Reference Guide
Amanico's "Memovox Reference Post" stands as a monumental resource for Jaeger-LeCoultre collectors, offering an unparalleled deep dive into the iconic alarm watch. This article distills years of dedicated research and community contributions, making the intricate history and diverse references of the Memovox accessible to both seasoned enthusiasts and new admirers. Amanico's meticulous documentation, initially presented as an exhibition overview, serves as the definitive guide to understanding this horological marvel.
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 impossibl
A detail makes all the difference, between the very first Memovox, the Ref 3150, and all the other which came later: The shape of the lugs. As you will see on the pictures posted here, the lugs are tubular. And if you pay attention to the pictures, you wil notice that the case back is not " sitting ", but elevated on the wearer's wrist, in order to enhance the resonnance of the Alarm. The 3150 was produced from 1950 to 1952, and, according to Zaf Basha, was officially introduced to the Public at
The Calibre 489 was massively produced from 1950 to 1958, as some 47 500 movements came from the Manufacture at this moment. You will notice that on the following watches, the reference of this Calibre slightly changes, as it is mentionned P 489/1. It is exactly the same movement, but the P stands for Parachoc ( shock protected ). Exit the Tubular shaped lugs, and welcome the classic straight or teardrop lugs, a nice evocation of the style and design from the fifties. You will also notice, like
Cal 489. Stainless Steel 33 mm case.
To be clear, there are more tham two other manual wind Memovoxes, but I keep some ( very special ) of them for the end. Here, I will mention 2 references, the E 852 and the E 858. - The E 852. Honestly, this is the first time I saw one, in the flesh or even in picture. Let's say that it is not the sexiest Memovox I've seen. A weird " curved " ( I don't know how to describe it ) bezel which makes it look as a fake, yet it is original! This reference was produced from 1956 to 1962, and houses the
To be more precise, JLC released the first Alarm automatic movement ever made ( all brands included ) since 1956. This movement is referenced Cal 815, and was in production till 1966, while its Date " brother ", the Cal 825 was released 3 years after ( 1959 ) and produced till 1969, while the Cal 815 saw its production stopped in 1966. The Cal 815: The Cal 825: Both of these calibres are 17 jewels bumper automatic movements, beating at 18 000 vibrations per hour, shock protected or not ( P or K
This thread is active on the Jaeger-LeCoultre forum with 57 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
