My first Vintage

[Montexn]

I had been looking for a nice dress watch to add to my collection in a gold case with black dial and figured I would look for a nice vintage piece to fulfill that need. The main reason I was looking for a "Dresser" was to wear with a suit to my daughter's college graduation in May. Several days of researching and talking to a couple folks much more knowledgeable than myself on the "Vintage" subject, resulted in a piece that piqued my interest. After some advice from my "Subject Matter Experts", negotiating, and verification I finally decided to pull the trigger on this piece.

It's a 1954 10k Gold filled LeCoultre (JLC) Memovox Alarm with the 489 windup movement which was just recently serviced. As is typical of that era, it's rather small compared to today's standards measuring in at 33mm. The seller also provided a nice brown Croc strap and a 10k gold filled bracelet as well in the package. As I'm not really into "That" much gold, I'm sure it will see more time on the Croc rather than the bracelet, but it's nice to have the option.

As I mentioned above, it is considered a LeCoultre, meaning that even though the movement was originally supplied by JLC, it was cased in the States. It was explained to me that JLC did this at the time to get around the import tax issue and sent movements to the States for casement. There was another company in the States which made the cases and installed the movements and were then designated LeCoultre to signify they were from the USA market. At any rate this marks my second JLC piece and will compliment my modern JLC Master Compressor Memovox Alarm nicely I think.

If any of ya'll "Vintage" folks have more to add on the subject of LeCoultre vs JLC, please feel free to share what you know on the subject.

[salem65]

Interesting history and gorgeous watch, congrats. I agree the croc strap suits it perfectly.

[MonBK]

Very nice.

[LouS]

Spectacular Memovox, in cracking good condition, from what I can see. reconditioned dial, or original?

The JLC vs. LeCoultre thing is just collectors' snobbery, IMO. JLC just released a vintage re-edition actually branded as a LeCoultre, which should go a long way to defusing that split which seems to exist between the two.

[vukotab]

Stunning example! It looks like it`s in more than perfect condition! Great find!

[chestercopperpot]

wow...can't believe that's vintage! nice grab!

[dddrees]

Definitely better on the strap. JLCs' definitely make some gorgeous watches, enjoy.

[Montexn]

According to the seller it's in original condition, frankly if that's the case it's a bonus I think. As this is my first vintage piece I'm just tickled to have found such an outstanding piece and I really appreciate the sentiment of my fellow watch lovers.