Jaeger-LeCoultre

First I would like to thank you all for your patients with me dwelling over and over again about this watch - Thank you all!

 

My expectations about this watch before I got it have been very high, and very focused on the centre alarm disk.

The worldtime function with the 24 cities written on the disk is what stands out as a difference between this one and other memovoxes.

Especially if you compare it with the Master Reviel…

So in my mind I have had this thought – it’s a slightly bigger MR with black dial.

 

This new watch is nothing like the MR! Good or bad? In many aspects – GOOD!

 

With a diameter of 40 mm it’s perfect in my comfort zone (38-42).

The black dial makes the numbers and index to really stand out, I like it a lot.

On silver dials the markings tend to blend in to the rest of the dial.

Actually the dial is not black-black as the Master Memovox Cal 914, the dial is more black with a shade of grey   a very nice touch.

The alarm disk have a circle pattern witch makes it non glossy.

 

My biggest worries about this watch was the dial would feel to busy.

Yes, the dial is busier than watches I normally go for, but not to busy! 

The alarm arrow is very small, OK for now – but I fear that when age takes its toll on my eyes I will have problem to read this dial.

About the alarm ring and date window; as Nicolas pointed out the date window goes thru the alarm mark ring. In a perfect world the date window should stay clear of the markings.

After thinking and re-thinking this, my conclusion is that JLC made the right choice.

Why? To start with; to actually physically move the date window would need a new movement and then we would probably have to wait another couple of years for a new Memovox… Not a good option in my thinking.

But what could they have done with this one?

Well, made the markings around the window smaller? Yes, but looking at it closely, it’s a beautiful detail that would be missed greatly IMO.

Move the alarm ring closer to the centre? Yes, but then the dial would feel very crammed with no space between the cities and the alarm ring.

After looking at the date window some more, I think it falls very well in its place at 3 o’clock.

 

Personally I prefer the classic dauphine hands, but these new hands helps creating a free space in the centre of the dial that is very well needed.

 

The case is beautiful! Slightly curved lugs, flatter bezel and the plane-sphere on the back.

I am big fan of the rosegold medallions, but the frosted plane-sphere in combination with the polished letters, stunning!

The crowns have the new shape, and a new detail is the date/alarm crown – very nice!

The double folding clasp is also the new version. I haven’t really decided yet if I think it’s good or bad. I have to come back to you on that one…

Black croco strap feels natural for this watch.

 

All in all I think the Memovox International is a very comfortable watch to wear and to look at!

All the details feels very much properly thought through and developed in to this beautiful watch!

 

JLC have done it again – they have created a fantastic piece of art and engineering!

Thank you, JLC!

 

Here she is in here new home together with family

This is my first impression of the Memovox International.

I will come back to you when I have had a chance to wear it some more, and then maybe compare it to the Master Reveil…

 

Best

 

Blomman

...your comparison to the Master Reveil.  Thanks for some great first impressions.  Sounds like it is a very successful execution!  Ken

So far I must say the MI is better than my expectation!

 

But as always – there are some small details that you have on the MR that the MI doesn’t have…

The question is; will I still miss them after some time or will I have get used to the new...?

 

I still haven’t seen the new “normal” Memovox – it will be very interesting to see it in the metal!

 

Best

 

Blomman

Great review for your initial thoughts.  I love the Alarm/Date Crown.  I like those helpful hints. LOL.  I think the watch looks beautiful.  I agree with all of your thoughts so far on the design, and your photos capture this one very well, although I have yet to see one in the metal.

So, I am still a little fuzzy about how the cities disk works. I don't  think JLC has posted the instruction manual for this watch online yet. 

Hope you continue to enjoy this beauty, Blomman.

respo

Let’s the time is 10 o’clock in Paris and you would like to know what time it is in New York.

Move the alarm disk until the hour hand is over New York, now the alarm arrow will point out the time in New York.

Upper row of cities are after you in time and the lower row are before you.

 

Thank you for your always so kind words.

 

Best

 

Blomman

Sorry, Respo.

 

My explanation of the WT was incorrect; here is the correct one:

 

Move the alarm mark to align with the hour hand and then you are able to read what time it is in the different time zones.

 

Let’s the time is 10 o’clock in Paris and you would like to know what time it is in New York.

Then you may read New York at 04 o’clock and in Bangkok the time will be 1600.

Upper row of cities are after you in time and the lower row are before you.

 

Best

 

Blomman

I appreciate your objective approach on this watch, Blomman.

Undisputably,this is a very nice watch, which will complement your collection perfectly.

I will try to see one in the flesh, a definitive one, I mean, as I didn't see it again, since Geneva.

About the date, well, there is a lot to say.

You're totally right when you say that it is because of the movement ( Cal 956 ) that the date " eats " the alarm ring.

Again, there was another solution, which would have been to not put the date...

It would have been historically correct, as the first WT came without the date ( I am very suspicious about the Vintage Auto WT with the date, by the way ), but in this case, you would have ot create another movement than the Cal 956.

Nonetheless, you have a beautiful watch, with a delicious retro look.

That is the most important, finally.

Congrats, and, once again, thanks for sharing this very interesting post.

Best,

Nicolas.

I must say that the Memo International is better than my expectations!

It has my prefect size for a dress watch and it’s a very comfortable one to wear.

 

About the date window, basically I agree with you, and maybe to remove the date would have been better…

But, I must say – it grows on you, and after a while you don’t even think about it.

There are so much other details to look at!

 

Please keep us updated what you think after seeing it in the metal again.

 

Best

 

Blomman

I just need to find some " Free Time " these next days, which doesn't seem to be very easy, as I have a lot of work at this moment.

I was also told that the Duometre à Quantieme Lunaire landed, too...

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-05-11 13:48:00

Sadly, I know exactly what you mean about work…

 

Best

 

Blomman

Blomman, wonderful review again! it has finally appeared here, really appreciate your objective thoughts as well as those details and features that you pointed out in the review. now have better understanding and idea of this piece!

indeed, this is a very nice watch, i am glad to see this new Memovox joining to your collection with his seniors in the box, they must be happy right now... it would be matter of time to see family photos of them, right

for me, i like new shape and new detail of the crowns, color of the dial, and also the solid and superb caseback.

one relatively weak point of this watch i find is the date window located too close to the center alarm disc, although it is minor point, if it can be moved off a bit away from the center, which would be perfect to me one more minor point as well, there is no "Memovox" word printed on the dial of this modern version?

by the way, regarding the world city on the center alarm disc, i just went to check with the JLC THREE Yearbook 2010. there is a pic of a vintage Memovox Worldtime. in the vintage Memovox, the alarm triangle mark was located with the New-York and Bangkok. but in the modern one, it is located with Samoa and Paris in which is the other direction in the old alarm disc. In addition to this change, some old city names are taken out and replaced with new city names. it would be interesting to understand how MJLC made the selection of city names?!

anyway, congrats on this new family member to your Memovox collection.

cheers,

stefan

I have been smiling four days straight, my cheeks hurts!

It’s strange, but this one made me more exited then the NSA.

Normally I am more of a sports watch guy…

 

Glad you liked it – maybe something to add to your Memo-collection?

 

About the markings on the dial; I don’t mind that it doesn’t say “Memovox” on the dial.

The dial is busy as it is. It doesn’t say “Automatic” either.

 

The mark on Paris instead of New York; well this on is a JLC – starts with timezone CET.

The one in the no 3 year book is a LC, US market – starts with timezone EST.

 

How they select cities? Well that is a good question!

Especially since they have Mexico in there as well

As far as I know Mexico is a country and the city is Mexico City… Or maybe I am misinformed.

 

Best, and thanks again!

 

Blomman

It is a very nice piece with a nice size. Glad that you are enjoying it.

Perhaps the position of the alarm indicator has something to do with the fact that 'Paris' & 'Samoa' are the shortest words thereby allowing more space for the triangle indicator?

Goh

Yes, it's a really nice one!

Best

Blomman

Hi Blomman,

Drawn to the dark side again huh? Guess it didn't take long for you to make the decision for this Memovox. Fits right in your outstanding collection my friend. Fine looking watch and I am sure it will get a lot of wristtime! Agree with you on the hands; I prefer the old styled hands too. Not that I don't like these, just like the old ones better cause of the classical and quite simple look.

Best,

Starman

Thank you, my friend!

Yes, she falls right into my black memo theme

 

Didn’t see the normal memo IRL yet, maybe I have to add something to the silver side as well…?!

 

Best

 

Blomman

for great report....

I also agree that the dial would be better without the date......

How is the new clasp?
The old one, I find it to be one of the weakest points in JLC.....
Has JLC corrected it?



cheers

Great review as always.

I have been looking closely for one but start to have a few concerns after reading your review.

Really like the size, crown and hands. However, your mention on date window really concerns me as well as alarm pointer. Is it too difficult to set alarm pointer independent rather than marking on Paris City zone ? As Amvox1 have 3 crowns to adjust time, rotating disc and alarm respectively, why not use 3rd crown to control World TIme disc ?

Saying all this, I am eagerly awaiting for mine and hopefully Desktop stand will be launched soon as well.

I think you will be very happy with yours!

 

Note; The alarm and WT are the same disk!

The alarm mark is permanent on Paris/Samoa.

 

Best

 

Blomman

I haven’t really had a chance to compare them both yet.

Basically I prefer single folding clasp before double.

 

I will have to get back to you on that…

 

Best

 

Blomman

Certainly your passion for JLC and the Memovox is exciting.

I think I know what will be on your wrist for the next few fridays or more.

Regards,

Richard.

I think no one will be surprised to see this one on my wrist this Friday!

 

Thank you for your kind words!

 

Best

 

Blomman