The large Jaeger-LeCoultre "Egg" Memovox ref. showcased in today's offering is a wonderful and example of one of JLC's early retro-era automatic Memovox. These ref. 3072-916 watches were made exclusively for the U.S. market.

Produced in perhaps only two to three thousand examples (approx. 7731 units of the caliber 916 movement were made spread out across a number of models), it's a watch that's not commonly seen.

Because of its style, size, and relative uncommoness, like other of the shaped 1970's Memovox watches, its developed somewhat of its own cult following. And for good reason. We really like its large retro styled case with distinctive egg shape, monochromatic design, and two-tone dial with unusual textured markers.

With the exception of the clasp on the original bracelet, which is a period replacement that was on the watch when we acquired it and the unsigned winding crowns, the rest of the watch and bracelet are original.

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. Using the caliber 825 as a starting point, JLC then created the caliber 916, used in this watch, which was the world's first 360 degree automatic alarm. Previous movement always used a bumper mechanism due to the alarm hammer mechanism which, when activated hit a pin protruding from the inside of the back case cover. The bumper rotor swung back and forth without hitting the pin whereas a fully rotating rotor would. JLC ingeniously solved this problem in their design of the cal. 916 by creating the rotor with a hole in the center that the alarm pin could pass through.

Not only innovative in the design of the alarm elements, it also was dubbed a "Speed Beat" model because of how fast its 28,800 bph balance beat for greater accuracy in timekeeping.

Its case presents in excellent condition with fairly light signs of wear. It has not been recently polished - please inquire if you would like that done. Its untouched original dial is in excellent overall condition with fairly light signs of aging.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its very last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It winds very smoothly and is running exceptionally strongly.

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, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

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.

Note: Information on the caliber 916 movement found in this watch can be found in Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Guide for the Collector, Basha, 2008, pg. 145.

Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year made: 1970's
Model: Ref. 3072-916 "Egg" Memovox
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Date
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case condition: Presents in excellent condition with fairly light signs of wear. It has not been recently polished - please inquire if you would like that done.
Dimensions: 37mm diameter (excluding crowns) by 41mm long lug tip to tip
Dial: Silver, two-piece, brushed silver inner revolving alarm insert, steel applied textured round indexes, luminous hour lines, aperture for the date, original and untouched, excellent condition with only light aging
Hands: Original, steel batons filled with luminous material
Movement type:  High grade, Cal. 916, self-winding full rotor bi-directional winding automatic, complete second alarm mechanism, rhodium plated, shock protected, 17 jewels, direct sweep seconds, glucydur balance, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator. Approximate 45 hour power reserve.
Jewels: 17 rubies
Band: Original, LeCoultre for this model, steel, interesting design with special patented links, clasp previously replaced with a period unsigned one, fits a wrist up to approx. a little under 7.5 inches on largest setting, adjustable, moderate stretch - finish is in excellent condition with fairly light wear. It has not been recently polished. Please inquire if you would like that done.
Width between lugs: 19mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its very last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It winds very smoothly and is running exceptionally strongly.
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 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; 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

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