JAEGER LECOULTRÈ MEMOVOX WITH ALARM, VINTAGE 60s

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Calibre A871: Icon of Watchmaking with Acoustic Soul

Origins and Historical Context
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox with calibre A871 emerged in the mid-1960s, during the golden age of mechanical wristwatches with bold complications. This model belonged to the legendary Memovox series (a contraction of “memory” and “voice” in Latin), started in 1950 to revolutionize practical watchmaking through integrated mechanical alarms. Its design responded to the demand of professionals and frequent travelers who needed tactile and acoustic reminders in an increasingly dynamic world. The version with calibre A871 (also referred to as 916 in some archives) encapsulated the technical mastery of La Grande Maison, combining elegance with innovative functionality 1.

Design and Distinctive Architecture
The Memovox A871 was characterized by its balanced and utilitarian aesthetic:

• Stainless steel case of 37-38 mm with rounded lines and dual crown: one at 2 o’clock to set the alarm and another at 4 o’clock for time and date. This design allowed to operate both functions without interference.

• Various dials: From silver and black tones to “two-tone” gradients (combining champagne and gold), with applied baton indices or Arabic numerals. The most appreciated models included a rotating central disc for the alarm, marked with a golden arrow 5 10.

• Domed acrylic crystal and solid case back, engraved with the Jaeger-LeCoultre emblem and ensuring water resistance for everyday use.

Technical Innovation: The Calibre A871
The heart of the watch was the automatic movement calibre A871 (base 916), an engineering marvel with 17 jewels and a frequency of 18,800 vibrations/hour. Its key advances included:

• Mechanical alarm system: A hammer striking a peripheral welded gong attached to the case, producing an audible buzz and a noticeable vibration on the wrist. The alarm offered up to 20 seconds of sound with a full charge 1.

• Dual autonomy: Two independent barrels: one for timekeeping (40 hours power reserve) and another for the alarm (10-12 hours of charge).

• Date indication at 3 o’clock, with quick change through the lower crown.

This mechanism demonstrated exceptional reliability, also being used in diving models like the Memovox Deep Sea 1.

Legacy and Cultural Relevance
The Memovox A871 was established as a symbol of accessible innovation:

• Professional use: Lawyers, doctors, and journalists adopted it for its utility in courtrooms, operating rooms, and press conferences.

• Vintage cult: Today, specimens with intact dials and original components are treasures for collectors. The creamy patina of tritium on markers and hands adds historical value 511.

• Inspiration for reissues: The Memovox Tribute to Polaris (2008) paid tribute to its aesthetics, replicating details like the alarm disc and dual crowns 1.

Production and Variants
Manufactured between 1965 and 1970, the A871 was offered in steel, 14K gold, and gold-plated steel. The E855 (round case) and E871 (tonneau case) references were the most popular, with estimated productions in the thousands. Versions with gold bezel and “sector dial” dials (divided into concentric sectors) stood out as rarities today 1011.

Conclusion
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Calibre A871 embodied the Swiss pragmatic horological philosophy: useful complications, impeccable execution, and timeless design. More than a watch, it was an intelligent companion for a generation that valued mechanical precision and discreet elegance. Its legacy endures as a testimony of an era where innovation was not synonymous with showiness, but with refined utility.

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