LeCoultre Master Memovox "Jumbo"

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox "Jumbo", Ref. E 853, circa 1959

1. DESCRIPTION & SIGNIFICANCE

An exceptionally honest expression of mid-century horology: an authentic stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox reference E 853, dating to circa 1959 to 1960. The model epitomizes the mechanically advanced wrist-alarm engineering that established Jaeger-LeCoultre as the watchmaker of watchmakers.

Inside beats the Caliber 815, widely credited as the world's first automatic wrist-alarm movement and a genuine milestone in the category. It carries a dual-barrel architecture with independent power reserves for the timekeeping and the alarm strike. The bumper winding system uses a pivoting weight that oscillates in a partial arc, rebounding between two spring-loaded bumpers, and it delivers the distinct mechanical thud on the wrist that vintage buyers chase.

At 37mm this "Jumbo" reference slips under a dress cuff while wearing with a presence that is rare for the era. The unrestored silver-champagne dial and sharp down-turned lugs are the reasons this one is worth attention over a serviced-and-refinished example.

2. CONDITION & COMPONENTS

• Overall Grade: Excellent / Unrestored vintage. Dial and movement both original and untouched.

• Originality: Original multi-textured silver-champagne dial with applied inner rotating alarm disc. Case, dial, and movement present as period-correct for the reference.

• Key Wear / Parts Notes: Please inquire for a detailed wear report. Character marks and micro-scratches consistent with a piece of this age should be expected. Review all photographs closely.

3. MOVEMENT & PERFORMANCE

• Caliber Engine: Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 815 automatic bumper alarm, 17 jewels, dual barrel with separate power reserves for time and alarm.

• Service History: Please inquire.

• Metrics: Please inquire.

• Functionality: Movement is clean and crisp. Please inquire for confirmed alarm strike duration and winding performance.

4. DIAL & HANDS

• Variant & Condition: Original unrestored multi-textured silver-champagne dial with applied inner rotating alarm disc. No redial, no refinishing.

• Lume & Aging: Completely authentic patina throughout, warmed to a cream tone that collectors prioritize over modified or redone dials. Please inquire for lume plot detail.

• UV Reaction: Please inquire.

• Hand Set: Please inquire.

5. CASE, BEZEL & CRYSTAL

• Dimensions: 37mm diameter excluding crowns | 45mm lug-to-lug | Lug width please inquire | Thickness please inquire.

• Case & Lugs: Stainless steel case with sharp, thick down-turned lugs.

• Components: Twin crowns, upper for the alarm setting and lower for time and winding. Please inquire for crown signature detail.

• Bezel & Crystal: Fixed steel bezel. Domed acrylic crystal.

• Case Back: Specialized screw-down compression caseback. Case serial 761874.

6. STRAP & ACCESSORIES

• Hardware: Please inquire.

• Fit & Wear: Please inquire.

7. COLLECTOR NOTES

• Provenance & Box/Papers: Please inquire.

• Vintage Disclaimer: This is a vintage, pre-owned timepiece with decades of history. It is an honest, used object and is not cosmetically perfect. It displays character marks, micro-scratches, and component aging consistent with its era. Please perform due diligence by carefully examining all high-resolution photographs and macro images provided to ensure this piece fully meets your personal condition standards before making a purchase decision.