Today's offering showcases this very rare and interesting Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox made for the European market. Powering the watch is the rare transitional caliber 601 Jaeger-LeCoultre signed movement.

The movement, produced in a limited quantity of only 2000 pieces, served as the transitional mechanism between the 489 and 814. All examples we have ever owned or seen appear to have been produced in 1952.

Besides the rare caliber, other peculiarities of the watch is that it uses a small pointed hand to indicate the alarm rather than a revolving centre disk, and the case is 80 micron gold plated done in the style of an American market Memovox and made by the American company Wadsworth, despite the JLC branding and the appearance that the import code has been removed at the factory.

It is in all-original condition.

Its wonderful two-tone dial is untouched. Its case is in excellent condition with one pin prick on the back and the slightest sliver of wear through on the edge of one lug. Otherwise there is no gold wear through on the case and it presents beautifully on the wrist.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is keeping extremely accurate time.

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. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

A pleasing original example of a rare JLC.

• Manufacturer: LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Serial no.: 744,980
• Year built: c. 1952
• Model: "Memovox"
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Gold-plated
• Case markings (outside): Memovox
• Case markings (inside): LeCoultre Co. , Swiss, Plaque or L 80 Microns, Wadsworth, 531488
• Case condition: Excellent condition with one pin prick on the back and the slightest sliver of wearthrough on the edge of one lug. Otherwise there is no gold wear through. It presents beautifully on the wrist.
• Dimensions: 32mm diameter (excluding crowns), 37mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Two-tone silver, gold dart Arabic indexes, outer minute/second track, original and 98% mint
• Hands: Original gold alpha hour and minute hands and red-tipped gold alarm hand, gold sweep seconds hand
• Movement type: Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 601, rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
• Movement markings: Jaeger-LeCoultre, Swiss, 601
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is keeping exremely accurate time. 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.
• 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; 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