The large 43mm Jaeger-LeCoultre "Snow Drop" showcased in today's offering is a wonderful and very desirable example of one of JLC's early retro-era automatic Memovox watches.

Produced in only 2153 examples from 1971-1975 it's a watch that's not often seen.

Because of it style, size, and rarity, while widely liked it's also developed somewhat of it's own cult following. And for good reason. We really like its large disco volante style flying saucer case with uniquely designed screw bezel and classic silver dial with "wide boy" markers.

We are proud to offer this all-original one in beautiful condition.

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.

This is a prime example of a Snow Drop. Its case presents as just short of mint - its case back doesn't appear to ever have been polished. And its untouched original dial is mint.

The movement winds very smoothly and is keeping time within approx. 45 seconds per day on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn. We understand that it was said to have been serviced not too long ago, but we don't know exactly when. Please inquire if you would like it freshly serviced.

For the finishing touch, it comes equipped with a beautiful French made strap in excellent condition making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a 90-day C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Note: A published example of this model can be found in Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Guide for the Collector, Basha, 2008, pg. 145.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year made: c. 1971-1974
• Model: "Snow Drop Memovox"
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Date
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Just short of mint with light wear. The back does not ever appear to have been polished.
• Dimensions: 43mm diameter (excluding crowns)
• Dial: Silver, two-piece, soleil silver inner revolving alarm insert, steel and black applied "wide boy" baton indexes, luminous hour dots, aperture for the date, original and untouched, mint condition
• Hands: Original and untouched, blackened 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: Leather, made in France, fully stitched, excellent condition
• Width between lugs: 20mm
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
• Servicing: We understand that it was said to have been serviced not too long ago, but we don't know exactly when. The movement winds very smoothly and is keeping time within approx. 45 seconds per day on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn. Please inquire if you would like it freshly serviced. 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: 90-day 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
• 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