Jaeger-LeCoultre has just released of a preview of two new vintage inspired Memovox timepieces. Prior to the famous Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Dive Alarm timepiece (a diving version of the Memovox alarm watch), there was the Memovox Deep Sea. The Memovox Deep Sea was the first diver’s watch ever made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. And after successfully re-introducing two Polaris models in 2008, Jaeger-LeCoultre has decided to re-introduce a new version that is inspired by the famous 1959 Memovox Deep Sea model, the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea.
The Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea has a slightly bigger case than the original, at 40.5 mm, but aside from that, it’s exterior is nearly identical to the original model — it even has the same convex plexiglass crystal (a feature collector’s will appreciate). The same design but a new movement powers the Deep Sea. The JLC Calibre 956 is the same movement used in the Tribute to Polaris from 2008 and the current Memovox Master timepieces. This movement, which is a descendant of the first Memovox calibre, features the latest technologies, including a variable inertia balance and an automatic winding rotor with ceramic ball bearings. The hand decorated Jaeger-LeCoultre in-house movement runs at 28,800 vph, has 23 jewels, a 45-hour power reserve, and 268 parts.
There are two versions, the “Jaeger-LeCoultre Classique 1959” (the American version) and the “LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959” (the European version). The American version says “LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm Automatic” on the dial, and is limited to 359 timepieces. The European version says “Jaeger-LeCoultre” on the dial, and is limited to 959 timepieces worldwide. The dials on the European version is more sporty, and has luminous hour markers, whereas the American version is more traditional and does not have luminous hour markers.
This is a very iconic piece and a major part of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s watchmaking history, and the fact that only 1,318 are being produced, will surely make this a highly sought after model. Price is $12,450.
