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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with mechanical alarm

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours

Partially verified

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours, identified by reference 146.8.97/1 and serial number 4145, dates to circa 2003. It is a large, self-winding, water-resistant stainless steel wristwatch equipped with a mechanical alarm function, date display, and three distinct crowns. The watch features a black dial with applied luminous Arabic numerals and dart indexes, as well as an outer revolving disc for dive timing. It is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 918, a rhodium-plated movement with fausses cotes decoration and 22 jewels. The watch includes a stainless steel deployant clasp and is housed in a polished three-body case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 16 mm in thickness. The case back is secured by four screws and bears the applied Master Compressor 1000 hours logo. This example originates from The Arman Collection.

Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours, showing the black dial, three-crown configuration, and brown leather strap.
Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours, showing the black dial, three-crown configuration, and brown leather strap. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch with mechanical alarm
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
146.8.97/1
Catalogue / lot identifier
424
Source-reported date
circa 2003
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
4145

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a polished stainless steel three-body case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 16 mm in thickness. It features concave, curved lugs and a case back secured by four screws, which also displays the applied Master Compressor 1000 hours logo. The watch is distinguished by its triple-crown configuration: one at 2 o'clock for the alarm, one at 4 o'clock for time setting and winding, and one at 10 o'clock for the internal revolving dive timing disc. Both the alarm and time-setting crowns are fitted with the brand's 'Compressor Key' locking system.

The dial is black with applied luminous Arabic numerals and dart indexes. It incorporates an outer revolving disc designed for dive time measurement, alongside apertures dedicated to the alarm indication and the date display. The hands are made of luminous steel, consistent with the tool-watch aesthetic of the Master Compressor line. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring water resistance for the mechanical assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished, case back with 4 screws and the applied Master Compressor 1000 hours logo”
  • “alarm winding crown at 2, time-setting and winding crown at 4, both with "Compressor Key”
  • “Black with applied luminous Arabic numerals and dart indexes, outer revolving disc for the dive time, apertures for the alarm indication and date.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 918. This mechanical movement is rhodium-plated and finished with fausses cotes decoration, housing 22 jewels within its architecture. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and a monometallic balance that has been adjusted to six positions. The caliber is further equipped with a shock absorber system and a self-compensating flat balance spring, as well as a hack mechanism for precise time adjustment.

Functionally, the movement manages a mechanical alarm and center seconds indication. The self-winding mechanism ensures that the alarm functions, along with the standard timekeeping, are reliably maintained through regular wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 918, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 22 jewels, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions, shock absorber, selfcompensating flat balance spring, hack mechanism.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the object comes from The Arman Collection. According to the grading system provided, the overall condition is assessed as Grade AAA, indicating an excellent state of preservation. The individual components are categorized as follows: the dial is noted as 'As new', while the case and the movement are both classified as 'Very good'.

The watch is offered as a complete set with its original stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp. As a piece produced circa 2003, it remains a representative example of the Master Compressor series during that period. The listing specifies that the dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer, confirming the internal consistency of the components as presented for sale.

Evidence for this section
  • “From The Arman Collection”
  • “Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 2 Very good Movement: 2 Very good Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific testing criteria defined by the '1000 Hours' designation for this reference?
  • How many units of the 146.8.97/1 reference were produced globally?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJaeger-LeCoultre“Jaeger-LeCoultre”
Reference146.8.97/1“Ref. 146.8.97/1”
Serial Number4145“No. 4145”
Datecirca 2003“Made circa 2003”
Diameter41 mm“Diam. 41 mm”
MovementCaliber 918“M. Cal. 918”
ProvenanceThe Arman Collection“From The Arman Collection”

Visible details

  • Three crowns with 'Compressor Key' symbols
  • Applied luminous Arabic numerals on black dial
  • Date aperture at the 3 o'clock position
  • Applied Master Compressor logo on case back

Research qualifications

  • Movement origin is not explicitly stated as Swiss in the text, though 'Swiss Made' appears on the dial.
  • Specific material composition of the luminous coating is not detailed.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

JAEGER LeCOULTRE MASTER COMPRESSOR MEMOVOX 1000 HOURS Jaeger-LeCoultre, No. 4145, Ref. 146.8.97/1. Made circa 2003. Very fine, large, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with mechanical alarm, date, three crowns and a stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a3ed21b591

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.