As mid-century approached and lifestyle paces moved faster and faster, top Swiss firms needed a way to enhance the experiences of their now frequently traveling top clients and to help him better organize and govern his most precious possession - his time. In response to this need the engineers at Jaeger-LeCoultre created an alarm wristwatch in 1951.
The watches featured a fully mechanical alarm system. To pull off this difficult task, Jaeger-LeCoultre equipped these watches with significant inner alarm gearing and even an additional stem and crown, making elements of second movement that worked seamlessly in conjunction with the normal timing portion.
This early example of an alarm was presented "For Champion Sales Management Performance - November-December 1955 - Henry Ford II." The dial has the Ford logo factory emblazoned at twelve. These were given out one time in 1955.
It is in pleasing original condition. The only replacement part is the bottom crown. The top crown is original and the dial is untouched. The case does not appear to have ever been polished - the back still retains its original factory applied satin finish, and the Ford emblem at the top of the dial is bright and distinctive.
Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled the movement and for the finishing touch it has a like new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, a new timing certificate, and a copy of the repair manual for this model detailing the movement parts and their operation.
- Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
- Year sold: 1955
- Model: "Memovox", Ref. 9386
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Alarm (Reveil), Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 10K yellow gold filled
- Case markings (outside): 10K Gold Filled Apex
- Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed in U.S.A by LeCoultre, 10K Gold Filled, 9386
- Case condition: Near mint plus
- Dimensions: 34mm diameter (excluding crowns), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver outer dial with gold dart indexes and Arabic numerals for the primary hours, Ford logo at twelve, silver inner revolving alarm disk, inner minute track, original, excellent condition with aging
- Hands: Original, gold "batons"
- Movement type: Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cal. 814, rhodium-plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
- Movement markings: LeCoultre Co. Seventeen Jewels, Swiss, Unadjusted, 814
- Jewels: 17 rubies
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, like new
- Width between lugs: 18mm
- Serviced: Yes, cleaned and oiled. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate; Copy of LeCoultre repair manual for this model detailing the movement parts and their operation
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
