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The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox is one of the great complication watches of the 20th century. Long before mechanical alarms became a niche collector interest, Jaeger-LeCoultre was producing genuinely practical wristwatches with an alarm function that could be used every day.
This 1963 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Ref. E855 is a superb example of the model and one of the most desirable early automatic Memovox references. It is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 825, an important automatic alarm movement and the first automatic alarm wristwatch calibre to incorporate a calendar complication.
That makes this watch far more than a beautiful vintage dress piece. It is a historically important mechanical watch from one of the finest movement makers in Switzerland.
The 37mm stainless steel case is a major part of the appeal. For a vintage watch from the early 1960s, it has excellent presence on the wrist and this example is in superb overall condition. The case, dial and hands all present very well, giving the watch the honest quality and visual strength collectors look for.
The silver dial is clean, elegant and beautifully balanced, with the central alarm disc giving the watch its distinctive Memovox character. The twin crowns, one for the time and one for setting the alarm, make the watch immediately recognisable.
Fitted to a taupe handmade leather strap, this is a refined, important and highly wearable vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre with proper mechanical depth.
Key Features
Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Ref. E855
Year 1963
Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 825 automatic alarm movement
First automatic alarm calibre with calendar complication
37mm stainless steel case
Superb overall condition
Silver dial
Central alarm disc
Date function
Twin crown layout
Acrylic crystal
Taupe handmade leather strap
Sold as watch only
A Word on Condition
This Memovox is in superb condition for its age, with the case, dial and hands all presenting very well. The 37mm steel case has strong wrist presence and shows the kind of honest, careful ageing that suits a vintage watch of this period.
The silver dial remains clean, attractive and well balanced. The central alarm disc is a key part of the design and gives the watch the distinctive appearance that makes the Memovox so collectable. The hands and hour markers also present well, giving the watch a coherent and high quality vintage look.
The twin crowns are a key part of the Memovox design and give the watch its practical charm. The acrylic crystal suits the watch perfectly, adding the warmth and softness collectors associate with early 1960s pieces.
Overall, this is a very strong example of the Ref. E855, with case condition, dial quality, handset condition, movement importance and wrist presence all working in its favour.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality and overall integrity than whether a box or papers happen to be present.
Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we do not believe in inflating prices with non-original extras. If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description.
All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox is one of the most interesting vintage complications you can buy. It is practical, historically important and deeply connected to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reputation as one of the great movement manufacturers.
The Ref. E855 is especially appealing because of its size, design and movement. At 37mm, it wears beautifully by modern standards, while the calibre 825 gives the watch real horological significance.
This example stands out because of its superb overall condition. The dial, hands and case all present very well, which is exactly what matters on a vintage watch of this age.
For someone looking for a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre with proper history, mechanical interest and real wrist presence, this Memovox Ref. E855 is a very compelling example.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced where required to meet our exacting standards. All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging, full purchase documentation and a 12 month warranty as standard.