The large 38mm LeCoultre wristwatch showcased in today's offering is a classic 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 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 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 has fully JLC parts and presents in pleasing condition. Its timeless silver dial presents as just short of mint. The outer dial has been restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America; the inner dial is untouched.

Its case is in excellent condition with fairly light signs of previous polishing and one indention in the back. On the wrist the indention isn't visible, and it presents in beautiful condition.

One of our Master Watchmakers who used to work for an authorized Rolex dealership has performed any needed servicing. It is running strong and keeping 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.

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

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Year made: c. 1960's
• 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
• Case markings (inside): Cased and timed in U.S.A by LeCoultre
• Case condition: Excellent condition with fairly light signs of previous polishing and one indention in the back. On the wrist the indention isn't visible, and it presents in beautiful condition.
• 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, the outer dial has been restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America; the inner dial is original and untouched
• Hands: Original and untouched, gold batons filled with luminous material, surfacing aging present on them
• 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: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers who used to work for an authorized Rolex dealership has performed any needed servicing. It is running strong and keeping 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