Inspired by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Snowdrop from the early 70s, the new JLC Master Memovox Boutique Edition is a perfect modern reinterpretation of one of the most iconic watches in the history of horology and of the brand. Fitted with a mirror polished stainless steel case measuring 40 mm in diameter and equipped with a mechanical alarm function, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox Boutique Edition is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces and exclusively sold throughout the JLC Boutique network.
Marking the occasion of the 60th birthday of the automatic Memovox, the new JLC Master Memovox Boutique Edition is without a doubt one of our top five blue dial watches out there and its legendary automatic movement, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 815, was the first automatic movement to boast an alarm function and has inspired many others since its introduction in 1956.
The Dial
Featuring a double crown and a rotating disc at the center of its dial, the selected alarm time is shown by a triangular indicator. Moving across an opaline blue surface, the triple-faceted hour-markers are coated in luminescent material and overlaid by a grey-blue “railtrack” minute circle just like on the original Memovox Snowdrop. Combining three different hues of blue and two different textures, the Master Memovox Boutique Edition features a sunray finish for the central disc and a grainy matte finish for the rest of the dial. Thanks to the different hues of blue on its dial, the Master Memovox Boutique Edition is a true chameleon depending on lighting conditions.
Featuring a date aperture at 3 o'clock, this dial is perfectly balanced and one of the best looking blue dials in the watch industry. At 12 o'clock an hour marker has been replaced with the Jaeger-LeCoultre logo and overall, this dial has kept all the original characteristics of the legendary 1970s Memovox Snowdrop.
In order to maintain its pure design and elegance untouched, the Master Memovox Boutique Edition ref. Q141848J features long slender baton hands with luminescent coating and a white railtrack minute circle which delineates the outer rim of the sunray finish blue inner disc and the opaline blue outer ring. Additionally, this time, the small triangular marker that acts as a hallmark of the alarm function is also fitted with luminescent material. While the luminosity of this dial in the dark is not the brightest when compared to something like a Rolex Submariner, it is really nice to see that such a practical and elegant watch like this one comes with lume.
The Crowns & Operation of the Alarm
The distinctive mechanical alarm function on the Master Memovox Boutique Edition is one of the most practical functions a mechanical timepiece can offer. This alarm system can be used as a reminder of a meeting time, an event or simply as your everyday wake-up call. To operate the alarm on the Memovox, there are two pull-out crowns on the watch. The bottom crown at 4 o'clock —marked with the JLC logo— is used for winding the watch and for setting the time; while the top crown at 2 o'clock —marked with a capital 'D'— is used to set the alarm and the date. Setting the alarm function is very simple and intuitive, one needs to simply pull the top crown to the first position and rotate the crown in anti-clockwise direction until the small triangle on the central disc is aligned with the desired time for the alarm or reminder. To set the date, one simply turns that same crown clockwise to the desired date.
Setting the alarm function is very simple and intuitive, one needs to simply pull the top crown to the first position and rotate the crown in anti-clockwise direction until the small triangle on the central disc is aligned with the desired time for the alarm or reminder. To set the date, one simply turns that same crown clockwise to the desired date.
The Strap
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox Boutique Edition is fitted with a very unique looking strap known as 'Tiestre'. This strap made of braided cotton almost looks like the sail-canvas strap on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The deep blue strap features light blue contrast stitching and is equipped with a double folding clasp in stainless steel.
The Movement & Case Back
Turning it over reveals a fully engraved case back protecting the automatic JLC calibre 956 that powers the new Master Memovox Boutique Edition. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956 is a fully in-house automatic movement composed of 268 parts and 23 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 45 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The case back features the 500-piece limited edition and the special '1000 Hours Control' engraving that certifies that the watch has undergone 1000 hours of stringent tests relating to its functioning, accuracy and reliability.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox Boutique Edition wears exactly true to its size on a 7.25-7.5" wrist. The wrist presence of this watch is simply epic thanks to its flawless strikingly beautiful blue dial. A perfect companion whether you decide to dress up for a special function at the Russian Tea Room or while wearing jeans and a t-shirt to a New York Yankees game. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful blue dials out there and one of our favorite ones for sure. The new JLC Master Memovox Boutique Edition is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces and exclusively sold throughout the 90 or so JLC Boutiques Worldwide.
Sticker Price $11,700 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
