In vintage times, as lifestyle paces moved faster and faster, top Swiss firms needed a way to enhance the experiences of their now frequently traveling 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 had to equip these watches with a second power winding spring, inner gearing, and even an additional stem and crown, making nearly an entire second movement that worked seamlessly in conjunction with the normal timing portion.

The alarm wristwatch showcased in today's offering is an uncommon example of one of these Memovox watches made for the premier Swiss retailer at the time Gübelin. Though crafted entirely by JLC and identical to their MEMOVOX, save the dial design, Gübelin sold this watch as one of their own offerings, naming it the IPSOVOX. To the retail customer, this was entirely a Gübelin product. We have previously sold one with its original Gubline papers, warranty, and receipt.

Although not as widely known by many Americans, the name Gübelin is instantly recognized by many European connoisseurs. When it comes to fine watches and jewelry, the name Gübelin represents to our European friends what Tiffany & Co. does to Americans - extremely high quality, desirability, and luxury. In many respects the companies are quite similar - both have a number of boutiques that retailed the world's finest watches and jewelry from the likes of Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, and Audemars Piguet; and both crafted under their own respective names some of the most sought after fine watches and pieces of jewelry.

Its 35mm 18K gold case - one millimeter smaller than a classic Datejust - is in excellent condition with honest wear. The back has two indentions that aren't visible when the watch is being worn. It shows only very little signs of prevoius polishing - the stamping on the back and the hallmark on the lugs are mint. On the wrist the case presents as better than near mint with nice not overly polished lines.

Its silver dial with cool blue IPSOVOX logo is original and untouched and has warmed to a light sepia tone, giving it a true vintage look.

Our team of Master Watchmakers spent almost a year sympathetically restoring the movement. That consisted of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (an $895 value).

We have timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn - it is keeping time on par with a new JLC.

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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One has done authorized work for JLC and the Richemont service center and brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, and others.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile 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 and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Note: A published example of this model signed JLC can be found in Zaf Basha's book, Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Guide for the Collector, pg. 108

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 837,684
• Year made: 1952
• Model: Ipso-vox Alarm
• Functions:  Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Automatic, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): Case number 588263, A (for 18K Gold), MEMOVOX
• Case markings (inside): 18K, Jaeger-LeCoultre 'pine tree' stamp, Swiss Helvetia hallmark
• Case condition: Excellent condition with honest wear. The back has two indentions that aren't visible when the watch is being worn. It shows only very little signs of prevoius polishing - the stamping on the back and the hallmark on the lugs are mint. On the wrist the case presents as better than near mint with nice not overly polished lines.
• Dimensions: 35mm wide (excluding crowns), 40.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial:  Signed Gubelin with IPSO-VOX logos in blue, silvered, gold applied faceted dart indexes, inner revolving alarm insert, original and untouched
• Movement type: High grade, Cal. 489, manually wound, complete second alarm mechanism, parachoc shock protection
• Movement markings: LeCoultre, Swiss, P489/4
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal:  Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Our team of Master Watchmakers spent almost a year sympathetically restoring the movement. That consisted of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (an $895 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn - it is keeping time on par with a new JLC. 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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One has done authorized work for JLC and the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, and others.
• Warranty: 1-year 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
• 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