at least you'll have a first sight of this important event, here and now.

The event started with an interesting speech made by Yves Meylan and Romain Réa about the History and the importance of this model.

Romain ( owner of the watch shop " Romain Réa " and watch expert for Artcurial ), on your left, Yves ( Ex Director for JLC French Market ) on your right:



As expected, a lot of people came to the inauguration cocktail, friends, old and new, all sharing the Memovox fever:



Follow the guide...

smile

1/ The manual wind Memovoxes.

The References 3150, 3151, 3154, 3155, E 850, E 851, E 852, and E 858 are the members of this family, housing the Cal 489, 601, and 814.

There was also another manual wind movement, the Cal 911 ( Date version of the Cal 910 ), but we'll mention it later.

All these watches have a 33 mm to 35 mm case, and as things are never easy, there were some variations in the color and style of the dial.

A general view on the display window:



The down part of the display window, showing the Memovoxes with classic ( straight or teardrop ) lugs:



And, above, the Memovoxes which came with the tubular lugs ( Ref 3150 only ) :



2/ The " Automatic " Memovoxes from the Sixties:

Here, only 2 references, the E 853, housing the Cal 815, and the E 855 ( Cal 825 ).

The Cal 815 and 825 are exacty the same at the unique exception of the Date ( Cal 825 only ).

The E 853 was indeed the first automatic Memovox, which appeared as soon as 1956.

It is a kind of milestone in the Horological History, since this is the first Automatic Alarm watch!

The E 855 came in 1959 / 1960 and is certainly the most popular Memovox Reference, the most produced, too ( 10 years ), and the model which received the most evolutions regarding its dial.



The down part of the display window is dedicated to the E 855...

 



... And 3 Alarm movements ( Cal 489, and 814, which are manual, while the CAl 825 is Automatic ) :



While the upper part is showing two different E 853 ( left side of your screen ) :



3/ The Memovoxes from the Seventies:

The reign of Madness, excess, crazy and strong shapes, most of the time, and the introduction of a modern alarm movement, the Cal 916, which is not a bumper anymore.

A general view on this era:



Located at the bottom, the TV screen, the cushion, and the " round ovale " cases E 871 / E 872 / E 861 ( using the Cal 825, but the same watchexisted with the cal 916 under the Ref E 873 ) :



While, above, some more conventionally shaped Memovoxes found their place:



4/ The " Special Memovoxes ".

Here are gathered some rare ( sometimes, very rare ) birds, very well known from us, but sometimes, pure and delightful discoveries.

These Treasures went through time, from the mid Fifties, globally, to the end of the sixties.

The name are " Parking ", " Polaris ", " Deep Sea Alarm ", " Jubilé ", well, name you already heard about or read here.

Some less known references, such as the E 11 005, which housed gthe Cal 911 ( manual wind ), the 3159 in Rose Gold, or THE Memovox reference, the E 855, but with a gorgeous and very rare brown dial, were the true stars of the show.



A focus on the Diving Stars, the Polaris and the Deep Sea Alarm, on their JB Champion ( DSA ) or Gay Freres ( Polaris ) bracelets:



I was totally under the charm of the Ref 3159 ( Jubilé Rose Gold Memovox ), and what to say about this fabulous E 855 brown dial ( 14 Kt Gold, stainless steel case back ) ?



At the bottom, on the Brown E 855, a revelation for me, the E 11005, which came in 150 pieces in 80 micron Gold plated, or in 500 pieces in stainless steel, or this 3154 which has a very interesting historical background, as it belonged to the Colonel Ayersman, but we'll say more about it later...



At the top of the display window, the famous Memovox Parking, in two references, 3161 ( with some applied numbers ), and E 858 ( without applied numbers ) :



5/ The Alarms clocks and various documents about the Memovox in general:

The genius of " La Grande Maison " was not limited to wrist watches, but also to Alarm Clocks: Pocket watches, Key Ring, Table clocks, the imagination of our Manufacture seems to know no limits!

The Alarm Clocks were produced from the Mid Fifties ( somewhere between 1956 ) to 1978.

A view on the spectacular display window dedicated to this thema reveals some interesting documents, too:



Aren't they lovely?





Now, a view on some very interesting documents.

Some look familiar to you, I'm sure, such as this one: " your Memory's memory ".

You will also see with interest the gold version of the Memovox E 855 with these large and short indexes ( which I personally never saw... )



A nice trio of Memovox from the Seventies, accompanied with a funny illustration:



The diversity of the Seventies, featuring 4 different Memovox References...



... Or in the company of its contemporanean " sisters ":





For our German Friends:



And, to end as we started... A nice 3150, on a document featuring a Ref 3151...



Same dial, different lugs and references... All the Memovox problematic!

It was also the perfect opportunity to meet a lot of people, who are not always involved in the " Net Life ", but who are true connoisseurs, avid collectors, and watch passionate guys.

We lived a superb moment!

Thanks to the Collector, JLC and Artcurial for the perfect organisation, and to have made such an event possible.

Best to All.

Nicolas

PS: As previously announced, I will, each Monday, post a dedicated topic about these Memovoxes, with some of the pictures I managed to take during the private session, so stay tuned!

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-12-01 01:00:58

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-12-01 02:37:47 This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-12-03 05:27:03


More posts: 911MemovoxMemovox E 855Memovox E 871Memovox E 872Porsche

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Thank you Nico!

 
 By: dr.kol : December 1st, 2010-01:36
With that kind of history, I hope that JLC will develop new Memovox models for us who don't have access to the historical models. I am very excited to see if we will be introduced something new again next January. Regards from the freezing Tallinn! Kari

Many thanks for your enthusiast input, Kari.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-03:10
I too am impatient to see what JLC will release in January... Just can't wait. As for the Memovoxes to come, I'm pretty sure we'll have some nice surprises... To be followed. Best, Nicolas, also freezing a lot.

I hope so too,

 
 By: dr.kol : December 1st, 2010-04:54
But the new reversos - I hope that something which will make the dreams come true will be introduced. Just saw from CNN that you have -9 degrees in Paris. Not much better here but at least we know how to warm up the buildings. Furthermore, people here kno... 

Well, Kari...

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-05:54
I think that I had enough alcohol yesterday, afterr the VC dinner! So, water or coca only for me. Best, Nicolas

Oh my god!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 1st, 2010-01:46
I just died a little bit! How stupid am I for not have taken the trip to Paris ?! Arrrrghhhh! Will revisit this post and study it more carefully tonight! Thank you, Vlad for sharing this with us! And thank you to the collector for sharing your marvels wit... 

Well, Blomman ...

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-03:11
I already prepared a lot of posts on this matter. Will post them each monday, and I think I have enough " material " to post till January. I knew it was the kind of stuff you'd appreciate. All the best, my friend, and ... Enjoy! Nicolas.

That sounds great, Nicolas!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 1st, 2010-14:01
Now I know that each Monday for the rest of the year I will suffer! I can only imagine the feeling to walk among these marvels… Oh, it will be hard to sleep tonight… Thank you, my friend Best Blomman

Now you understand why I can't remove my eyes from my Computer screen.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-14:04
Come on, Blomman, there might be a possibility for you to see these beauties, but you'll have to come here... Best, Nicolas.

I can’t let go of this post!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 2nd, 2010-12:54
I am totally speechless… Stupid, stupid Blomman for not going! Best Blomman

Did this post give you some bad ideas, Blomman?

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2010-13:00
Any Memo to add in your collection? Best, Nicolas.

I am working on it... ;) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 2nd, 2010-13:06
No message body

It needs deep breathtaking..

 
 By: hs111 : December 2nd, 2010-01:44
- and careful "spoons" of digestion to enjoy this delightful post about THE apparently magnificent exhibit. - Almost can't wait for the "really good" photos, as announced - Days and feast for Tantalus ??. ( Professional reasons caused me to cancel my trip... 

This must be heaven

 
 By: RJW : December 1st, 2010-03:20
for the jlc and more particularly the memvox lover. I'm sure you will remember this forever. Thanks for the post. Regards, Richard.

Indeed, Richard...

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-03:25
I lost all notion of Time, during this exhibition, even if I know most of these pieces. This Collector should be thanked, for sure. It was a bit Xmas before Xmas. Best, Richard. Nicolas.

What else can be said?

 
 By: BDLJ : December 1st, 2010-03:37
Except....Mag-ni-fi-cent!

Agreed, Ben.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-03:43
You would have liked it! Best, my friend. Nicolas.

Great post

 
 By: grigo : December 1st, 2010-03:48
Always love reading your posts and look forward to reading the next instalments. Reagards, George

Will do, soon. Thanks fro your nice words, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-05:53
And forget I have something for you! Best, Nicolas

Man I hope

 
 By: grigo : December 1st, 2010-06:40
you mean "do not" forget. Best regards, George

LOL, of course! Sorry for the bad typo.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-06:42
And for the fear... Santa klaus may be a jocker...too. Best, Nicolas.

Amazing Post--

 
 By: docfink : December 1st, 2010-04:21
Thanks!

Thank you Nicolas, for ...

 
 By: HerrK : December 1st, 2010-04:56
... sharing photos and information on this exceptional event with us! After the resurrection of the Memovox as Master Control Memovox these photos make my E 855 feel like being part of an culturological heritage. I am really looking forward to your furthe... 

But your E 855 is definitely part of this Heritage, Christian!

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-05:51
Our Beloved Vintage Memos are all part of this History. As well as the latest Master Memovox, in some years. Happy to see you back here, Christian. Stay tuned, and don't go too far! Best, Nicolas.

I'm dizzy!

 
 By: respo : December 1st, 2010-05:30
That is a lot to take in, Vlad. That must have been a very special moment in a collector's life to see all of those Memos in one space. I am really loving those desk alarm clocks/pocket watches. Were there none of the 8-day lamp post desk alarms? Or are t... 

I'm sorry, Respo, but I will have to dig the topic of the Alarm clocks a bit more.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-05:59
As I said, I don't know a lot about them, my friend. But I will try to dig out the topic, to see where it will lead me and us! As for the bracelet on the Polaris, you pointed out the reason of the lack of the bracelet. When you know the price of a spare b... 

Well...

 
 By: respo : December 1st, 2010-06:03
I can't start with the Deep Sea...I am too fixated on the NSA Incursion -- I know, I know...I am always late to the party ;-) But that vintage Deep Sea is quite something. Thank you, respo

Come on, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-06:13
With the Deep Sea Alarm, the thing is that it is a difficult watch to find. So, yes, the NSA BH Boutique may be a solution, but not an alternative. The NSA and the DSA are different watches that can happily cumulated, if you know what I mean... Best, Nico... 

The Deep Sea A...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 1st, 2010-14:15
Haunts me in my dreams! ... Best Blomman

I know that feeling ...

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-14:23
A certain Polaris 65 Vintage haunts my dreams, too.... Best, Nicolas.

We must be crazy… ;) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 1st, 2010-14:36
No message body

Wow

 
 By: sancerre : December 1st, 2010-06:16
This is one of the first times that I REALLY wish I still lived in Europe. That is an exhibition to die for. Thanks for the wonderful posting, it is the next best thing to actually being there. --Sancerre

There are a few advantages to live in Europe, indeed! :)

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-07:39
Thanks a lot for your very kind words, Sancerre. Best, Nicolas.

that came out wrong

 
 By: sancerre : December 1st, 2010-08:54
There are many, many things I miss about Europe. I suppose the plethora of Memovoxes impaired my cognitive processes. --Sancerre

:) Sancerre. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-09:41
No message body

Thanks to YOU! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-07:39
No message body

I was correct to assume..

 
 By: ocwatching : December 1st, 2010-08:28
that your reporting would be 2nd only to me being there personally... Simply AWESOME...and looking forward to your Monday shots/reports.. what a great collection and exhibit... thanks for sharing..and them bubbles + JLC is a great combo... stay warm my fr... 

Thanks, excellent report again. [nt]

 
 By: chronomtr : December 1st, 2010-08:59
No message body

Thanks to you, Bernard. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-09:42
No message body

Wonderful

 
 By: Ubik : December 1st, 2010-09:26
What a fantastic exhibtion, great post Nicolas. Have a word with them and tell them to send it over to the UK. I know you have some influence in these things.

Sadly, Artcurial is a French Auction House which will ...

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-09:44
Work on a French Auction, in December 2011, about JLC and only JLC. Best, my friend. Nicolas

Great post Nicolas!

 
 By: jeronim : December 1st, 2010-09:43
I feel a need for Pola right now One more post and I will dive for it...please don't push it so hard Vlad! Uh that Romain have something so sweet in his shop... Thanks for post once more! Best regards, Jerko

In this case, you have some free time and peace of mind till next Monday, Jerko.

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-13:41
Romain is a true Devil, fore sure. As for the Polaris, I can understand your passion for this piece. But have a look on the Deep Sea Alarm, my friend. It is just an ... Alarming watch! All the Best! Nicolas.

My pleasure, et. Thanks for your kind words! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-13:38
No message body

Dear Nicolas if

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : December 1st, 2010-13:18
you were under the charm of the Rose Gold piece than we are talking about something really special ;0) + you of course don't give me any break just as I try to erase all this vintage Rolex, FF, AP RO and of course LOGO from working memory you start to fil... 

Torture is a vocation...

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-13:37
And that is an historical fact... Torquemada can also make some few exceptions for RG watches. Thanks for your kind comments, my friend. Best, Nicolas.

WOW, thanks Nicolas ! [nt]

 
 By: foullis : December 1st, 2010-14:02
No message body

Modern or vintage, vintage or modern...

 
 By: nwp627 : December 1st, 2010-17:14
...with a house like JLC it is very hard to make that decision. It would be very nice to be able to do both all of the time but that is just a dream. I am presently looking very seriously at three "family" members, two modern one vintage, however... Hopef... 

The link between the Past and the Present is so close with JLC...

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2010-23:01
That it is worth getting both the modern and the vintage... You were waiting for such an answer, eeeh? 3 to come? That sounds like some exciting news for the end of the year. Any hint? Best, Neil. Nicolas

Yes Nicolas that was...

 
 By: nwp627 : December 2nd, 2010-07:32
...the answer I was hoping for! However, it is only one out of the three. N

What, Neil... No more hints??? :) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2010-07:37
No message body

Thank you Nico

 
 By: thomas..m : December 2nd, 2010-00:38
For the pics! The E 852 makes my day! Best

When you see all these old ladies, Thomas...

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2010-00:48
It is difficult to not find one you dream about... From the simple and well known E 855, to some rare birds like the E 858, 852, or 11 005, or the sporty Diving ones, or the Funky ones, it bis really hard to not find YOUR Memo. But you already own one of ... 

Wow, I'm speachless... [nt]

 
 By: DrStrong : December 2nd, 2010-02:35
No message body

Thanks, Jeff. So, which one is for you? :) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2010-03:34
No message body

I must be dreaming...

 
 By: dxboon : December 2nd, 2010-03:09
...and if I am, please don't wake me! Looking at all these gorgeous Memovoxes being celebrated in one exhibition is like dying and going to JLC heaven! The alarm is one of my favorite complications, so naturally the Memovox is a favorite watch of mine. I ... 

So many things to say, Daos.

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2010-03:34
The Memovox, being Vintage or Modern, is a watch to include, in any collection, in my opinion. A friendly complication with a look which may be timeless, or sporty, or both. This exhibition demonstrated with brio that you may even consider getting more th... 

This is another world class event - in Paris as well

 
 By: terenceho : December 2nd, 2010-05:08
Just cannot express how nice this is. Paris seems to be a nice place for Vintage thou ... Nicolas - BTW, do you know why this is in Paris as well?

Well, Terence ...

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2010-05:13
My guess is that it was organised in Paris because Artcurial is a Parisian Auction House. We were very lucky to see so many interesting events these last weeks. Best, Terence. Nicolas.

A great place to be anyway & Time machine..

 
 By: hs111 : December 2nd, 2010-06:16
- Paris is always an experience - would have been even more so during these Memo(rable) days ! What a pity that I had to give up my trip-planes ( & the plane ticket) for professional reasons - there will be other times, I am sure: - Posts such as these an... 

No problems, HS.

 
 By: amanico : December 2nd, 2010-06:25
Yes, I found your answer a bit above. It would have been great to have you with us. Next time, maybe? Thanks for your nice words, my friend. Nicolas.

Probably the most pieces of Memovox that I have ever seen!

 
 By: BluNotte : December 3rd, 2010-05:10
It is just a pity that they didn't follow Panerai and made a hand-wound diving watch! Or maybe a platinum modern version, hand wound for guys like me! Big dreams i suppose! Merci! Stephen

Maybe in the future? Automatic movements are historically important for ...

 
 By: amanico : December 3rd, 2010-05:26
Diving watches, as it allowed to not ruin the gasket. Maybe a 8 Days movement, in the future, which is also another solution for Dicing watches? Best, Nicolas.

Memo-wonderland.....

 
 By: patrickmaniac : December 3rd, 2010-07:16
Would there be a world tour on these pieces and particularly Singapore?  cheers! PAt

Sadly, no, Patrick.

 
 By: amanico : December 3rd, 2010-07:20
I had the same wish, as it is important to share this marvellous collection worldwide. But we are here for that! Best, Nicolas.

Agreed.

 
 By: amanico : December 3rd, 2010-07:28

As usual. Magnificent report.

 
 By: Pimousse : December 3rd, 2010-10:37
Many thanks Nicolas 

Nico you are an excellent guide..

 
 By: EdwardL : December 3rd, 2010-18:27
I went back to the tour again, and again and again. The wait for this post was worthwhile. Thank you . Who we wish JLC would arrange such an event at this part of the world.