Jaeger-LeCoultre launches two new Memovox models in the Master Control collection

Despite being one of the most useful and charming of all complications, the alarm remains surprisingly rare in horology. In the 70 years since Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the first Memovox, it has become the reference in wristwatch alarms, appearing in timepieces designed for both urban lifestyles and underwater sports.

This year, to launch the new-generation Master Control Memovox, Jaeger-leCoultre has taken inspiration from the first Memovox watches of the 1950s, giving it a contemporary style, while retaining the spirit of utility and charm that defined the originals. Continuing the tradition of adding useful auxiliary functions, 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 comprehensively revised the self-winding calibre 956. Previously, Memovox watches had a closed case-back, to which the gong was attached; however, the new Master Control case has a transparent sapphire back, allowing the wearer to enjoy watching the hammer in action. This demanded a complete redesign of the striking mechanism, with the gong now attached to the case side. One important element remains unchanged, however: the signature “school bell” sound of the alarm, which lends such charm to the Memovox.

MASTER CONTROL MEMOVOX

Reinterpreting the graceful and uncluttered dial of the original 1950 Memovox in a streamlined modern style, the new Master Control Memovox presents the classical combination of alarm and date display with a silvery sunray-brushed dial. The applied indexes add refinement, their elongated triangular shape – a signature of mid-century Memovox models – 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, underlining the practical value of alarm watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre has added various useful functions to its Memovox models, such as a world time-zone indicator and a parking-meter reminder. In the same spirit, its engineers have now developed an entirely new useful function: the Timer. This enables the owner to set the alarm based on the number of hours that should elapse before the alarm rings (for example, the duration of a meeting or the number of hours of sleep on a given night). Alternatively, the owner may set the alarm in the traditional way, based on a particular time (such as the time of an appointment or a wake-up alarm to catch a flight). 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, complemented by an inner ring engraved in bas-relief with polished numerals. The Master Control Memovox Timer will be produced in a limited edition of 250 pieces.