Jaeger-LeCoultre, a Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer founded by Antoine LeCoultre in 1833 when he set up his eponymous workshop in Le Sentier, Switzerland.
Since the beginning, LeCoultre has continuously renewed its creativity and inventiveness. Starting with the invention of industry-leading precision tools that enabled LeCoultre to develop miniature watch components. During 180 years, JLC has hundreds of inventions and patents, created more than 1200 calibers, its many contributions to watchmaking over the years include the smallest caliber ever made, the most complicated wristwatch and a near-perpetual movement, which today have earned it unique renown in the watchmaking industry. Over time, JLC has provided movements for many major brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin. Its most famous creation, the Reverso, is widely considered one of the great watches of the twentieth century.
One of the greatest inventions, in 1847 when Antonie LeCoultre makes a revolutionary system: the crown winding system. It put away the need for a key to wind the watch and set it to time. A single lever crown serves these two purposes. This invention is still until today for almost all mechanical watches comprise this type of system. In 1903, LeCoultre answered French watchmaker, Edmond Jaeger’s industry-wide challenge to produce his slim-line movement designs. The result was the thinnest watch movement in the world and the start of a collaboration that would culminate in the birth of Jaeger-LeCoultre 30 years later.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
The FORD Memovox
This timepiece is a wonderful example of both horological history, as well as super cool piece of Americana. Taken from “watch pro site”, “In 1955, Henry Ford II issued Memovox watches to his top salesmen (and their wives) in a special boxed set. The men's watch was a U.S.-model Memovox reference modified with a Ford emblem on the dial at the 12 o'clock position. The lady's watch was a Longines model. The pair were packaged in a special custom-made his/hers tandem case with the Ford insignia and dual-signed by LeCoultre & Longines-Wittnauer (the U.S. distributor for LeCoultre watches). This presentation case is probably a much rarer find than the Memovox watch.
The men's Ford Memovox was issued under a couple of different references, case ref 9386 and ref 3015, both with flared lugs. There were also 2 different dial styles (stick hour markers or 3,6,9,12 arabic numerals) and also 2 different alarm dial styles, 2 different hand styles and 2 different sweep second colors. All of these variations are factory original and correct.”
Also, the case back were signed with the "Henry Ford" personal signature.
In this opportunity, we are presenting a STUNNING and ORIGINAL vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Ford Memovox wristwatch dated from 1955. It is an IMMACULATE luxury timepiece! It is a manual-wind alarm watch, a Memovox (mechanical wristwatches with alarm function of the JLC), powering the watch, a LeCoultre Caliber 814, 17 jewels movement, sweep second, Swiss made.
This particular watch, a reference 3015 has been well cared for as evidenced by the numerous service marks inside of the caseback. Inside the case, powering the watch, the 814 hums along happily at 18000 bph and features a 54 hour power reserve. The alarm function works flawlessly and quite loud. The alarm’s power reserve is approximately 20 seconds, and is charged by winding the top crown, and set by pulling the top crown and setting it to the desired position, then pushing in the crown.
The gentleman whom I received this watch from had it serviced approximately two years ago.
After 65 years it still has a unique two-tone butler finish dial with gold Arabic Numerals, hour marks and matching hands, the dial is marked with the LeCoultre name and the FORD emblem at 12 as well. The dial has developed a mild patina with beautiful character. Certainly not a piece that needs a dial restoration.
Beautiful 34mm fancy round case and flared lugs design, all in 10K yellow gold filled. The case has some very, very minor scratching which CAN be polished out, but I choose to keep it as original as possible, aside from a thorough cleaning. The inscription on the case back is 99% legible, the only part that is difficult to see is the very top, which says “For”. The entire inscription reads “For Championship Sales Management Performance, November-December 1955, Henry Ford”. The crystal is super clean, and free of any noticeable blemishes.
The alarm works, as does the rotating inner alarm disc to set the alarm. The watch is fitted with a beautiful black, tapered, period appropriate reptile leather, two piece strap which compliments the watch beautifully. It is a very attractive looking wristwatch in LOVELY condition and running very well, keeps great time.
Whether you’re a Ford collector, Americana Collector, a fine watch collector, or all three, this piece is sure to delight and be a true shining star in your collection.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out!
Movement:
LeCoultre Co.
17 Jewels
Swiss
814
Unadjusted
1053633
Case Back Signed:
F(or)
CHAMPIONSHIP
SALES
MANAGEMENT
PERFORMANCE
November - December
1955
Henry Ford
10K Gold Filled S&W
3015
Cased and Timed in U.S.A.
By LeCoultre
10K Gold Filled S&W
320028
Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 34
Case Lug to Lug 41
Case Thickness 11.2
Lug Width 18
Band Width 17
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.
It will be carefully packed.
Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!
WA-1901
