Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox 2020 Unveiled

amanico · 2020-06-05T04:13:54Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox and Memovox Timer, celebrating 70 years of the iconic alarm watch. Discover design updates, movement details, and collector insights.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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In 2020, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated the 70th anniversary of its iconic Memovox with two new models: the Master Control Memovox and the Master Control Memovox Timer. Esteemed collector amanico provides an insightful first look, detailing the historical inspirations and subtle yet significant updates to these beloved alarm watches. His initial impressions set the stage for a deeper community discussion on JLC's design philosophy and technical evolution.

1950 - 2020... Jaeger Lecoultre is celebrating the 70th birthday of its icon, the Memovox.

For that significant birthday, the Manufacture decided to unveil two models, the Master Control Memovox, and the Master Control Memovox Timer.

Let's first start with the MEMOVOX:

The new Master Control Memovox is the heir of three watches, the reference 3150 for the dial ( 1950 ), the reference 3151 for the case ( 1950 ), and the reference E 855 which was the first to use an automatic movement AND a date ( 1959 ).

The 3150 and its typical tubular lugs:

The 3151:

And the E 855, in its first version with the applied 12 instead of the JL Logo.

Here is the new Master Control Memovox:

At first glance, you may think that it is very close to the former version, especially when you look at the dial. Still, like the other Master Control introduced this year, the changes are subtle, Longer and slimmer applied triangular indices, sunburst decoration of the dial and so on...

But there are major changes...

- The new Master Control case, much more elegant with its generous bevelled lugs, which is 40 mm big and 12, 39 mm high.

- The see through case back, which is not plain as it was the case with the former reference! You will then be able to see the hammer in action when the alarm rings.

The consequence of that choice is that the gong is now attached to the case, not, of course, to the case back.

The movement is the same than in the former Memovox, the Cal 956, with a power reserve of 45 hours. I regret that Jaeger Lecoultre didn't decide to upgrade this movement like in the other new Master Control, with the silicon escapement and 70 hours of autonomy, though...

The Cal 956:

THE MEMOVOX TIMER is the second novelty.

It uses the same new case, see through case back and movement than the unlimited Memovox, and shares the same dimensions.

The differences are immediately perceptible:

The two tone dial, first,

Here you have a superb sunburst blue dial, with an engraved and polished numbers alarm ring.

Here you have two ways of being " alarmed " if I may say so. With the inner ring, you can set the alarm through the red JL Logo pointer, for appointments, phone calls, things to do and so on. You can also set the alarm in a more classic way, like you would do with any other Memovox, through the triangular pointer outside the engraved ring.

This Memovox Timer reminds me the Memovox Parking ref 3161, a bit, in the use....

The 3161:

And also the superb E 855 Blue Scale:

It blends modernity and vintage spirit in a bewitching way, I must say... If only it didn't have this date...

But still, the presence of the date is not a deal breaker for me, here.

I can't wait to see them in the real life and to take my own pictures...

To be followed.

Nicolas

About the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Ref. Ref3161

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Parking Ref. 3161 is a specialized variant within the broader Memovox alarm watch series, distinguished by its unique dial complication. Introduced in 1958, this reference was part of Jaeger-LeCoultre's 'Jubilé' year offerings, marking a period of innovation for the brand. It represents a niche application of the alarm function, tailored for a specific, practical purpose.

This reference typically features a stainless steel case, housing a manual-winding alarm movement. The dial is characterized by an inner rotating disc, which is set via a second crown, and features a distinctive 'P' or parking meter graphic. This allows the wearer to set a visual reminder for parking durations, a novel complication for its time. The case dimensions are generally modest, aligning with mid-century watch aesthetics.

For collectors, the Memovox Parking Ref. 3161 is notable for its specific historical context and unique dial execution. Its specialized function and limited production contribute to its desirability, offering a distinct piece of Jaeger-LeCoultre's horological history. It stands as an example of the brand's willingness to integrate practical, albeit unconventional, features into its mechanical timepieces.

Specifications

Caliber: K814

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 37mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: Not specified

Crystal: Plexiglass

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Master Control case, with its generous beveled lugs and 40mm diameter, offers a more elegant profile than previous iterations. The inclusion of a sapphire case back, revealing the alarm hammer in action, is a significant upgrade, though it necessitates attaching the gong to the case rather than the case back.
While the new Memovox retains the Caliber 956 movement with a 45-hour power reserve, some collectors expressed a desire for an upgrade to the silicon escapement and 70-hour autonomy seen in other new Master Control models.
The Memovox Timer, with its two-tone blue dial and dual alarm setting options (via a red JL Logo pointer or the classic triangular pointer), is reminiscent of the vintage Memovox Parking reference 3161 in its functionality.
A key point of contention for some collectors is the perceived conservatism in JLC's design for its 'meat-and-potatoes' ranges, contrasting with the brand's past adventurous designs in lines like the Amvox or Master Compressor.
The use of a contrasting date disc on the Memovox Timer was noted as a design oversight, with a blue metallic disc suggested as a more coherent and attractive alternative, similar to Audemars Piguet's approach with the Royal Oaks.
The visibility of the Caliber 956 through the display case back is generally appreciated, despite its industrial nature, a decision deemed appropriate for the new Memovox.

The Discussion

Tim_M

Jun 5, 2020

I like the timer. The standard Memovox doesn't feel different enough from the 2010 revision to feel new or warrant a replacement. As for the date, I have no objections other than the use of a contrasting date disc. A blue metallic disc would have been more attractive and more coherent. AP realized that with the Royal Oaks in 2012 to good effect, but I'm surprised how many other brands have not followed. The 956 movement is industrial, but it's also attractive enough to warrant the display caseba

damianp

Jun 5, 2020

I used to love JLC but in the last few years their releases really disappointed me.

Gelato Monster

Jun 5, 2020

It is so so beautiful in such a way that a date really ruins the harmony. Some watch are not as beautiful and in harmony as this, thus addition of date is not very disturbing. honestly for me the date make the Memovox Bleu Timer incongruous. Thank you Nico for the new launch update

dms

Jun 5, 2020

The Memovox Timer looks great ! The timer function is such a clever addition. If I'm not mistaken, it's "just" a simple matter of having the proper indications on the inner dial and on the hours' hand; Nothing specific to this on the caliber... The date window is not a deal breaker to me, but I completely agree that it would have looked even better without the date.

karmin

Jun 5, 2020

Thanks a lot Nicolas for the info. I really like the watch, first time with a JLC novelty since years… Just two questions, for which you may have the answer(s) : - you posted two different versions of the memovox timer : one with the JLC brand written on the dial, another one without. Do you know what is the final version ? - as regards the new "timer" complication : how can you move independently the two pointers (the red JLC one and the classical triangle one) ? Actually, the timer function is

dms

Jun 5, 2020

What's your opinion about the JLC logo at 12 o'clock? Even on JLC website, some pictures show the logo and others don't... I'm wondering if we can still impact the final version regarding this logo... And what about the "automatique" wording at 6 ? Lastly, why not dream a lot ... and imagine a PuristPro version without the date 🤪

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