SIHH Preview: Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea


Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea

In 2008 JLC presented two faithful interpretations of historical diver’s watches, the Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1965 and the Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968, both of which proved very popular. For 2011, JLC introduces a re-edition of the 1959 Memovox Deep Sea, logically named Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea.

UPDATE: Look inside for pricing and wallpaper.

The Memovox Deep Sea was the first diver’s watch ever made by the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. The original was produced in two versions: one for European sports enthusiasts and the other for American divers. In homage to its rich past, Jaeger-LeCoultre is unveiling a limited-series re-edition of the two 1959 Memovox Deep Sea models. And, as one would expect, the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea also comes in two versions, each bearing the appearance of one of the historical variations.

The Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea faithfully replicates the original model, except in one respect: the stainless steel case has been slightly enlarged from 39.8 to 40.5 mm. The caseback carries the motif appearing on the 1959 watch, featuring a frogman surrounded by bubbles.

The European model features a matte black dial with luminescent hour-markers, while its American counterpart is distinguished by a two-tone black/gray execution surrounded by an external ring comprising a scale with five-minute graduations and simply signed “LeCoultre”.

The two versions offer the same functions: hours, minutes, central seconds and an alarm. A crown at 2 o’clock serves to wind and set the alarm, while another at 4 o’clock winds the movement and sets the time. Both models are driven by Memovox Calibre 956, an automatic movement incorporating JLC’s latest technological developments and which has demonstrated its reliability over the years. This descendant of the first manually-wound Memovox calibre beats at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and is endowed with a 45-hour power reserve.

The Memovox tribute to Deep Sea is issued in two limited series: 959 reproducing the “Jaeger-LeCoultre Classique 1959” intended for the European market; and 359 inspired by the “LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959”. The last two digits of each edition echo the birth year of this legendary watch.

And finally, the watchmakers of the Manufacture have chosen to protect the dial of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea with a Plexiglas watch glass absolutely identical to that which equipped the historical models, a detail that connoisseurs will appreciate.

At press time, JLC advises us that that the USA retail price will be “approximately $11,950”. The recommended price for the European model will be €9,500.

Technical specifications appear below the images, which may be enlarged with a click.

Below, the LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959, issued in a series of 359 pieces for the American market.
Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea US

Below, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Classique 1959, a series of 959 pieces for the European market.
Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea Europe

Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea
Replica of the “Jaeger-LeCoultre Classique 1959”

Movement
• mechanical automatic movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 23 jewels
• 7.45 mm high
• 268 parts
• 45-hour power reserve

Functions
• hours, minutes, central seconds and alarm

Dial
• matte black with luminescent hour-markers
• alarm indication by a triangle with a luminescent center

Case
• steel
• 40.5 mm in diameter
• convex plexiglas watch glass
• water resistance: 10 bar

Strap
• black leather with steel pin buckle

Reference (European market model)
• Q2028470, limited series of 959

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