Jaeger-LeCoultre has long been known for producing luxury wristwatches receiving high marks for quality and appeal to watch enthusiasts. Those who enjoy the finer things in life are partial to the brand known for mastering the development of innovative chiming mechanisms and a variety of other innovations since the late 1940s. Its latest offering is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox. To acquaint you with this most recent addition to the lineup, here are 10 things that you didn’t know about the Master Control Memovox.
1. This is a new iteration of a vintage timepiece
The Memovox has been around for 70 years. It was in the late 1940s that Jaeger-LeCoultre made the discovery of how to create an alarm watch from chiming mechanisms. The Memovox was first announced in 1950. Through the decades there have been several variants of the original produced. The Master Control Memovox is the newest member of the line and it is brand new with the exception of the alarm.
2. The details of the dial are stunning
The dial is uniquely designed with a background that features concentric rings finished with sunray brushing. The indexes are applied with other details engraved. Jaeger-LeCoultre made sure to include the signature triangular marker of the Memovox to indicate the time that the alarm is set to go off placed neatly on the dial.
3. The back of the watch is interesting as well
The front of the dial is clean and legible, but this wristwatch is just as interesting when you turn it over. The case back features a sapphire crystal glass to protect the movement beneath, but its dual purpose also provides onlookers with a view of the stunning pink gold rotor. You can watch the alarm mechanism as it does its job through the glass. The rotor matches the movement plates with a decoration of Cotes de Geneve.
4. A new strap is available
The Master Control Memovox is new except for the alarm and the strap. The brand saw fit to include a contemporary styled strap that maintains an air of vintage appeal. The band is made of Novonappa calf leather. It has been completed with a soft matte finish. The texture of the strap was accomplished through a vegetable-based tanning process to maintain softness while preserving the variations in the hides that occur naturally. Through time each strap will develop its own unique patina.
5. The case is stainless steel
The Master Control Memovox features a case that is made of stainless steel. It measures 40 mm in width and 12.39 mm in depth. The bezel has a mirror-polished finish as do the tops of the lugs. The sides have a brushed finish. The case back is solid on the outer portion of the screwed down style with engraving that provides the name of the model, brand, reference number, and other relevant information with a sapphire crystal exhibition glass in the center.
6. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters
Jaeger-LeCoultre has accomplished quite a feat by making an exhibition case back wristwatch that has a moderate level of water-resistance. It is rated for water-resistance up to 50 meters. This means that the watch can be worn in the shower, or when swimming in shallow depths. However, it should not be worn while snorkeling or diving as it is not rated to withstand the pressure of the water at deeper levels.
7. The movement is an update of an in-house caliber
The Master Control Memovox is powered with an in-house movement called the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 956. It is updated in a manner that amplifies the alarm system. The new version is also fitted with a pink gold rotor which is proudly displayed through the crystal sapphire exhibition case back. The watch has a power reserve of 45 hours.
8. No change has been made to the sound of the alarm
It was important for Jaeger-Le-Coultre to ensure that the signature sound and tone of the alarm remain unchanged. The gong that sounds the alarm is no longer attached to the back of the case but rather is soldered to the interior of the case. Although the manner of attachment of the gong was altered, this has no bearing on the sound. For those who love the signature sound of the brand’s chime, the alarm has maintained its original sound which is referred to as the “school bell” sound.
9. This is a non-limited edition wristwatch
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox with its specially updated aesthetics and movement is not a limited edition production. Although the brand has not announced how many will be produced, we assume that the model will be in good supply for distribution throughout the world The price at launch is set at $11,600 per piece.
10. It’s also available in a limited edition
There is a variant of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox that is a countdown timer version titled the Master Control Memovox Timer. Unlike its sibling, this watch features a countdown timer for those who are fond of using their timepieces for a stopwatch. This version features a case made of stainless steel measuring 40mm in width and 12.39 mm in depth with crystal sapphire glass in front and in the back. Both feature an updated caliber 956 movement. The countdown timer can be set for any time with hours and minutes to help you avoid being late to catch a flight or for preparing for other important appointments or engagements. There is a strict limit on the number of this variant set at 250 for distribution throughout the world. They’re offered on a first come first served basis with a price of $15,700.
This is a very special limited edition that has a great potential for becoming a collectible item due to the low number of pieces that have been ordered for production. The precise release date has not yet been disclosed by the brand but you can follow up with the official website for more news.
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