Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 855 "Scale Dial"

amanico · 2011-11-07T01:58:58Z

Explore the rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 855 "Scale Dial" from 1969, featuring unique brown and blue dials, and its distinctive design elements.

amanico

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Amanico's 2011 post on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 855 "Scale Dial" offers an invaluable deep dive into one of the most distinctive and rare variants of this iconic alarm watch. His detailed analysis and stunning photographs highlight the unique aesthetic and historical significance of this particular reference. This article serves as an essential guide for collectors seeking to understand the nuances and rarity of the E 855 "Scale Dial" models.

The E 855 is certainly THE Memovox Reference which saw the richest evolutions and which was the most produced.

Stainless steel, yellow gold, or rose gold cases, silver, black, blue or brown dials, long, short, thin or large applied indexes, " Ebony " or not, baton or Dauphine the number of combinations is just impressive, and could represent an interesting thema of collection inside the thema...

Among them, in the very late Sixties, circa 1969, JLC released two E 855 with the so called " scale dial ".

One is blue, which I recently saw in the real, which came in a stainless steel case, and the other is this brown version, with a red inner alarm ring, which came with a 14 Carat Gold case.

How many were made and for how many years, I don't know, but my guess is that they are very rare as I saw more Deep Sea Alarms and Polaris than these E 855 Scale dial, and that they were produced for maybe one year or two, maximum.

Like any other E 855, the case is 37 mm big, the crowns are signed, and it has a screw in case back.

The dial has applied hour markers and the JL Logo at 12, the hands are baton shaped and tritium filled at their extremity, as we can find them on the E 855 of this era, sometimes, rectangular tritium indexes on the alarm ring, and the domed plexy.

The real particularities of this model are the dial, the inner alarm ring ( red on the brown dial / blue on the blue dial ) and, on the 14 Ct gold version, the case back, which is made in stainless steel.

Here are some pictures of the brown dial, for the pleasure of your eyes.

A macro on this very specific dial:

The signed crown, and, under this angle, we guess the stainless steel case back...

... Which is the unique weird part on this watch, as it strangely contrasts with the colored god case:

Rarity is one thing, Beauty is much more important, and I have to think that these " scale dials " are more than captivating and attractive.

If you ever find one, pay attention to the details, be sure of the case number, the movement number, and check that the inner disc is correct.

If all is ok, one advice, jump on it, the opportunities to see and get one are very scarce.

Best to All,

Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-11-07 02:04:28 This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-11-09 13:50:50

About the Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Ref. MemovoxE855

The Memovox E855 is a notable iteration within the Memovox family, recognized for its alarm complication and often associated with designs from the 1970s. This reference represents a period when Jaeger LeCoultre explored various aesthetic expressions for its alarm watches, appealing to collectors interested in the brand's mid-century output. It stands as an example of the Memovox's enduring appeal as a functional and distinctive timepiece.

This reference typically features a case, often in stainless steel, housing an automatic movement. The specific caliber, such as the K825 or 825, is known for its dual-crown system, one for time setting and winding, and the other for setting and winding the alarm function. The case diameter is commonly around 37mm, and it is fitted with a crystal, often acrylic, protecting a dial that frequently includes a rotating inner disc for the alarm setting.

For collectors, the Memovox E855 is valued for its mechanical alarm complication and its place in the lineage of Jaeger LeCoultre's alarm watches. Its variations in dial design and case materials offer diversity for those assembling a collection of Memovox models. The E855 appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate the brand's technical innovations and the distinct character of its alarm timepieces from this era.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal. K825

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 37mm

Dial: Silver

Crystal: Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

The E 855 Memovox is noted for its rich evolutionary history and numerous combinations of cases, dials, and indexes, making it a fascinating collection theme.
The "scale dial" E 855, released around 1969 in blue (stainless steel) and brown (14k gold with red alarm ring), is considered extremely rare, possibly produced for only one or two years.
The brown dial with its red alarm scale is particularly stunning and attractive, with the contrast of black/red against the warm gold case creating a compelling appeal.
The unique feature of the 14k gold version having a stainless steel case back is highlighted as a peculiar but authentic detail.
Collectors are advised to pay close attention to details like case and movement numbers, and the correctness of the inner disc when encountering a "scale dial" E 855.
The "scale dial" Memovox is described as a very rare and captivating piece, with a strong character and distinct pattern that some suggest JLC should reproduce for modern watches.

The Discussion

grigo

Nov 7, 2011

A beautiful watch. Best regards, George

amanico

Nov 7, 2011

I'm totally fascinated by these " scale dials "... Best, and thanks for viewing. Nicolas

FanFrancisco

Nov 7, 2011

... love this very rare Memovox. as you said, it is very hard to come by, surely will jump up and get it straight away without further hesitation once seeing her! the color and pattern has very strong character and distinct, suggest MJLC should consider to re-produce this combination for modern watches. thanks, Nico! stefan

amanico

Nov 7, 2011

To see a modern Memo with such a strong character would be great. BUT this Vintage one is something really special, envouting, captivating. Best, my friend. Nicolas.

nilomis

Nov 7, 2011

Nicolas, Even considering that I am a SS person (never understood my bias against golden colors) nobody can pass this one. It represents, IMHO, "the Memovox". Cheers, Nilo

amanico

Nov 7, 2011

I would make some happy exceptions tro my white metal rule... In this case, especially. Best, Nicolas.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 855 "Scale Dial"

About the Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Ref. MemovoxE855

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

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