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 I have ever seen, including two previous examples I have owned, 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 center disk. And the case is 80 micron gold plated done in the design of an American market Memovox and made by the American company Wadsworth (though stamped with Swiss markings), despite the JLC branding and the appearance that the import code has been removed at the factory. These watches are true anomalies.

It is in very pleasing original condition. The dial is untouched original and essentially mint with no fading or toning. All hands are original and just short of mint. The top crown has been previously replaced, and that is the only replacement part on the watch.

The case is very nice except for marks on the lugs that look like they occurred from being placed in a vise. If it wasn't for those marks the case would be better than near mint. 

A pleasing original example of a rare JLC that has spent most of its life stored away.

Our watchmaker has freshly serviced the watch. 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.

• Manufacturer: LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Serial no.: 744,790
• 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, 530285
• Case condition: The case is very nice except for marks on the lugs that look like they occured from being placed in a vise. If it wasn't for those marks the case would be better than near mint.
• Dimensions: 32mm diameter (excluding crowns), 37mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Two-tone silver with gold center, gold dart and luminous 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: Yes, cleaned and oiled.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. 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 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