Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue shares his Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 871, initiating a series focused on vintage watch boxes and accessories. His post highlights the unique 'TV-shaped' aesthetic popular in the 1970s and provides detailed observations on the watch's dimensions and original NSA bracelet. This article offers a nostalgic look at a specific era of watch design and the importance of period-correct accessories for collectors.
Let’s start small, with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 871.
Since I finally got the last detail sorted on my E 871, I thought it would be appropriate to start with this one.
You may read about it here: www.watchprosite.com
We who grow up during the 1970’s will always have a soft spot for these old TV shaped watches…
Growing up in Sweden, there were only two TV channels and only one serious sports program, “Sportspegeln”.
The blur thing to the right was their show logo…
We have seen it from many members here, posting big, bulky, colourful watches from the 1970’s.
We have seen the re-edition train ticking off all the icons from the 1950’s and 1960’s…
We have even started to see re-editions from the 1970’s already, like the Doxa Sub!
You know it, the Funky 70’s is back!
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 871 is a typical “child of its time”.
38.5mm x 46mm, but only 12.5mm thick including the plexi crystal which is raised above the bezel.
20mm between the lugs which make the bracelet look bigger and stronger but compared with today’s standard the NSA bracelet feels quite thin and “flimsy”.
Yes, NSA bracelet. This was before all the “inhouse hype” had started.
Many brands used NSA bracelets for their watches and that is why you may find several brands with similar or same looking bracelets.
Just different engraving on the buckle.
The E 871 existed in two dial versions, most well-known, the Orange/Grey which is the version featured in documents.
Example:
1970 – Notice the LeC logo on the alarm disk even on the JLC version...
1971 –
1972 –
But, I found "hard proof" of the Blue/Silver version in a German pricelist from April 1971:
Zone rot oder blau. “Red or blue”. OK, they call it red but all I have seen in real looks more like orange…
595 DM on leather strap, 652 DM on bracelet.
It even existed an LeCoultre version of the E 871.
Strange thing is that instead of having the HPG, High Precision Guarantee on the dial like other LeCoultre Memovox with the Calibre 916 inside, it has the LeC logo on the dial.
What even more strange is that the catalogue has Jaeger-LeCoultre printed on the cover, even if the watches inside have LeCoultre on the dial.
This catalogue must either be a profiling mistake or from the time when the brand started to change to the full name also in North America.
But enough about the watch, let’s see some box play!
Sometime in the end of 1960’s/beginning of 1970’s JLC changed from blue boxes to brown boxes.
My observations lead me to believe it was not a “clean cut”, from the print dates on the papers you can see that for some years both colours were used.
Paper, box, watch holder and of course the E 871:
Different versions of the box exist, either like this one with an arched holder or a thinner box with the watch laying flat inside, we will come to that one later.
Inside the box is pocket for the paper.
A nice and clean box, practical and in a good size.
As I have promised several times we should start to look closer on boxes, this is just a small start.
Best
Blomman
PS. Any boxes or papers included in this series will only be included once together with one watch.
If several of the same, then its because I have several…
The Memovox E871 is a notable example from the "Funky Memovox" series, primarily emerging from the 1970s. This reference distinguishes itself within the broader Memovox family through its distinctive case shape and dial aesthetics, which reflect the design trends of its era. It represents a period of experimentation for the brand, moving beyond more traditional designs while retaining the core alarm complication that defines the Memovox line. It is sought after by collectors who appreciate the brand's diverse design history.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, often characterized by its cushion or tonneau-like profile, which was popular during the 1970s. It houses an automatic movement, specifically the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 916, known for its alarm function and date display. The crystal is generally acrylic, contributing to its vintage appeal. The case dimensions are characteristic of the period, offering a substantial wrist presence without being excessively large.
For collectors, the Memovox E871 appeals to those interested in the evolution of watch design and the specific stylistic expressions of the 1970s. Its unique appearance sets it apart from earlier and later Memovox iterations, making it a distinct piece within a comprehensive collection of alarm watches. The various dial colors and finishes available for this reference further enhance its collectibility, offering a range of options for enthusiasts.
Cheers, HSTE
But that we are used to since start! Jaeger AND LeCoultre! But no brand on the dial.... Best Blomman
Great watches from an interesting era. Thanks for all the effort.
Thank you, Captain! Best Blomman
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