Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox: A Collector's Enduring Fascination

amanico · 2021-07-23T10:23:30Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox, a modern take on the Polaris. Discover collector insights on its design, movement, and unique compressor crowns.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Nicolas (amanico) shares a pivotal moment where an official Jaeger-LeCoultre photograph of the Master Compressor Memovox ignited his passion for the timepiece. This article explores the enduring appeal of this modern evocation of the Polaris, a watch that initially received a lukewarm reception but has since garnered a dedicated following. Nicolas invites fellow collectors to reflect on their own experiences with this distinctive JLC family.

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It is very rare I can say that an official picture made a strong impression on me.

Here is one, featuring the Master Compressor Memovox, which made me fall in love with that watch.

I fell for this first modern evocation of the legendary Polaris, with these strange ( at that time ) crowns.

Even if the welcome was quite lukewarm for this family of watches, several years after, it convinced more and more people.

What about you?

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Master Compressor era represents a significant investment by JLC, and its departure from this design language is a source of regret for some collectors who appreciate the distinctiveness of the period.
The Master Compressor Memovox's unique compressor crowns, while aesthetically distinctive, proved to be a point of contention for some wearers, with reports of them digging into the wrist and causing discomfort, leading some to part with the watch despite its appealing aesthetics and alarm function.
The alarm crown's pull-out mechanism on the Memovox Compressor felt incongruous for a dive watch, leading to a preference for the AMVOX 1, which utilizes the same movement but integrates it more harmoniously with its design.
Beyond its alarm, the Master Compressor Memovox offers practical utility through its inner rotating bezel, which serves as a versatile event reminder. Despite some minor design quirks like the JLC logo placement, it remains a significant milestone in JLC's manufacturing history.
The original Compressor design, particularly the EWC version, is considered by some to be superior to the current Polaris line and, if updated and re-released today, could potentially outsell it, suggesting a market for multiple distinct sport watch options from JLC.

The Discussion

gadalex

Jul 23, 2021

I always thought these crowns were very cool. Reinforces the tool watch status and history.

amanico

Jul 23, 2021

In total agreement, my dear friend.

kev09

Jul 23, 2021

When this watch came out I loved the look of it and took the plunge and bought one.

It’s a great looking watch and looked fine even on my somewhat thin wrist. I loved the alarm with the bell sound and was very pleased with it at first. Unfortunately, however, after a while I found the compressor crowns really annoying. They were, to me, very fiddly and tended to dig in to the back of my wrist making the watch uncomfortable to wear. Sadly, I decided to move it on but I miss the look of it. But for those damned crowns it would definitely have been a keeper. Regards Kev.

amanico

Jul 23, 2021

In terms of lack of comfort, the case back was a real problem. Its engraved and domed back scratched my wrist.

gup502

Jul 24, 2021

I used to own one, too. Sizing is good. The crowns did not bother me. But the marking either red or white can come off. The engraved case back is glued in. That can come off.

The watch itself is quite practical. Other than the alarm, the inner bezel can be used as time event reminder. The location of the JLC logo is odd, though better than its siblings the Dualmatic which looks like everything put on the dial in a random fashion. The Master Compressor remains a milestone in the JLC watches manufacturing history.

amanico

Jul 24, 2021

True that the dial design didn't please to everyone, but this was a line with a strong and non consensual character.