Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 146.240.952 DB Movement No: 3’147’140 Case No: 938 Model Name: Grande Memovox “Master Control” Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 606, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Jaeger-LeCoultre guarantee dated 26th May 2005 stamped Stahel Oscar AG, instruction manual, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced first in 1951, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox was the firms first ever wristwatch to feature an alarm function powered by a manual movement. With a distinctive design and appeal, the Memovox featured a round case with double crowns, one for setting the time and one for setting the alarm. Garnering a successful reception over the years, the Memovox has become a signature model of the firm with various iterations released since.
Released in 2005, the Grande Memovox Master Control featured their iconic alarm function and further equipped with a perpetual calendar complication with moon phases, year and decade indication. Still retaining its design with a double crown, the alarm is indicated via an additional hand with a red triangular tip running along the outer track.
The present example in 18k pink gold from circa 2005 belongs to an early example of the model. Offered with its original guarantee and presentation box, the watch has been kept in excellent overall condition over the years with minimal wear. A perfect timepiece to acquire to be on time.
Not all companies in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger LeCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker." Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named LeCoutre, the firm provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished mechanical movements with which they completed their watches.
In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.
Ref. 146.240.952 DB A fine and attractive pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with alarm, moon phases, year and decade indication, guarantee and presentation box
Circa 2005 42mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed