JLC Memovox Caliber 601 (1952) Vintage Alarm Watch

ChrisSH66 · 2021-01-23T06:35:59Z

Explore the rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Caliber 601 from 1952. Uncover its unique transitional movement and design peculiarities for vintage JLC collectors.

ChrisSH66 embarks on a fascinating journey into the early history of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox, specifically a 1952 model. His detailed research into the movement, particularly the elusive Caliber 601, highlights the complexities and unique characteristics that make early Memovox references a compelling area for collectors and enthusiasts to explore.

Dear fellow watch enthusiasts, I would love to get your feedback on this early Memovox - it seems to be an early 1952 model, as I am quite new to the Memovox field, I would be very pleased to get some more background and information on this piece - and its potential value. Thank you

Just found some more information and some similar reference models -

Not sure about the movement, if its a 601, 489 or 814.

ADDED: The more I research, the more I suspect it is the 601 movement:

"A transitional caliber between the 489 and 814 designated caliber 601 was produced in a limited quality of 2,000 movements. This caliber is exactly the same as the 489 but for the single bridge design of the 814, It has only been observed as a Jaeger-LeCoultre-signed movement housed in an 80 micron gold plated case. Another peculiarity is that it uses an arrow to indicate the alarm time rather than an inner rotating disk."

The production dates are also very close together, with the cal 601 movement having a 735,000 serial number (1952) that is just 15,000 away from the serial number of the caliber 489/1 movement in the U.S. watch

JLC - an early model of Memovox housed with caliber 601...

The serial number should be 735568 - I can't quite read it

Case 80 micron gold plated in the design of an American market Memovox and made by the American company Wadsworth, stamped with Swiss markings and number 530455

JLC Memovox Caliber 601 (1952) Vintage Alarm Watch

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JLC Memovox Caliber 601 (1952) Vintage Alarm Watch

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