Few complications are as closely associated with Jaeger-LeCoultre as the mechanical alarm. Introduced in 1950, the Memovox brought a practical new dimension to the wristwatch, allowing its wearer to set an audible reminder for appointments, meetings or other important moments throughout the day. Its name, derived from the Latin words for memory and voice, reflected the distinctly functional nature of the complication. The collection developed rapidly during the 1950s, with Jaeger-LeCoultre introducing its first automatic Memovox in 1956. These early automatic models employed an ingenious bumper-winding mechanism, in which an oscillating weight travelled through a limited arc before rebounding against spring-loaded stops. The result was a remarkable combination of automatic timekeeping and a separately wound mechanical alarm, housed within the elegant proportions of a traditional dress watch. The Memovox would become one of the manufacture's most recognisable creations, establishing a distinctive identity that continues to influence its modern collections.

Dating to the 1960s, this Memovox is a particularly interesting interpretation of the design, featuring a world-city alarm dial within a generously proportioned case. The silvered dial is divided into two distinct sections, with applied baton hour markers surrounding a rotating central disc printed with the names of international cities, including London, New York, Tokyo and Paris. This unusual arrangement introduces a cosmopolitan character to the familiar Memovox design, while the triangular alarm indicator allows the wearer to select the desired alarm time. The case combines steel and white gold-plated elements, with elegantly sculpted lugs and two plain crowns positioned on the right-hand side. Inside is the automatic calibre 815, one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's celebrated early bumper-winding alarm movements. Combining the technical ingenuity of the Memovox with a distinctive world-city dial, this example captures the adventurous spirit of mid-century watchmaking, when manufacturers increasingly explored ways of making mechanical wristwatches more useful to an internationally mobile clientele.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel and white gold-plated case shows surface scratches and small nicks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. Please note that the watch appears to be an E855 but is fitted with an earlier not-matching 2265 caseback. Please bid accordingly. The unsigned winding and setting crowns (not original) show some scratches. The outer dial is in excellent condition, with some light surface marks. The inner alarm and world time disc shows some light marks. The luminous material on the triangular alarm indicator and hour markers appears to have been redone. The crystal exhibits crazing across much of its surface. It is fitted with a black leather strap and stainless steel pin buckle.

Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.