JLC Memovox Ref. 141.012.5 150th Anniversary

FanFrancisco · 2013-09-30T10:22:04Z

Explore the rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Ref. 141.012.5, a 150th anniversary special edition. Discover its unique caseback, mixed-metal case, and place in Memovox history.

FanFrancisco

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

23 replies8772 views1 photos

FanFrancisco's post delves into a rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox reference 141.012.5, a special edition from the brand's 150th anniversary. This article provides crucial insights into a transitional Memovox model, bridging the gap between vintage and modern eras, and highlights unique design elements that distinguish it within JLC's storied history.

hi JLC Memeovox fans out there,

if you still remember there was "a post posted by Clavi" early this year, he responded an earlier thread posted Nico about Jaeger LeCoultre true Jubile 150th anniversary of 1983. From Clavi's post, it mentioned that there were 3 special edition watches released for the Jubile year, for the 150th birthday of the laufacture!!!

one of 3 special edition watches was Memovox which has been kept in my mind since then. by incidentally, i have luckily found one of these 300 examples!

this special edition Memovox has several interesting features: 1) has a unique caseback with a large engraved "JL MEMOVOX"logo at the center of the caseback (this huge "JL" logo also can be seen on the caseback of my two other JLC Chronometer watches: Refs 24001-41-264 and 24002-42-204); 2) a mix of gold top and stainless steel base and two crowns; 3) to my knowledge, this Memovox has evolved into a new and modern era with starting a new case reference number, i.e. 141.012.5. starting from this 141.xxx.x reference number onwards, some other JLC watches have also followed similar number system, e.g. xxx.xxx.x for those modern models; 4) multi-tone dial; and 5) as i am not able to open the caseback, observed from the watch size (diameter of 36mm)and date function, it would house in K911 caliber, however grateful for other experts' inputs and confirmation.

this watch arrived today. i really find it very special and different charm than those previous vintage (before 80s) and modern (from 90s onwards) Memovox watches i having in my collection. anyway here is the pic of my new catch of this rare bird for your pleasure viewing.

stefan

This message has been edited by Stefan on 2013-09-30 10:40:43

Key Points from the Discussion

The 150th Jubilé Memovox models present some historical puzzles, particularly regarding the caseback logos and catalogue print years, suggesting potential variations or later catalogue releases.
The reference 141.012.5, with its large engraved 'JL MEMOVOX' logo and mixed gold top/stainless steel base, represents a rare and significant model that fills a gap in Memovox history between the vintage and modern eras.
A later clarification distinguishes between two 150th anniversary models: the 18k automatic Ref. 141.016 with a triangle logo (launched 1986) and the non-automatic Ref. 141.012 with a large JL/Memovox logo (introduced 1983/84, based on Caliber 911).
The presence of 'lips' on the bezel and caseback of some models, not seen in catalogs, raises questions about production variations or specific design features.
The watch's 36mm diameter and date function suggest it houses the K911 caliber, a detail sought for expert confirmation.
The unique multi-tone dial and the mixed metal case (gold top, stainless steel base) contribute to its distinct charm, setting it apart from earlier vintage and later modern Memovox watches.

The Discussion

amanico

Sep 30, 2013

I already see Blomman biting his lip when discovering your post. A rare bird, indeed. Not my favourite, but a must have, definitely. Bravo, my friend. Best, Nicolas

FanFrancisco

Sep 30, 2013

... honestly, two reasons why I went for this watch catch because 1) it is indeed very rare, 2) if follows through the Memovox history and its development from the first Memovox till modern one, this watch can be considered to fall between vintage and modern Memovox eras. After this watch being produced, MJLC had stopped the Memovox production till early of 90s. as a Memovox collector, this model can fill such gap! yes, can imagine how excited when Blomman reads this post! best, stefan

blomman Mr Blue

Sep 30, 2013

Huge congratulation to a very rare find! :) You move fast, my friend! :) The 150 Jubilé and Memovox has always puzzled me a bit... Why? Because of this catalogue: 1) The case back logo is not the one in Clavi's post. Instead a "pyramid", triangle that I don't see any connection to... 2) If you look at the last page - print year /86 (!?) The 150 Jubilé was in 1983 if my math is correct... Again, huge congrats - please share more photos! :) Best Blomman Zoom in on case back: Zoom in on dial: Zoom

blomman Mr Blue

Sep 30, 2013

Did you get it with box and/or buckle? Best Blomman

blomman Mr Blue

Sep 30, 2013

Come on, my friend! You know me better than that... ;) Best Blomman

blomman Mr Blue

Sep 30, 2013

But, a Jubilé is a Jubilé! And Jaeger is Jaeger... So, of course I need to try to find info on the 1983 as well... Best Blomman

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JLC Memovox Ref. 141.012.5 150th Anniversary

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