ExclusiveThe Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox: A Chiming Ode To An Iconic Objet D’art

A wake-up reminder wrapped in nuanced luxury, this is a treasure for watch collectors and aficionados of objets d’art alike. The Master Memovox, limited to 500 pieces – of which only one is available in India, at the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique by Ethos at The Chanakya, New Delhi – is a legendary timepiece for more reasons than one.

‘Innovation is the only way to win’, and the reason why the Master Memovox is a clear winner is because this cutting-edge timepiece is a tribute to the Jaeger‑LeCoultre’s earliest automatic alarm wrist watch, which was a cult piece even back then. The aforementioned launch is a wise move on the part of the haute horlogerie brand, as it has tapped the emotional connect that its loyal enthusiasts crave – a link between the brand’s legendary past and its flourishing present. It is also a testimonial to the endurance of a great movement presented by one of the most trusted Swiss watchmakers.

An Exemplary Movement At The Heart Of The Memovox

It’ll be fair to say that Jaeger-LeCoultre has infused all their watchmaking know-how into the making of the calibres at the heart their flagship Memovox series since the 1950s. The distinctive feature that instantly made the series popular was the dial designs and functionality, ‘featuring a double crown and a mobile disc with the desired alarm time shown by a triangular indicator’. The ground-breaking automatic Jaeger‑LeCoultre Calibre 815 was first incorporated in the original in 1956 and instantly had the watch world stunned and in awe of the grande maison. Cut to 2018, the Master Memovox boutique edition is powered by the 7.45mm thick Jaeger‑LeCoultre Calibre 956, a direct descendant of the original.

‘The Voice Of Memory’ – An Alarm On The Wrist

At the centre of the Calibre 956 is the euphonious alarm. The Master Memovox is primarily a gentleman’s watch, with the alarm as a multifaceted feature which serves as a wakeup call or a gentle reminder for events and meetings. What makes the Master Memovox an admirable timepiece is its smart sensitivity to when it is strapped on the wrist, as compared to when it doubles up as an alarm clock on the side table. The decibel of the alarm clearly differs, while on the wrist, it’s mellow; when off the wrist, the watch is audible enough to garner attention of even the most engrossed minds around.

Additionally, the fact that the mechanical mellifluous chiming of the alarm is such a rare phenomenon is today’s time sends the value of owning the Memovox skyrocketing. Setting the alarm on the Memovox is quite simply done using the crown at two o’clock. When shifted to the required position, turning this crown counter-clockwise will rotate the mobile disc at the centre of the dial, along with its triangular pointer that can be aligned with your desired ring time.

Contemporary Aesthetics With A Vintage Charm

Following strong design cues from a 1970s watch – the Memovox Snowdrop – this piece is so immaculately designed that the alarm time scale does not interfere with dial’s appearance, while the greyish-blue dial has an appeal similar to that of the original. It is evident that blue is the reigning, undisputed colour in watches this year, and the emblematic blue seen on this timepiece has always remained the most preferred colour of the collection. Jaeger-LeCoultre has played with hues of blue and that is evident in the inner sunray-finish of the blue dial, demarcated from the outer dial by a white ‘rail track’ minute circle. The watch has impeccable legibility, courtesy luminescent baton hands, triple-faceted hour-markers and the alarm triangle, while the brand’s logo sits eminently at 12 o’clock.

Elegance And Power, Packed In One Solid Case

The playground for the vintage charm in new-age style of the Memovox is the 40mm brushed, stainless steel case. From a build standpoint, the case is extremely durable and though it looks massive, set on the wrist, it feels quite light. The case is flanged by two crowns; the crown at four o’clock is used for setting time and winding. Aside from setting the alarm, the top crown, when rotated clockwise adjusts the date, seen at three o’clock.

The caseback is a stamp of rich heritage that the prestige watchmaker harbours. Completely engraved, it proudly states the ‘1000 Hours Control’ sign, a reference to the 1,hourshour of rigorous tests the watch has undergone to come out as a totally faultless timepiece. Denoting the certified collection being limited to 500 pieces, the caseback also acts as a catalyst for the alarm function by amplifying the sound when off the wrist.

The ‘watch exudes an aura of exclusivity and mythical glamour’ with its unique strap in ‘Trieste’ which is a braided cotton, in deep blue hue with light blue stitching. Comfort assured by the soft calfskin leather lining which makes it flexible as well.

A Prized Possession

This exquisite watch demands the most exquisite setting and hence Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced the Master Memovox in a boutique-only edition. The brand boutiques are designed to offer a larger-than-life experience, with elements reflecting the grandeur of the brand and a watch like the Master Memovox.

There is only one Master Memovox boutique edition available in India, at the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique at The Chanakya, New Delhi – an address that offers bespoke luxury and is designed to deliver the best Jaeger-LeCoultre experience yet.