Jaeger-LeCoultre’s first Memovox model came out in 1950, and ever since then has become a reference point for the design of mechanical wristwatch alarms. Since the inception of the first Memovox model, various functions and innovative features have been added to Memovox models over the last few decades. The last major update to the Memovox came in 2020 when the Manufacture’s engineers created an entirely new alarm setting mechanism; the Memovox Timer. Now, for the 2022 edition of the Memovox, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents the Memovox Timer in new case material. The steel version of the Memovox Timer was a popular model and armed with this knowledge, the brand decided to release the Master Control Memovox Timer in pink gold.
Mechanical watches with alarms are quite rare in the watch industry, even though it is one of the most useful watch complications around. When the Memovox was released back in 1950, the world was going through a high energy inventive phase. Jaeger-LeCoultre saw the opportunity of chiming mechanisms and mastered it to create the alarm watch, a highly practical timepiece that is useful still to this day.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer comes with two separate ways in which the alarm can be set and engaged. The first is the traditional way, which is based on the time, for example setting a wake-up time or appointment time. The second way is setting the alarm based on the number of hours that should elapse before the alarm rings, for example, four hours from the current point in time.
Both separate alarm functions are linked, which means that whichever alarm method is chosen by the user, the other method will automatically correct and move itself to the chosen time/position.
Design:
The Master Control Memovox Timer comes in a beautiful 40mm pink gold case that features an elegant sloping bezel, dynamically curved lugs, and a mixture of polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The pink gold of the case is carried over to the dial, with the elongated triangular shaped hour indices and Arabic numerals, and Dauphine hour and minute hands all being finished similarly. To provide a rich and exuberant contrast against these elements of the dial, the main background has a two-tone grey and black sunray brush finish.
On the centre of the dial, there are two concentric circles. The innermost concentric ring comes with an engraved bas-relief that has highly polished numerals which stand out nicely against the granular textured background. This first ring will indicate the elapsed hours-until-alarm function, which is indicated by a hand with a tipped red JL logo. The second concentric circle has the Memovox’s signature triangular marker points, which indicates the second timer function that is showing the precise time at which the alarm will ring.
Movement:
Jaeger-LeCoultre has reworked the self-winding Calibre 956 movement for all the latest generation of Memovox alarm watches. This in-house produced calibre now features an open case back. Previously Memovox models came with a closed case back, to which the gongs for the mechanical chimes were attached. Now, with the new transparent case back, Jaeger-LeCoultre has re-invented the design to have the gongs attached to the case side.
This complete redesign of the striking mechanism allows for the open case back which lets the viewer see the beautiful movement up close. Made from pink gold and decorated with Côtes de Genève, the rotor is also open-worked, allowing more of the movement underneath to be seen. Matching the rotor, the movement plates have also been finished with Côtes de Genève.
The Master Control Memovox Timer pink gold comes standard with a black alligator strap, which matches the dial beautifully and lets the pink gold elements really stand out. This pink gold version of the Memovox Master Timer is a great addition to the Memovox family, adding style and beauty to a watch with great practical use. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer pink gold is a limited edition timepiece with only 100 models being produced, and can only be acquired exclusively from Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques.
Reference: Q410257J
Specification:
- Case: 40 mm and thickness 12.39mm
- Case Material: Pink Gold
- Dial: Two-tone grey and black sunray-brushed, engraved numerals on Timer disc, applied indexes
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Movement: Automatic mechanical Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956AA
- Power reserve: 44 Hours
- Strap: Alligator leather strap
- Functions: Hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm, timer
