Introduction
Few watches are as closely associated with Jaeger-LeCoultre as the Memovox. First introduced in the early 1950s, its name translates from Latin as “voice of memory”, referring to the mechanical alarm complication that became one of the manufacture’s signatures. The reference 855 is among the archetypal automatic Memovox designs of the 1960s, combining the alarm with a date display and a generously proportioned 37mm stainless steel case that has earned these larger examples the informal “Jumbo” designation among collectors.
Dating to circa 1967, the present example features a beautifully balanced two-tone silvered dial with an independently rotating central alarm disc and triangular indicator, alongside applied baton indexes and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Its characteristic twin crowns separately control the alarm and timekeeping functions, while inside is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s calibre K825, a 17-jewel automatic bumper movement with a dedicated alarm barrel and one of the manufacture’s most recognisable mid-century calibres.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Jaeger LeCoultre
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Memovox
Movement
Automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. K825
Reference
855
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1967
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
The Memovox's distinctive two-part silvered dial places the independently rotating alarm disc at its centre, distinguished by its circular satin finish and luminous triangular indicator. Applied baton indexes with black inserts are complemented by matching straight hands and luminous accents, while the contrasting finishes of the central disc, chapter ring and outer track give the seemingly restrained dial surprising depth. A framed date aperture at 3 o'clock completes this particularly functional layout.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring an unusually substantial 37mm for a 1960s dress watch, the ref. 855 has become known to collectors as one of the "Jumbo" Memovox references. Its stainless steel case features a polished chamfered bezel, satin-finished sides and the model's characteristic twin-crown arrangement. The upper crown winds the dedicated alarm barrel and rotates the central alarm-setting disc, while the lower crown controls winding and conventional time-setting.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case remains well defined, with surface scratches and small nicks consistent with a watch of this vintage. The case back shows light surface scratches and retains well-defined engravings. The outer dial shows some light surface marks and has missing luminous material in places, while the inner rotating dial is very clean. The hands show some light surface marks. It is fitted with a black leather strap and a steel pin buckle.
Our Perspective
The Memovox is one of those rare complications whose charm lies as much in its usefulness as its mechanical ingenuity. Reference 855 combines that wonderfully analogue alarm mechanism with excellent 37mm proportions, a characterful bumper automatic movement and the unmistakable twin-crown profile. This circa 1967 example captures the classic mid-century Memovox aesthetic particularly well, making it an appealing entry into vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre and an engaging reminder of an era when mechanical watches were expected to do considerably more than simply tell the time.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
