Vintage
blomman Mr Blue presents a fascinating "Box Play" feature on the LeCoultre Memovox Reference 3072, a distinctive vintage piece primarily for the North American market. This article explores the watch's unique design elements, its manufacturing origins, and the intriguing details that set it apart from its European counterparts.
An odd-looking bird with oval case, cupola crowns, diamond shaped hands and rectangular marker on the seconds hand!
Together with all these different shapes you have the round alarm disk and indexes.
The different sized indexes are polished with a brush pattern and not angled in the same horizontal which gives a very strange perception of them depending on light and angle.
Sometime they look polished, sometimes they look almost black.
Not even the date window is where we normally see on a watch with the Calibre 916 movement. Itâs located at six instead of three oâclock.
But it works, IMO!
The placement of the date gives the dial a vertical symmetry which works very well here.
In combination with this âdifferentâ look, the original bracelet is also something you normally donât see on these early 1970âs Memovox.
Shaped links which are opposite any of the other shapes of the watch. The only similarities would be the curve which resembles the case curve.
If we take a closer look, we might find some explanation to all this.
1) The case is not made of the same company(s) which made the cases for the European market.
It was made by the STAR W.C. Company.
In fact, the movements were manufactured in Switzerland and then shipped to the USA where they were cased and timed.
One detail I noticed is the markings on the rotor: âAdjusted Three (3) Positionsâ.
Normally on U.S. exported movements you see âUnadjustedâ to
avoid the higher import tax.
2) The bracelet is not made by JB Champion or NSA which you see most of the times.
The bracelet was made by Kreisler Stelux in Hong Kong.
Which may explain the very different looking LeCoultre text
on the buckle.
But even if case and bracelet was made by a third party, I guess LeCoultre US and/or Jaeger-LeCoultre Switzerland must have been involved in the design of the watch.
The earliest mentioning of the 3072 I found so far is this
ad from 1970: âThe new Memovox HPGâ â High Precision Guarantee.
OK, enough about the watch, letâs have a look at the box.
This might come as a surprise for some, but yes in the 1960s and a bit into the 1970s, this was the normal box for LeCoultre.
Some may claim that this green box was only used for the Polaris.
There were special boxes for some models, like the Geophysic and the Geomatic, but the Polaris had no special box.
YES - the LeCoultre Polaris used the same box, NO â this green box was not a special box exclusively for the Polaris!
That the Tribute To Polaris had a replica of this box as a special Limited Edition box was just a marketing stunt.
Same as the super doomed plexi on the Tribute To Polaris.
The original Polaris plexi is slightly doomed but with straighter sides and a sharp angle before the doom starts.
I guess when they designed the TT Polaris JLC looked at a very polished plexi and mistook it for original or they just liked the idea of a super doomed plexiâŚ
Anyway, back to the box â the inside of the box very nice with white silk, green velvet, brass sign and a holder for your watch.
âThe most exceptional watches and clocks in all the worldâ!
The outer box is also green with gold text and lines.
Watch, box and papers in place:
Yes, the 3072 is a fun one!
Best
Blomman
The Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox reference 3072 is part of the "Funky Memovox" series from the 1970s, characterized by its distinctive case shapes and dial aesthetics that reflect the design trends of the era. This reference contributes to a lineage of alarm watches from the brand, known for their practical complication and varied stylistic interpretations over decades. It represents a period of experimentation in watch design, moving away from more traditional forms.
The reference 3072 typically features a cushion-shaped or tonneau-shaped case, often crafted from stainless steel. These cases house an automatic winding movement, likely from the 916 or 918 caliber family, which powers the timekeeping and the mechanical alarm function. The crystal is generally acrylic, consistent with watches of this period, providing a clear view of the dial.
For collectors, the Memovox 3072 appeals to those interested in vintage Jaeger LeCoultre pieces, particularly the more unconventional designs of the 1970s. It stands as an example of the brand's willingness to adapt its established alarm complication to contemporary fashion, offering a different aesthetic compared to earlier or later Memovox iterations. Its unique appearance makes it a notable piece within the broader Memovox family.
Amazing. Once more...
And also great info on the box. I have one of those boxes for my Polaris...... Well I guess you know that!
And of course superb post for watch in superb condition. Another time capsule of yours. Cheers D
And soooo seventies đđđť
that funky Memovox in its box is such a jewel. Thanks for taking the time to compile all that information. CC
You have the equivalent JLC box! Thank you, Baron! Best Blomman
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