Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956 Automatic Alarm Movement

amanico · 2016-06-14T00:00:04Z

Explore the hidden Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956 automatic alarm movement, powering iconic JLC models like the Tribute To Polaris and Master Memovox.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

30 replies8790 views5 photos

Amanico pays homage to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956, an automatic alarm movement often hidden behind solid casebacks. This post provides a rare glimpse into the intricate mechanics of this movement, which powers popular models like the Tribute To Polaris, Master Memovox, and Tribute to Deep Sea Alarm, revealing the unseen heart of these beloved JLC timepieces.

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The Cal 956 is an automatic alarm movement which is housed in watches with solid case backs, so you can never see it.

It first came in 2008 with the famous Tribute To Polaris ( even if it has to be said that it was used under another reference a few years before, in the Extrem World Alarm: Cal 912 ) and since it was used for every Alarm watch the Manufacture released: The Master Memovox, the Memovox International, in 2010, and the Tribute to Deep Sea Alarm, in 2011.

So to say, these watches are very popular, as we often see them on our JLC forum.

But how many times did you see pictures of their heart, the Cal 956? Almost never!

The former Alarm movement, the Cal 918 ( brilliantly photographed by Al )

The Cal 956, now:

While the two movement look alike, and share several common points ( 28800 vibrations per hour, automatic, 45 hours power reserve, and approximatively 18 seconds for the alarm ), the Cal 956 received some important improvements.

According to Stephane Belmont, who gave an interesting interview to Jerome Berder, " The alarm ( on the Cal 956 ) has been highly modified, with a timbre ringing now, instead of a diapason version, like before ( Cal 918 ).... Which was the most important development work, and has taken 24 months".

The other detail you don't immediately see, but which you will notice at the end of a 30 days month, is that the new Alarm movement is gratified of a quick set of the date, like on a normal modern watch, while, on the Cal 918, you have to move the hands from 10 PM to 3 AM and backward, to do so... Which was a bit fastidious, if you had to do it 30 times.

Another detail which has to be mentionned: There are two kind of oscillating weights, on the Cal 956.

On dressy watches, such as the Master Memovox, the oscillating weight is in gold, while on the sporty models, the weight is made of heavy metal, a blend of Tungsten ( 90 % ), Copper and Nickel.

Here is the heavy metal oscillating weight of the Navy SEALs Alarm:

This movement deserved some correct pictures, don't you think?

Best,

Nicolas.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-06-14 06:05:25

Key Points from the Discussion

A contributor praises the rare opportunity to view these movements, noting the difficulty in locating specific components and inquiring about the exact mechanism of the alarm's ringing and the secret alloy used for the timbre.
The Caliber 956 is described as a very reliable and stable movement, with six modern JLC watches in one collector's possession featuring versions of this caliber.
A collector highlights the Jaeger Master Control Memovox (Ref. 144.8.94 S) with its manual winding 914 caliber as the only alarm watch to offer a display case back, justifying the visual appeal of the movement.
The post clarifies that a see-through case back is justified by the movement's originality, acknowledging the rarity of alarm watches with this feature.
A contributor expresses appreciation for learning about the two different versions of the oscillating weight for Caliber 956 and their specific case applications.
It is suggested that the movement would be even more beautiful with a see-through case back and additional flourishing or design on the rotor.

The Discussion

Alkiro1

Jun 14, 2016

Thank you for your post And what about the JLC manual winding 914 caliber into the Jaeger Master Control Memovox (ref. 144.8.94 S) which is the only one to offer a case display? I owned this watch few years ago... and I will buy back another one one day ;-) Best wishes Alkiro

amanico

Jun 14, 2016

See through case back, in this case, is justified by the originality of the movement. And I don't know many alarms with a see through case back! Best, Nicolas

Alkiro1

Jun 14, 2016

That is why I bought one several years ago. And, in my opinion, the lack of solid case back does not reduce the strength of the bell. In that case, two senses are activated when you own this watch: your view and your hearing!!! Two things which can motivate you in buying this model ;-) Best Alkiro

chikai168

Jun 14, 2016

Hi Nicholas, Thank you for such an interesting read! BW, Chi Kai

KMII

Jun 14, 2016

Especially the first is quite impressive! Glad to have learned something new again

blomman Mr Blue

Jun 14, 2016

6 of my modern JLC have versions of the Cal 956 inside! A very reliable sand stable movement. And not bad looking either! Best Blomman

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956 Automatic Alarm Movement

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