The large 38mm LeCoultre wristwatch showcased in today's offering is a classic original example of one of JLC's early automatic Memovox watches, made for the U.S. market.

It is essentially the American version of the iconic E855 European Memovox which 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 the steel version in "The Family."

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.

It is in pleasing original condition. The matching crowns may be original and unsigned or may be replacements.

Its case has never been polished. It is in excellent condition with fairly light wear. One lug has a small ding. Otherwise, it could be lightly polished to be close to mint. Its lines and edges are fabulously strong.

Its timeless silver dial is original and untouched. It presents as better than near mint with only very light aging.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and serviced it. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it 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 and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

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

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 used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
Year sold: 1970
Model: "Memovox"
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Date
Designed for: Men
Case material: 14K gold
Case markings (outside): 14K Gold, Use all proof wrench 1335, "To Rodger - With Love Always - Betty - 10/18/70"
Case markings (inside): Cased and timed in U.S.A by LeCoultre
Case condition: It has never been polished. It is in excellent condition with fairly light wear. One lug has a small ding. Otherwise, it could be lightly polished to be close to mint. Its lines and edges are fabulously strong.
Dimensions: 38mm wide (excluding crowns), 43.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Silver, two-piece, soleil silver inner revolving alarm insert, gold applied baton indexes, luminous hour dots, original and untouched, better than near mint condition with only very light aging
Hands: Original, gold, "lances"
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
Movement markings: Jaeger LeCoultre Swiss, 17 Jewels, Unadjusted K825
Jewels: 17 rubies
Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, previously worn but very serviceable. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Width between lugs: 18mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and serviced it.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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 used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
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

X