Jaeger-LeCoultre this year reinterprets the chiming complications that have been a defining part of its history: the minute repeater and the Memovox alarm. As part of the Watches & Wonders, the Maison revealed two new Memovox models in the Master Control collection.
A new transparent sapphire case-back
This year, to launch the new-generation Master Control Memovox, Jaeger-leCoultre took inspiration from the first Memovox watches of the 1950s. It gave it a contemporary style, while retaining the spirit of utility that defined the originals. The new Master Control Memovox Timer incorporates an entirely new alarm-setting mechanism, while the Master Control Memovox, brings clean-lined contemporary style to the classic alarm-plus-date model.
For this new generation of alarm watches, the Manufacture’s engineers have revised the self-winding calibre 956. Previously, Memovox watches had a closed case-back, to which the gong was attached; now the new Master Control case has a transparent sapphire back, allowing the wearer to see the hammer in action. This demanded a complete redesign of the striking mechanism, with the gong now attached to the case side. A new, open-worked pink gold rotor, decorated with Côtes de Genève to match the fine finishing on the movement plates, ensures an unobstructed view of the strike-works. One important element remains unchanged, however: the signature “school bell” sound of the alarm.
Master Control Memovox
Reinterpreting the uncluttered dial of the original 1950 Memovox in a streamlined modern style, the new Master Control Memovox presents the combination of alarm and date display with a silvery sunray-brushed dial. The applied indexes add refinement, their elongated triangular shape is echoed by the Dauphine hands, and a blue seconds hand adds a subtle pop of colour to animate the silvery-white palette.
Master Control Memovox Timer
Over the decades, Jaeger-LeCoultre has added various useful functions to its Memovox models, including a world time-zone indicator and a parking- meter reminder. For this model a new useful function has been added: the Timer. It enables the owner to set the alarm based on the number of hours that should elapse before the alarm rings. Alternatively, the owner may set the alarm in the traditional way, based on a particular time. The indicators are linked, so that whichever alarm-setting method is chosen, the second indicator will automatically move to the corresponding position.
The dial is laid out in concentric rings, in two shades of blue with a sunray finish. On this inner ring, the elapsed hours-until-alarm are indicated by a small hand tipped with a red JL logo. Set at the outer edge of that ring, the Memovox’s signature triangular marker points to the time at which the alarm will ring.
The Master Control Memovox Timer will be produced in a limited edition of 250 pieces.
Technical specifications
Master Control Memovox
Dimensions: 40 mm x 12.39mm
Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956
Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm (Memovox function)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Case: stainless steel with satin and polished finishes
Dial: silver sunray dial
Case-back: open
Water resistance: 5 bar
Master Control Memovox Timer
Dimensions: 40 mm x 12.39mm
Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956
Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm (Memovox function), timer indication (hand with the JL logo)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Case: stainless steel with satin and polished finishes
Dial: two-tone blue sunray dial, engraved numerals on the Memovox disc
Case-back: open
Water resistance: 5 bar
Limited edition: 250 pieces
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