Jaeger-LeCoultre

To mark the 60^th anniversary of the Memovox, Jaeger-LeCoultre is associating with a major collector to present 40 historical Memovox watches. This exceptional exhibition will be held at Artcurial Auction House during the first appraisal days preceding the "Jaeger-LeCoultre Unique Auction" to be held in Paris in the autumn of 2011.

Jaeger-LeCoultre exhibits a private collection of 40 exceptional Memovox watches at Artcurial Auction House from November 24^th to 28^th, 2010.

The Memovox, meaning "voice of memory", is an iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre model introduced in 1950. It was powered by the first automatic movement in watchmaking history to be equipped with an alarm function: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 815. Representing an extremely rare case, this legendary movement is still being produced 60 years after its creation, having been tirelessly improved and enhanced by the engineers and watchmakers of the Manufacture in order to meet the latest technological demands.

In aesthetic terms, the Memovox has been interpreted over the years in many different versions tailored to the trends of successive eras, in turn classic or sporty. It is a watch that remains highly sought-after among collectors.

On the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of this legendary model, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be exhibiting a fabulous collection at Artcurial Auction House, comprising 40 Memovox watches from the 1950s to the 1970s and acquired over several years by a French collector. Together, they undoubtedly form the most complete collection ever presented to the public.

Some inescapable models such as one of the first 1950 Memovox watches with "roller"-type lugs, the Memovox Parking (1958) or the famous Memovox Deep Sea (1959) and Polaris (1968) will be on show. The public will also be able to admire several extremely rare models, such as the Memovox Snow Drop featuring a blue dial (197), Memovox models produced in extremely small series (up to 100), as well as a stunning 1967 model with a brown and red dial. This represents a unique opportunity to discover all the forerunners of the contemporary Master Memovox and Master Memovox Internationale watches presented this year.

This exhibition will also give all collectors the chance of coming to present their Jaeger-LeCoultre watches and clocks during the appraisal days held in preparation for the "Jaeger-LeCoultre Unique Auction" to be organised by Artcurial in Paris at the end of 2011.

A major player in watchmaking history since 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre is the first Manufacture to have been established in the Vallee de Joux. It played a pioneering role by uniting all watchmaking skills under one roof and made an indelible imprint on the sector by creating legendary watches such as the Reverso, the Duoplan, the Master Control, the Memovox Polaris, the Gyrotourbillon I and the Atmos clock.

Guided by time-honoured know-how and a constant quest for technical enhancements, the over 1,000 master-watchmakers, engineers and technicians craft each watch in harmony with the same pursuit of perfection. Each masterpiece, heir to more than 176 years of expertise, calls for the exercise of no less than 40 professions and benefits from cutting-edge technologies while being crafted in harmony with the noblest traditions of the Vallée de Joux. Building on a vast heritage encompassing over 1,000 calibres and almost 400 registered patents, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains the reference in high-end watchmaking.

Press Release