Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Year: circa 1967
Reference No: E 11005
Movement No: 2.133.514
Case No: 992.429
Material: Stainless steal
Calibre: Manual cal. 911 with date
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

The Jaeger-LeCoultre alarm design which was introduced in the 1950s, competing with the Vulcain Cricket, was one of the iconic models in Swiss watchmaking history. The example you see here was released around 1967 and features the manually-wound caliber 911 movement with date. One innovation from Jaeger-LeCoultre was the separation of the power reserve for the timekeeping and alarm functions. In hand-wound Memovox models, the alarm spring is wound using the upper (2:00) crown, which also sets the 12-hour alarm disc and activates the alarm.

The Memovox we have here is housed in a classy 35.5mm screwed back steel case. The two-tone sliver dial against the black faceted markers and hands provide a nice contrast for higher visibility. This timepieces reflects a certain level of mature, understated beauty with an ambitious direction for design and engineering; perhaps the design best outlines the mindset of the world in the 1950s and 1960s.