Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue, a respected collector, delves into the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 855, a vintage reference he considers essential for any serious Memovox enthusiast. His post, enriched with personal collection insights and historical advertisements, explores the watch's enduring appeal and its diverse dial and hand variations. This article synthesizes community contributions, offering a comprehensive look at the E 855's place in horological history and its continued relevance to collectors today.
Friends,
Long time since I shared my Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 855 with you here.
Not long ago I received two of them back from my watchmaker, so now I am finally able to show you a family shot!
A classic, elegant and one of the most common vintage Memovox there is.
IMO, within the Memovox family, the E 855 is a must.
That is why I think this reference deserves a separate Vintage Ads post.
The base is as said classic, with a good size (37 mm).
Clean but with finesse, hours, minutes, seconds, date and of course the alarm.
Inside you have a true work horse, the Calibre 825 bumper automatic, based on the Cal 815 with the additional date function.
Even if this is a “Sport chic” watch for the time period, there are so many dial variations that you can actually build a collection just around the E 855.
First trace in documentations I have in my library is from 1960.
French catalogue, 1960:
Notice the larger luminous fields of the hands?
A common belief is that these triangular luminous hands were on all the early E 855, later on to be replaced by hands with thinner lines of luminous.
BUT, here I have to disagree. Why? Look at this scan from the same year.
French ad, 1960.
Here the thin line hands are clearly shown.
Here is a smaller version of the same ad.
French ad, 1960.
This next ad is quite interesting.
AFAIK, at this point Jaeger-LeCoultre didn’t have any in-house chronograph movement.
But if you look at the background, manual column wheel chronograph movement...!
French ad, 1961.
Here is a smaller version of the same ad.
French ad, 1961.
Next ad really shows the diversity of the JLC collection.
Ultra-thin watches, dress watches, Atmos, baguette movement clocks, table clocks and Memovox!
French ad, 1964.
Advertising following the outside world: 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“No time for second best”
“When the Olympians of the watchmaking world set the pace,…”
English ad, 1964.
Another common belief is that the “12” on top dial were only in use on the early E 855, later to be replace by the “JL” logo.
I am not saying this is proof (because we all saw several examples of mismatching advertisements) but look at this scan.
Classic “JL” logo.
German catalogue, 1965.
And then have a look at this scan. “12” on top.
English catalogue, 1966.
“un veritable outil a vivre”… A real live tool.
Indeed, the Memovox function is a very lively tool!
French ad, 1967.
Here is a smaller version of the same ad.
Notice all the pocket Memovoxes?
I already wrote a post about them a few years back: www.watchprosite.com
French ad, 1967.
Even side-by-side with icons, the E 855 hold its ground!
“pour l'homme d'action”… For the man in action.
French ad, 1969.
Now we are closing in on the end of the E 855 era.
A period that spanned well over a decade…
And in the end of its lifecycle a new dial version emerged with short and wider indexes.
French catalogue, 1970.
I don’t know why but these eyes never leave my untouched…
The year after, in 1971 “the new kids on the block” enters the catalogue, with the Cal 916, Speed beat inside.
The first full rotor automatic Memovox movement from Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Speed beat due to its 28800 frequency, while the Cal 825 hold the slower 18000 frequency.
English catalogue, 1971.
The very last trace of the E 855 I found in my library is this ad from 1974.
And we are back to the “un veritable outil a vivre”… A real live tool.
French ad, 1974.
So many dial versions, but they all share the timeless elegance of the E 855!
Black dial.
White dial.
Ebony index dial.
Short wide index dial.
And one of the last dial versions made, the scale dial.
Next time I guess I should cover the Memovox with the Cal 916 inside…
But until then, I hope you enjoyed this post!
Best
Blomman
Vintage Ads: The Series 2.0 "the Comeback" – 1960s LeCoultre Memovoxes: www.watchprosite.com
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.
And many interesting points. Especially on the 12 instead of JL logo at 12 on the E 855 white. Now, I wonder if your alarm disc is correct on your E 855 blue scale.I always had the feeling that it should be blue, too. What a colection you have: Watches ads... Bravo! Best, Nicolas
Really interesting post - tracking the model and its changes through advertising for it. I can see why you're so struck by the E855 series - and why you could just collect them in isolation. The shots of yours are fab too - though the final one, the blue scale dial is stunning. Cheers JML
and what a sweet guide to the Memovox awesome
Love \'the series Now, how about the Speedbeat ? I need one bad. Can HS loan me one of his? Thanks Joe
That is a classic, well-thought out post. Is the last one, the one on the right a lapis dial?
one on the far right Super post my friend Cheers D
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