Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Reference E 851

By Charlie Dunne

The JLC Memovox reference E 851 is a fairly rare reference known for its twisted lugs and being one of the early waterproof Memovoxes (the use of “E” before references numbers as a designation for “etanche”). The model would be introduced sometime around or shortly after 1954 and would initially use the calibre 489. Subsequent models, like this example, would incorporate the calibre P814 (P denoting the shock-resistant technology Parechoc within the calibre 814). The 1.09M movement number should date the watch to roughly 1955.

Calibre

The Alarm

The Dial

This dial has developed a good deal of patina resulting in a warm tone that is fitting for the rose gold hour markers. It is possible the interior rotating dial is a replacement. In my experience searching through advertisements, the use of “Wrist Alarm” was primarily in the United States, presumably because it resonated with the consumers more than “Memovox”. However, to the counterpoint several U.S. market models such as the reference 2404 or reference E859 will feature the “Memovox” text. It is also possible the interior rotating dial is original to the watch. Some collectors have varying opinions on whether these were designated for U.S. market models specifically, both markets or used during servicing as a surplus dial parts.

Within the marketing materials, the reference E 851 does not appear to feature either “Memovox” or “Wrist Alarm” but rather just the alarm triangle. The patina is a similar tone, and the blue accent seem to be coherent. When looking at the hands and applied markers, there are an abundance of scratches which would be worth taking note of in scenarios such as assessing a higher valued timepiece’s condition. My theory is that this dial at some point spent a good amount of time in a watchmaker’s tray awaiting a service. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the watch while on my wrist and find it to be a charming look for the time being.

The dial layout features applied Arabic numerals for the even numerals and daggers for the odd markers in pink. Other versions can feature with the same applied numeral layout, but with the inclusion of luminous plots on the interior of the stationary dial. This particular model’s layout and numerals were a popular style not exclusive to the Memovox models. As seen in the reference 2983, the numerals are designated at 3, 6, 9 and 12, or in the instance of the Futurematics for the French market, an applied triangle is placed beside the subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock.

The twisted lugs on these models really highlight how well JLC understood proportion. When looking at an unpolished-vintage example, one should expect to find clear lines between the profile and diagonal surfaces, as well as a horizontally brushed finish.