Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Parking Ref. 3161 Story

Hi All, April 2013 was the happiest month for me, not only 1 moment but 2. Im married the woman I deeply in love with and also on the same week, 4 days before, I received my dream watch. The quick snap picture with Iphone is below only cleaning slightly with tissue paper after receiving, no edit wh

Hi All,

April 2013 was the happiest month for me, not only 1 moment but 2. I’m married the woman I deeply in love with and also on the same week, 4 days before, I received my dream watch. The quick snap picture with Iphone is below only cleaning slightly with tissue paper after receiving, no edit whatsoever:

The story of acquiring this parking memovox is a bit dramatic. 7 days before my wedding day, I was in the rush to the airport and very late when I arrived there. It was only 20 minutes before the departure time. I was stuck in the heavy traffic jam and quite emotional. I ran into security check, suddenly my phone rang and the one called was my watch dealer. Big wrong time for calling. He asked me if I’m interested on an old JLC alarm watch.  2 years ago, I recall that I received similar offer and it turn out that the JLC was in a big question mark regarding the authenticity and decided not to buy it. I tell him that I was in a big rush and ask him to send the picture.

I was lucky enough to get the last seat available on the plane and after I reach departure gate, I still have 5 minutes before entering the plane. I check my mobile and the picture has not yet delivered. On one side I curious to know what JLC he try to offer this time, but on the other hand, I’m lazy because the last 2 offers was not good. The good side wins and I made a phone call. He said that the picture was not delivered due to bad internet connection and will try to re-send again. While I walking from the departure gate to the airplane, I received the picture. The picture is dark, shows Aging JLC dial with cheapo bracelet which is not belongs to the watch. But the first I notice was the alarm disc with the P sign. I’m so surprise. I asked him couple of question regarding the crown and whether everything is fully functional and he said yes everything is check. The bargain of the price was done in the airplane while waiting for other passenger coming.

Actually I’m worried since the picture he sent was not tell much about the condition of the watch, but being my dream watch, my heart beating so fast and tells me to take the watch. Do a bit of gambling instead of losing it – what a weird feeling I have since I promised myself not putting myself in the risk again. The feeling is so strong and wins. I sent the message and said I’ll buy it if everything is original and agree on the price. However again the message was not delivered until I need to turn off the cellphone.

The 1 hour flight felt so long and with the bad weather, I was screaming inside of my heart and said oh Please… quickly arrived and landed safely so that I can make the phone call. As soon as I landed, I made the phone call and the dealer said that it was too late as the owner has left. Looks like, he met his friend who has made a trade of this watch with Rolex Oyster with the original owner. The original owner has worn this watch as his daily beater. I beg him to find his friend and let me know the outcomes. 1 day after, after long wait and checking every few hours, he said that he has made a deal, but need about USD 50 more expensive than my requested price to secure the deal. No big deal for me and feel so happy. I felt nervous while waiting him to come back to town and met him on Tuesday.

When I received the watch, the watch is so dirty and the bracelet really put me off. I do quick cleaning to inspect the watch and feel relieve about the condition of the watch. The dial has age so much as in the photo which is expected due to high humidity in my country and as daily beater, this watch has not received any special treatment or pampering from the original owner apart from servicing. Seems like the original owner doesn’t know how precious this watch. I’m inspecting some small dings but nothing major. No big scratch. No polishing whatsoever. All fully functional and the power reserve is about 36 hours. Combining with the leather strap enhance the appearance of the watch and I feel so happy with the purchase.

I think my next move will be to bring it to my watchmaker for total cleaning and movement servicing. I still haven’t decided yet if I will ask the watchmaker for light case restoration and a little work on the dings or just leave it as it is today. One thing for sure is that the dial will stay. Any recommendation?

I’m envy Nicolas, Blomman, Stefan, Clavi, and others who able to score the parking memovox with the fresh dial. But at least this is what I can find here, something that make me feel various feeling inside, something that I feel I should have it even though the dial significantly aged. I don’t know if I paid too much but I’m happy.

Happy weekend my friend

Sherwin