Vintage
Amanico introduces the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 873 in gold, a rarely seen vintage reference that challenges modern perceptions of dial and case color combinations. His post, featuring live photos and a comparison with a contemporary Tribute Duoface, offers a unique historical perspective on JLC's design evolution. This highlights the enduring appeal and historical significance of vintage JLC alarm watches.
The Memovox E873, also known as the Memovox GT Speedbeat, represents a distinctive evolution within the Memovox collection, characterized by its tonneau-shaped case and vibrant dial configurations. This reference departs from the more traditional round cases of earlier Memovox models, offering a more contemporary aesthetic that reflects late 1960s and early 1970s design trends. Its "GT" designation often implies a sportier or grand touring appeal, aligning with a period of innovation in watch design and functionality.
This particular reference typically features a robust case, often crafted from stainless steel or gold, housing an automatic alarm movement. The movement, known for its "Speedbeat" designation, operates at a higher frequency, contributing to its precision. The watch is fitted with a crystal, protecting a dial that frequently incorporates contrasting colors and applied hour markers, enhancing legibility and visual interest. The dual crown system allows for separate winding and setting of the time and the alarm function.
For collectors, the Memovox E873 is valued for its unique design language and its place in the lineage of Jaeger-LeCoultre's alarm watches. It appeals to those seeking a vintage piece that combines mechanical ingenuity with a bold, period-specific aesthetic. The variety in dial colors and case materials provides options for different collecting preferences, making it a notable example of the brand's creative output during a transitional era in watchmaking.
Looks good & really like the dial, but do think the gold really does stress the period that it came from. Grey metallic day is stunning! Cheers JML
Thanks Nicolas for the nice picture. It is indeed a very nice model: I can confirm that the combination of this grey / brown dial (colour of a mole !) with gold case is a real knockout ! Thanks also for the display of dials for E873, very interesting. Is there a reason why JLC added "-21" for the reference of gold models of some memovox and "-42" for the SS ones ? My own 873 in gold is indeed engraved 873-21 (and I know that another one is), some SS 873 are engraved 873-42, and the dial display
My question was more on why 21 and 42, and why on these two models only, 873 and 875 ? But as said, it was just a question "in passing", nothing very important ! Best karl
in 873 the gold is much more gorgeous than the steel. Nico you are killing us with all these exotic vintage
Hi Amanico, Beatiful pictures as always. - and a nice comparison. Would love to own both. The gold case with the dial is so funky. You cannot help smiling when wearing this watch. I am not sure I quite get the meaning of the picture from the Manufacture - which I by the way will be visiting the week after next! Best, Claus
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