Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox 18k Türler

Why We Love It

Think about your morning routine. You’re jarred awake by a tinny ringtone, or maybe a soothing ambient noise emitting from an app on your phone. Another tone goes off to let you know of your upcoming meeting; still another to remind you to take your pill. Now imagine that all of those pesky ringtones and annoying alarms could be replaced by the glorious buzzing of a mechanical watch.

The mechanical alarm is by far one of the coolest and most gratifying complications available in a wristwatch, and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox is the flagship.

This particular example, an 18K gold cased model dating to the 1950s, utilizes the early manually-winding Calibre P489/1 alarm movement, giving it a slimmer profile than later executions. Sized at 35mm, this piece features an untouched and lightly patinated dial with gold faceted applied indices and a silver-toned inner dial ring with blue printed alarm indicator. 

Best of all, this lovely piece features a second signature at 6:00 from famous retailer Türler, confirming its original European market provenance.

This is quite simply a LOT of watch in a beautifully slim and refined package. Don't miss out!

The Story

The first popular mechanical alarm watch to hit the market was the Vulcain Cricket. Launched in 1947, the Cricket was the first alarm watch to be simple and robust enough to be enjoyed on the wrist, and it gained much accolade, making its way onto numerous notable individuals including several U.S. Presidents.  

In the late 1940s, Jaeger LeCoultre also began producing it's own mechanical alarm watch to contend with the popular Cricket.  Utilizing a unique twin-crown system (the top crown being winding and setting the alarm, the bottom winding and setting the time) and a different alarm mechanism (the Memovox employs a hammer that strikes against a post that is directly welded to the case back whereas the Cricket uses a resonant dual case back design) JLC set itself apart and in so doing, created one of the most iconic models of post-war watchmaking. 

These early Memovox models were equipped with a Calibre 489 manually-winding movement, robust and energetic models that kept excellent time and offered potent alarm reporting. 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.