Introducing: The Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer

Jaeger LeCoultre have continued the expansion of their Master Control line with the addition of the Master Control Memovox Timer.

June 16, 2020
By: Logan Hannen

Jaeger LeCoultre have continued the expansion of their Master Control line with the addition of the Master Control Memovox Timer.

But First…

The original JLC Memovox debuted in 1950 as a very simple, classic looking watch at its core. It was one of the first alarm wristwatches in the industry, with its now iconic double-crown design. One controlled the main time while the second was reserved for the alarm. The line didn’t just offer an incredibly useful function in the alarm, but also spawned a series of additional watches that would be important in their own right, including the famous Memovox Deep Sea, which was both the brand’s first diver, and the first ever dive watch with an alarm function. The Memovox line now rests in the Master and (with this release) Master Control collections.

The Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer

Source: Jaeger LeCoultre

The Specs
Case Diameter: 40mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 50 Meters
Strap/Bracelet: Dark Blue Alligator Leather
Movement: JLC Caliber 956AA Automatic Alarm with Timer

A 40mm steel case serves as the foundation for this simple and functional new addition to the Master Control Memovox lineup. At just 12.39mm thick, it’s also an relatively slender watch.

The dial of the watch is complex; a shimmering sunburst blue, which features a lighter hour track within the deep inner portion of the dial, its contrast coming from the silver hands, indices, and numerals at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock. At 3 o’clock, the watch features a date window – another tasteful and functional touch. At the center of the dial sits the timer indicator, executed in white metal (probably steel, but possibly white gold), the hand ending in a red JLC logo. Just outside the timer sits the standard alarm design with its inner minute ring in the same light blue as the hour track.

Source: Jaeger LeCoultre

This new timer function is a wonderful addition to a line, although not the first of its kind, (JLC once had an alarm specifically to remind you to refill your parking meter (yes, you read that right). The timer function is located in the inner silver ring and allows the user to time events up to twelve hours. Doing this is much like setting the alarm, using a single hand to position the timer to begin counting down from a certain point (where the alarm is “scheduled” to go off where it’s positioned on the disk). It does this, and then at the end of that time, it will sound off. Like I said, simple, but functional.

To accomplish this, we have the Jaeger LeCoultre manufacture caliber 956AA inside. An automatic winding movement, it beats at 28,800 BPH, and features 24 jewels, with a power reserve of 45 hours.

The Damage
The Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer retails for $15,600.

The Take
The Memovox, like most watches, has become bolder, maybe sportier than it has been historically.