A Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Catalog

A Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Catalog Circa 1958

By Charlie Dunne

The opportunity to find this catalog was very exciting as I previously won it in a small auction. Unfortunately, the owner had provided an apology stating that in the process of moving things around it had been lost and possibly remained in his storage. Although a bit saddened by the news, I could sense the sincerity in his message and kept the faith. A little over a year and a half later, I would notice the catalog surface again. Recognizing it as the one that got away, I paid close attention to the listing hoping I wouldn’t spend an absorbent amount on an old piece of paper. Lo and behold, this time around it was in accordance to His plan that I would have it shipped my way!

Note: If you like to use the catalog for personal or commercial research, please feel free to email Charlie@StrictlyVintageWatches.com or send a message through the contact page and I will do my best to respond with high-resolution PDFs or JPEGs.

In circa 1956-1957, Jaeger-LeCoultre released the first automatic alarm wristwatch powered by the calibre 815 utilizing a bumper movement. In 1959, the calibre 825 was introduced which was the first automatic alarm watch with a date function. I presume because of the absence of an automatic-calendar Memovox, this catalog was published circa 1958.

“Memovox, the elegant precision alarm watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre, ranks worthy among them outstanding creations from the famous manufacture of the Valle de Joux. An apt saying describes the Memovox as the second memory, and as such provides owners with a valuable service. Discreetly at your side, it rings the day, strong and determined, and, in the morning on the bedside table the function of the alarm watch is fulfilled. The Memovox is a creation of our time - for our time.”

In a very special surprise, I would open the folded catalog to find an abundance of Memovoxes that I either owned or loved dearly. One in particular was the Memovox "Mignonnette" reference 3157 (or as they referred to it in the U.S. the “Travalarm”). I nearly jumped up while seated on my couch with excitement and quickly snapped a photograph of it to share with my friend who had given me the JLC a year back.

“The Memovox is an invaluable helper in everyday life.”

*Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre catalog showing the Memovox reference 3157 and Memovox reference 3158/1 and reference 3158/2.*

“She awakens you. . . reminds you when your parking time is expiring. . • reminds you when it's time for your medication. . . when you need to get ready for departure or a meeting. . . it makes it easier for you to carry out scientific experiments and research work. You can work undisturbed with the Memovox. . . it tells you every time you have to do something.”

The new Memovox Mignonnellet is a creation of high-practical value. A clock and alarm at the same time, it is as suitable for a man’s vest pocket as for a lady’s handbag. It is an ideal gift for every occasion and highly useful when traveling.

Interestingly, the use of the word “new” stood out to me and I would refer back to my previous article to cross reference the dates of advertisements. During the initial search for primary source material. After a quick review would, it turns out that I was able to locate material published prior to this catalog within the Der Bund newspaper issued on November 7th, 1956Volume 107, Number 522. It appears that by all documents at this point the ref. 3157 was introduced circa 1956.

Türler advertisement featuring the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox "Mignonnette" reference 3157 or “Travalarm”. Image credit: Der Bund, Volume 107, Number 522, 7 November 1956 — *Türler advertisement featuring the Memovox* *"Mignonnette" Reference 3157 aka the “Travalarm. Image credit: Der Bund, Volume 107, Number 522, 7 November 1956.*

“After locating the initial Türler advertisement, it was quite clear that the marketing of the reference 3157 likely began as early as 1956 and in the United States in the following year. It turns out that these timepieces may have been quite popular for the retailer to promote, as it would reappear in the publication Die Tat during the 1959 Christmas season.”

Memoxox reference 3158/1 and reference 3158/2

“Two Memoxox models [reference 3158/1 and reference 3158/2], which ladies appreciate as a suitable addition to their handbags, as well as gentlemen as original pocket or desk watches.”

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre catalog showing the Memovox reference E 850 and reference E 852 — *Memovox reference reference E 852 and E 850.*

The catalog highlights the reference E 850, as well as the reference E 852. Both “waterproof” Memovox models are cited as being available in steel or gold. Interestingly, on the E 850 the “Jaeger-LeCoultre” signature is featured within the central rotating disc instead of at 12 o’clock.

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 850 — *Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox E 850*

*JLC Memovox catalog featuring reference 3155, reference 3156, and reference 3151.*

Among the non-waterproof Memovox models are the reference 3155 described as having “80 micron yellow gold plating, [and an] embossed dial”, as well the reference 3156 featuring a “yellow or red gold-plated case and embossed dial”. Additionally, the classic non-luminous reference 3151 is cited as being produced in steel or gold.

A Cartier retailed Memovox with the same case as the reference 3151 — *A Cartier retailed Memovox reference 3151*

*American market LeCoultre Memovox with Wadsworth case similar to the reference 3155.*

LeCoultre Wrist Alarm + Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox catalog

*Another Cartier signed Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox reference 3151. Image credit: Wind Vintage.*

“The Memovox is an excellent example of the mastery with which the technicians at Jaeger-adapted to the demands of modern life. A movement of the highest precision offers you the security and what you expect from Jaeger LeCoultre. The ingenious alarm watch [which was] brilliantly proven in 1950.

The alarm clock is set on the Memovox by means of a rotatable disc with an index. This allows the alarm to be set with great accuracy, and the dial remains clear and uncluttered. The crown at 2 o'clock has three functions: setting the alarm hand, winding and stopping the alarm clock. It also allows regulation the ringing time. The crown at 4 o'clock serves to adjust the hands and the winding the movement on non-automatic models.”

Memovox reference E 853 in 18K gold JLC Catalog

Memovox reference E 853 JLC Catalog — *Memovox reference E 853 and the calibre 815.*

“The first automatic alarm watch of the world. Ref. E 853. steel or gold; embossed dial or dial with applied gold numbers.The automatic elevator is from ingenious simplicity and therefore hardly susceptible to disturbances. He stores a power reserve of 55 hours so the Memovox Automatic even then accurate and reliable goes whom she for more than two days worn and not raised became.”