Around the mid century, as lifestyle paces moved faster and faster, top Swiss firms needed a way to enhance the experiences of their now frequently traveling top clients and to help him better organize and govern his most precious possession - his time. The engineers at Jaeger-LeCoultre rose to the occasion by creating an alarm wristwatch in 1951.

The watches featured a fully mechanical alarm system. Jaeger-LeCoultre equipped these watches with significant inner alarm gearing and even an additional stem and crown, making elements of second movement that worked seamlessly in conjunction with the normal timing portion. Then in 1956, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched, an automatic alarm, the first automatic alarm watch in history.

The large LeCoultre wristwatch showcased in today's offering is an original example of one of these early automatic wrist alarm watches. Measuring 38mm in diameter it is larger than a mens Datejust and close in size to a Rolex Sub or GMT.

It has a tropical case and is signed LeCoultre down to both of the JLC crowns. Its striking dial is original and untouched, in near mint condition with light aging.

Sevearl years ago our watchmaker cleaned and oiled the movement. It is part of the discerning collection that we are selling for a renowned pediatrician.

Included with the purchase is a 90-day international C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

Note: Similar alarm watches can be found in Franco Cologni's book, Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Story of the Grande Maison, 2006, pg. 338

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Year built: c. Later 1950's
• Model: "Memovox"
• Functions: Time, Alarm, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 10K gold-filled and stainless steel
• Case markings (outside): 10K Gold Filled Bezel, Stainless Steel Back
• Case condition: Excellent with no wear through of the gold. Not recently polished. Wear around the edges of the case back.
• Dimensions: 38mm wide (excluding crowns), 44mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, two-piece, spun silver inner revolving alarm insert, gold applied Arabic and dart indexes, luminous hour dots, 100% original, near mint condition
• Hands: Original, gold dauphines filled with luminous material
• Movement type: LeCoultre alarm, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, fausses cotes decoration, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, lightly worn. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 19mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition condition
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 90-day international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide