Jaeger-LeCoultre Black Gilt Dial Memovox Reference E 855

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox reference E 855 is one of my favorite watches of all time. This example dates to circa mid 1960s. The case measures 37mm in diameter and wears excellent. The case has been lightly polished but is very nice. It features the rare black gilt dial.

The watch is powered by the calibre 825, the first automatic alarm wristwatch to incorporate the calendar complication. The movement is a bumper-automatic, which means it does not rotate a full 360 degrees. Instead, the oscillating weight will bounce back and forth between two spring sides within the movement.

Along with the Atmos clocks, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s advancements in alarm timepieces throughout the 20th century are certainly one of the most iconic genres from the Le Sentier manufacturer. Perhaps the quintessential Memovox is the reference E 855 from the 1960s. The reference’s “E” stands for Etanche, which indicates the case is a water-resistant model.

The watch does not come with box or papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well and keeping good time.

To learn more about this model, read Charlie Dunne’s Collector's Guide: Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Reference E 855.

PRICE: $7,900 (Item SBUXYT2909)