Jaeger-LeCoultre made some ‘noise’ at the SIHH 2010, held in Geneva last week, when the company recalled one their past icons with the unveiling of not one, but two new Memovox models.

Originally debuted in the 1950s, the Memovox was a representation of a new period in history, where the austerity of the previous decade was finally set aside and bright new concepts were pushed to the fore, symbolising commerce, travel, modernity, style and futuristic technology.

Almost 60 years after the Memovox was introduced, the new models – the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox and the Master Memovox International, or WorldTimer, are contemporary impressions of this classic timepiece yet both still radiate the styling of the era.

The Memovox watches do owe a nod of debt to their predecessor, as they  are fitted with the new and evolutionary calibre 956, a result of progressive development of the original calibre 812 over the years since it became the first automatic movement featuring an alarm function.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox is available in 18Kt pink gold or stainless steel 40mm case – the bezel a little broader around the domed crystal than the original, but still it’s heritage is unmistakable. The two crowns include one for setting the alarm arrow to the required time.

Released in a limited production of 250 pieces in 18Kt pink gold or 750 pieces in stainless steel, the Memovox International has at the centre of it’s dial a rotating disc divided into 12 sectors, each featuring two cities which are naturally separated by 12 hours, so providing the world time function.

Technical specification:

Master Memovox:-

Movement:
• mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 45-hour power reserve
• 268 parts
• 23 jewels
• 7.45 mm high

Functions:
• hours, minutes, seconds
• date, alarm

Dial:
• silvered with numerals and hour-markers

Hands:
• rhodium-plated or gold-plated

Case:
• ø 40 mm, thickness: 14 mm
• solid back with new engraved “MASTER CONTROL” logo
• water resistance: 5 atm

Strap:
• alligator leather with folding clasp

Reference numbers:
• Q1412430, 18-carat pink gold
• Q1418430, steel

Master Memovox International:-

Movement:
• mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 45-hour power reserve
• 268 parts
• 23 jewels
• 7.45 mm high

Functions:
• hours, minutes, seconds
• date, alarm

Dial:
• black with numerals, hour-markers and transferred city names

Hands:
• rhodium-plated or gold-plated

Case:
• ø 40 mm, thickness: 14 mm
• solid back with new engraved “MASTER CONTROL” logo
• water resistance: 5 atm

Strap:
• alligator leather with folding clasp

Reference numbers:
• Q1412471, 18-carat pink gold
• Q1418471, steel

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