1969 Jaeger-LeCoultre Vintage Mens Memovox Alarm Reveil, Automatic - 14K Gold

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", except without the date. It has a solid 14K gold case and original so-called "Buckley" dial with Roman numerals. 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 excellent original condition. The matching crowns have an original look but may be replacements - otherwise it has all of its original parts. Its case is in excellent condition and shows only very light signs of ever having been previously polished. Its timeless silver dial is original and untouched, in just short of perfect mint condition under magnification. One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled its complicated "reveil" movement down to its last screw and fully 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 equipped it with a brand new Hirsch leather strap aftermarket Jaeger-LeCoultre style buckle 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 made: c. 1969 Model: "Memovox" Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Automatic, Sweep Seconds Designed for: Men Case material: 14K gold Case markings (outside): 14K Gold, Use all proof wrench 1335, "Charles F. Gorey - November 8, 1969" Case markings (inside): Cased and timed in U.S.A by LeCoultre Case condition: Excellent condition and shows only very light signs of ever having been previously polished and very slight wear between the lugs from a previously installed metal bracelet. Dimensions: 38mm wide (excluding crowns), 43.5mm long lug tip-to-tip Dial: Light silver, two-piece, soleil silver inner revolving alarm insert, black painted Roman indexes, luminous hour dots, original and untouched, just short of perfect mint under magnification Hands: Original, blackened luminous gold, "batons" 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: Hirsch leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Jaeger-LeCoultre style buckle. 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 its complicated "reveil" movement down to its last screw and fully 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; New timing certificate Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee