Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox White Dial Vintage Guide
Vintage

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox White Dial Vintage Guide

By amanico · Jul 19, 2009 · 54 replies
amanico
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Amanico's post delves into the charming world of vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox watches, specifically focusing on white-dialed variants. Following a previous discussion on the black-dialed E 855, this article explores the aesthetic diversity and historical significance of various white-dial Memovox references, offering collectors a detailed look at their unique characteristics and movements.

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Some months ago, we spoke about what is certainly one of the nicest Memovox, the E 855 Black Dial:

Here's the link to the post:

jlc.watchprosite.com

After admiring the Memovox E 855 Black Dial, here are some other interesting white dialed variants:

Let's begin this trip in the Past with this lovely and special Memovox E 855 White dial.



Obviously, it is not as sophisticated as the Memovoxes which come with the long and thin " 5 minutes " indexes and with the Calypso hands, but it has a lot of charm, too, IMO.








Baton Hands, Applied Ebony Indexes, less dressy, maybe, more sporty, certainly:







It's a 37 mm case, which could be considered as the ideal size for a Memovox Vintage, at least for my average sized wrist.

A big pleasure to wear it, even if it was only for a few minutes, as I have to precise that IT IS NOT MINE, for those who would suspect me of a certain greediness..LOL.



Thanks to the Heritage Gallery to have let me spend some time with this Lovely Memovox.

In a more elegant presentation, with thinner and longer indexes, but quite the same hands ( Credit pics: World Of Time ) :







It is funny to see how a different layout can change the character of a watch!

Then, another early Memovox, so called " Wrist alarm ", which is the american name of the Memovox, which was made in the mid Fifties:



A lovely Memovox, housing the Cal 489, which was the first alarm movement used in a JLC Alarm Watch.

To be more precise and complete, the first Memovox is not the Wrist Alarm as shown here, but a Memovox which had Tubular Lugs.

Isn't it lovely with its round indexes surrounding the Alarm minute indexes?





The funny thing is that tthis is the first time I see this kind of Minute and Hour hands on a Memovox, which reminds me another of my favourite JLC Watch, which is also a Memovox, the Deep Sea Alarm ( 1959 - 1961 ).



When I looked a the hands of my D.S.A, I was wondering if the end of these hands was corrosed, or if it was a hint of long time gone Luminous material.

It seems that this Wrist Alarm gives me the answer, now...

Lovely, but quite small, as the case is only 33 or 34 mm, compared to the 37 mm of the E 855.

Some Memovox were not always so classicaly designed, nor systematically came with a round case.

Here are 2 well known examples:

The E 877 Snowdrop: ( Credit pic to Clavi ):



Between round and ovale, this special case needs time to be appreciated as it deserves.

A bit funky, terribly 70ies looking, but really interesting.

The movement used for this Snowdrop is the Cal 916, which is that reliable and well made that it was an excellent base for the Cal 918 used on the ...Memovox Compressor, and the Amvox I!

If you think that the E 877 is the Funkiest Memovox you've ever seen, wait a bit, I found something for you...









Let's say that this last one, with its thick, square and round case is not the most nicely inspired opus from JLC, but a good witness of the 70ies, indeed.

So, are you more white or black???





Best to All!

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-07-19 01:21:18 This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-07-21 21:19:48

About the Jaeger LeCoultre Master Mariner Memovox Ref. E877

The Master Mariner Memovox reference E877 is a notable example of Jaeger-LeCoultre's alarm watch production from the late 1960s and early 1970s. This particular reference is distinguished by its robust case design and the integration of the Memovox alarm complication within the Master Mariner line, which was known for its more resilient construction. It represents a period when the brand was exploring more contemporary case shapes while maintaining its horological traditions.

This reference typically features a stainless steel case, often with a cushion or tonneau profile, measuring approximately 39mm in diameter. It houses an automatic winding movement, specifically the Caliber 916, which provides both timekeeping and the distinctive mechanical alarm function. The crystal is commonly acrylic, contributing to its period-correct aesthetic. The movement offers a power reserve suitable for daily wear.

For collectors, the E877 is appealing due to its distinctive aesthetic and the reliable Caliber 916. It offers a blend of practical complication and mid-century design, making it a sought-after piece for those interested in vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre alarm watches. Its variations in dial finish and case execution provide further collecting interest within the broader Memovox family.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal. 916
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
39mm
Dial
Silver
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
FO
foullis
Jul 19, 2009

Thanks for the share Nicolas. I like the strange cushion shape Memovox (E871) Cheers, Milan

ST
Starman
Jul 19, 2009

Of course we see a lot of white (silver) Memovoxes around, so if you want one (and who doesn't) for a fair price the white colour would be obvious. And I think white looks great on a Memovox. But I do like black dials and I would rather have JLC make more black dials and not only for some special editions. Problem with black Memovoxes is that they are all (and I mean all) in hands of a certain person who names himself Amanico which means "Person who grabs all the black Memovoxes) in wristwatchwo

FA
FanFrancisco
Jul 19, 2009

many thanks Nico, because of your great effort, i am getting to love JLC more and more especially for these vintage ones. one thing i would like to ask: you know Omega has a very comprehensive and helpful archive database, does JLC also have similar data so that we can have self-refenceing and learn more from that? cheers, stefan

TI
time-traveller
Jul 19, 2009

Hi Amanico, Thanks for the thread! You have posted up some very nice examples! I love these classic pieces. It really is like wearing a piece of history. The truth is I do find it enhanting owning some of these 'time machines'. When I put mine on I wonder where this watch has gone and what past owners went through with their watches! time-traveller (singapore) P.S. I owe a picture here. Will post hopefully in a few days.

MI
MiniCooper
Jul 19, 2009

for another great review.... I would prefer the white version as it tends to look bigger on the wrist But both are very elegant Cheers

NW
nwp627
Jul 19, 2009

...I believe they are both beautiful, in their own way. I have been looking for a "vintage" Memovox ever since I joined this forum. (That fact may have something to do with a certain moderator's collection!) I am particularly intrigued by those produced in the late sixties/early seventies and not possessing a round case. Someday I will find one, buy it and be happy to share its photos with my fellow forum members. Until then I will happily live vicariously through our moderator's postings. Thank

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