Review
GreatCookie shares his long-awaited acquisition of the Jaeger-LeCoultre NSA Incursion, a piece he considers a modern 'tool' watch update to his vintage E873 Memovox. This post highlights the personal connection collectors form with their timepieces, spanning decades and generations. His detailed account and comparison offer valuable insights into JLC's dive watch lineage.
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.
Two watches with a strong personality. The E 873, funky but much nicer in the real than on the pictures ( this watch is absolutely not photogenic ), and the NSA, which is certainly my favourite, in the Compressor Family, with its subtle vintage touch. I am sure you will feel a growing love for this last watch. Here is mine, not BH Boutique, though, but I appreciate it a lot: Welcome in the NSA Gang. Nicolas
For your kind words and encouragement again... Is that a NSA Aldao I spy in your picture? Whilst I love the NSA Alarms in general, the one thing that pushed me over the edge for this model was the etched logo - I personally couldn't bear the thought of the logo upside down - I swear I must be obsessive compulsive. As for the E873 *sigh*... One day I'll find/take a picture of the watch that does it justice. I know it's a swan, but it always looks like the ugly duckling in photos. Now to start sav
Around 5 NSAs came witrh the sterile dial and sapphire. I asked JLC to get me one of these unsigned dials, et voilà. Being a JLC moderator has its privilege, from time to time. Best, Nicolas
...Would the 5 sterile dials be part of the prototypes or the first '5' of the 1500 run? Actually, I've also wondered whether the Aldao series were also part of the following taken as a separate series? I'm sure that the 'privilege' of a JLC moderator had only a small part to play... Like in life, most if the time, it's more about the person, than the position. Regards, Stephen.
The Aldao is exactly the same than the proto... Here nothing is engraved nowhere, nor on the dial, nor on the sapphire. It is not a proto, nor a limited deries, it is just an accident. For the benefit of 5 of us... Best, Nicolas
Sometimes the best of things arise from so-called 'accidents'. I wonder whether the other '4' are here as well? Either way, I'm sure that we're all enjoying our pieces as we should be - in the company of good friends and the best of health. Regards, Stephen.
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