Introduced by Jaeger-LeCoultre during the late 1940s, the Memovox has become the reference in wristwatch alarms. In 2020, celebrating this legacy, the venerated Swiss watch manufacture adds two new Memovox Models to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Collection.

This year, to launch the new-generation Master Control Memovox, Jaeger-leCoultre has taken inspiration from the first Memovox watches of the 1950s, giving it a contemporary style, while retaining the spirit of utility and charm that defined the originals.

Continuing the tradition of adding useful auxiliary functions, the new Master Control Memovox Timer incorporates an entirely new alarm-setting mechanism, while the Master Control Memovox, brings clean-lined contemporary style to the classic alarm-plus-date model.

For this new generation of alarm watches, the Manufacture’s engineers have comprehensively revised the self-winding calibre 956. Previously, Memovox watches had a closed case-back, to which the gong was attached; however, the new Master Control case has a transparent sapphire back, allowing the wearer to enjoy watching the hammer in action. This demanded a complete redesign of the striking mechanism, with the gong now attached to the case side.

A new, open-worked pink gold rotor, decorated with Côtes de Genève to match the fine finishing on the movement plates, ensures an unobstructed view of the strike-works. One important element remains unchanged, however: the signature “school bell” sound of the alarm, which lends such charm to the Memovox.

Jaeger-LeCoultre MASTER CONTROL MEMOVOX

Reinterpreting the graceful and uncluttered dial of the original 1950 Memovox in a streamlined modern style, the new Master Control Memovox presents the classical combination of alarm and date display with a silvery sunray-brushed dial.

The applied indexes add refinement, their elongated triangular shape – a signature of mid-century Memovox models – is echoed by the Dauphine hands, and a blue seconds hand adds a subtle pop of colour to animate the silvery-white palette.

Technical details

Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox

• Dimensions: 40 mm x 12.39mm
• Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956
• Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm (Memovox function)
• Power reserve: 45 hours
• Case: stainless steel with satin and polished finishes
• Dial: silver sunray dial
• Case-back: open
• Water resistance: 5 bar
• Reference: Q4118420

Jaeger-LeCoultre MASTER CONTROL MEMOVOX TIMER

Over the decades, underlining the practical value of alarm watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre has added various useful functions to its Memovox models, such as a world time-zone indicator and a parking meter reminder. In the same spirit, its engineers have now developed an entirely new useful function: the Timer.

This enables the owner to set the alarm based on the number of hours that should elapse before the alarm rings (for example, the duration of a meeting or the number of hours of sleep on a given night).

Alternatively, the owner may set the alarm in the traditional way, based on a particular time (such as the time of an appointment or a wake-up alarm to catch a flight). The indicators are linked, so that whichever alarm-setting method is chosen, the second indicator will automatically move to the corresponding position.

The dial is laid out in concentric rings, in two shades of blue with a sunray finish, complemented by an inner ring engraved in bas-relief with polished numerals. On this inner ring,  a small hand tipped with a red JL logo indicates the elapsed hours-until alarm.

Set at the outer edge of that ring, the Memovox’s signature triangular marker points to the time at which the alarm will ring. The Master Control Memovox Timer is a limited edition of 250 pieces.

Technical details

Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer

• Dimensions: 40 mm x 12.39mm
• Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956
• Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm (Memovox function), timer indication (hand with the JL logo)
• Power reserve: 45 hours
• Case: stainless steel with satin and polished finishes
• Dial: two-tone blue sunray dial, engraved numerals on the Memovox disc
• Case-back: open
• Water resistance: 5 bar
• Reference: Q410848J, Limited to 250 pieces

Both Memovox models feature the new 40-millimetre Master Control case. With its sloping bezel, dynamically curved lugs and mix of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, the design exudes a relaxed, contemporary elegance.