LeCoultre Memovox 1955 – Elegance
| Size | 35.1mm x 39.7 mm (10.2mm thick) |
| Movement | JLC Calibre K814 |
| Condition | Worn, some wear marks on the 10K gold filled case, overall stills looks incredible and runs well. |
| Lug Width | 18mm |
| Owned | Yes |
This model was made between 1953-1964 using the Calibre 814 movement. They tweaked it slightly through the years making the Parachoc P814 and Kif K814 over the time but nothing too different other than some shock resistance. This particular one without any text on the inner dial was only made in 1955 to my knowledge. There are two varieties with teardrop and scarab lugs around as well, this one is the traditional lug version.
The lack of Jaeger on the dial means this was a model produced in the USA, the JLC movement was shipped over from Switzerland and cased in the States to avoid tariff’s.
A Symphony of Time and Sound
In the pantheon of vintage watches, few resonate with the harmonious blend of innovation and classic design quite like the Memovox. Launched in a post-war era brimming with optimism and technological advancements, the Memovox stood out as a watch that was both a timekeeper and a voice on your wrist.
Origins and Innovation
The 1950s were a golden age for mechanical watchmaking, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, already renowned for its craftsmanship, sought to push the boundaries of what a watch could offer. The result was the Memovox (from the Latin “memo” meaning “remember” and “vox” meaning “voice”), which introduced a strikingly practical complication: an alarm function. This feature was designed to remind the wearer of an appointment or to wake them up—an audacious novelty in an era when smartphones were the stuff of science fiction.
Design and Mechanics
The LeCoultre Memovox featured a robust double-caseback design to enhance the sound transmission of the alarm. This practical feature was complemented by a sleek, elegant aesthetic, featuring clean lines and a modest yet striking dial. Available in various finishes, including rich gold and practical stainless steel, the Memovox catered to a wide audience, from the busy executive to the casual wearer who appreciated a blend of form and function.
Eurpeon ones will typically have the word ‘Memvox’ on the inner dial, and USA cased ones will usually have the words ‘Wrist Alarm’. As noted above already this one is a little more rare and has neither!
The alarm mechanism itself was a marvel of engineering. The Memovox’s alarm function utilized a hammer striking a pin welded onto the caseback, producing a clear, resonant sound. The setting of the alarm was ingeniously integrated into the second crown of the watch.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the LeCoultre Memovox 1955 is not just a timepiece; it’s a collector’s item that represents a significant chapter in the history of watchmaking. Its mechanical alarm function paved the way for the later automatic versions and even influenced digital reminders in modern smartwatches.
The LeCoultre Memovox 1955 remains a testament to the creativity and skill of mid-20th-century watchmaking. It stands as a reminder of the time when watches were the ultimate personal assistants, helping wearers navigate their day with mechanical precision and elegance.
The magical alarm chime:
These came in many dial and case lug variations. Here are a couple of photos of a rare Tuxedo dial with spider lugs! Not mine unfortunately, maybe one day:
Check out my other pieces:
Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage Dress Watch from the 1950’s
LeCoultre Futurematic from the 1950’s