Minute repeaters are becoming increasingly common in new versions. They are the belle of the horological ball that every haute horlogerie house wants to have a go at. Yet Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Memovox sits quietly in the background, one of the most influential chiming watches ever made, showing that alarms are still very useful, especially in its latest, the Master Control Memovox.
The most recent Memovox is the Polaris model, but the name dates back more than 70 years and has been as much a cornerstone of JLC watchmaking as any Reverso. Now, with the advent of the new Master Control case shape, it’s time we see the new Memovox, too.
There are two new models here, one a permanent addition to the new range and one a limited edition that’s fitting to welcome the Memovox into the fold.
The permanent model, the Master Control Memovox, is a perfect fit for its stable of four complications. That means a 40mm stainless steel case and a restrained – not to mention very lovely – tone-on-tone dial with a blue central seconds hand.
The alarm function itself is as subtle as ever; simply use the crown at 2 o’clock to set the central disc to the time you need to be reminded and wait. When the appointed time comes, the Caliber 956 will no doubt make you wonder if you might be late. It’s simple, easy to use, and unlikely to be the most bell-ringing, useful.
The Master Control Memovox Timer Limited Edition is a little more interesting. For one thing, the all-silver dial is replaced by a two-tone blue with a silver center. But that’s not all, because this new watch includes a brand-new chronograph complication.
You can set the Memovox to go off at a specific time as normal; however, using the little red logo hand against the embossed number in the center, you can also set it to go off after a specific number of hours have passed. On one hand, you can ping yourself that another Zoom meeting is about to start; on the other, that slow-roasted pork joint is six hours away.
It’s also powered by Caliber 956, but apparently with just a little extra or two. Old news. What’s new is the open case back, which lets you see the chime at work, and is adorned with a rose gold rotor. 45-hour power reserve, it’s a beauty.
Unfortunately, while the Master Control Memovox is an unlimited member of the collection, the Timer is limited to just 250 pieces. At £13,900, it’s also an astonishing price for haute horlogerie. If you need an alarm to remind you to pick one up, you may have missed out.
Price and specifications:
Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model name: Master Control Memovox
Ref: Q4118420 (Memovox); Q410848J ( Memovox Chronograph)
Case/dial: 40mm diameter x 12.39mm height, stainless steel
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, automatic, 23 jewels
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, alarm function (Memovox) and chronograph indication
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Strap: Blue alligator leather
Price: £13,900 (Memovox Chronograph) and £10,300 (Master Control Memovox), Memovox Chronograph limited to 250 pieces, available exclusively in boutiques
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