The large 38mm LeCoultre wristwatch showcased in today's offering is an example of one of JLC's iconic early automatic Memovox watches, the E855.

As is common with these the back shows previous wrench marks from a previous watchmaker loosening the screwed down ring.

In vintage times, as lifestyle paces moved faster and faster, top Swiss firms needed a way to enhance the experiences of their now frequently travelling top clients. The renowned engineers at Jaeger-LeCoultre rose to the occasion by creating the company's famed Memovox alarm wristwatch in 1951.

This special wristwatch featured a fully mechanical alarm system that its owner could use to better organize and govern his most precious possession - his time. To pull off this technological marvel, Jaeger-LeCoultre equipped these watches with significant inner alarm gearing and even an additional stem and crown, making many elements of second movement that worked seamlessly in conjunction with the normal timing portion.

Not content with simply creating a wrist alarm, Jaeger-LeCoultre then produced the world's first automatic alarm model, a feat that significantly added to the mechanism's complexity.

Our E855 presents in pleasing condition. The dial is a clean previous restoration. The back shows signs of fairly light previous polishing and, as is common with these, a few fairly light remnants of previous wrench marks from a watchmaker loosening the screwed down ring. On the wrist it presents as close to mint.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

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

Movie References:
The 18K gold version of this same watch has been named the Steve McQueen Memovox, in reference to the fact that he wore this model as the lead character in the original "Thomas Crown Affair" movie. And Robert De Niro wore this steel version in "The Family."

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Year sold: 1969
• Model: "Memovox"
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Date
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case markings (outside): Dated 22-8-69 with inscription in Hebrew, Memovox, case number 1181556
• Case condition: On the wrist it presents as close to mint. The back shows signs of fairly light previous polishing, light remnants of wear and, as is common with these, a few fairly light previous wrench marks from a watchmaker loosening the screwed down ring.
• Dimensions: 38mm wide (excluding crowns), 43.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, two-piece, soleil silver inner revolving alarm insert, steel applied baton indexes, luminous hour dots, previous clean restoration. Original hands.
• Hands: Original, batons filled with luminous material
• Movement type: LeCoultre cal. K825, 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: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. 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: 18mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Servicing: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - 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