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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Alarm wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours, No. 0685

Partially verified

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox, numbered 0685 and dated to 2003, is an 18K pink gold self-winding gentleman's wristwatch featuring a mechanical alarm. The timepiece is characterized by its distinct three-crown configuration, with specialized 'Compressor Key' crowns for the alarm and time functions, and a dedicated crown at 10 o'clock for operating the internal revolving dive timing ring. The watch possesses a 41 mm case with concave lugs and a transparent exhibition back secured by four screws. Its grey dial features applied luminous Arabic numerals, dart indexes, and a specific aperture for alarm indication, paired with luminous pink gold 'Alpha' hands. The watch is powered by the rhodium-plated caliber 918 movement, which includes 22 jewels, a monometallic balance adjusted to six positions, and 'fausses-côtes' decoration. It is secured to the wrist by an 18K pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp.

Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox showing the three-crown configuration and grey dial.
Front view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox showing the three-crown configuration and grey dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Alarm wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
48
Source-reported date
2003
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
0685

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 timepiece is constructed from 18K pink gold and features a two-body, solid, polished case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 16 mm in thickness. The design incorporates curved, concave lugs and a transparent case back secured by four screws, allowing for visibility into the movement. A sapphire crystal protects the dial.

The dial is grey, featuring applied luminous Arabic numerals and dart indexes. It includes an outer revolving disc intended for dive timing and an aperture specifically for the alarm indication. The time is displayed via luminous pink gold 'Alpha' hands. The watch utilizes three crowns: one at 10 o'clock for the internal dive timing ring, one at 2 o'clock for the alarm, and one at 4 o'clock for winding and time-setting, the latter two equipped with the 'Compressor Key' system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, solid, polished, transparentcase back with 4 screws, concave andcurved lugs”
  • “Grey withapplied luminous Arabic numerals anddart indexes, outer revolving disc for thedive time, aperture for the alarm indication.Luminous pink gold "Alpha" hands.”

Movement and Mechanical Features

The watch is driven by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 918, a self-winding mechanical movement. The caliber features rhodium-plating and is finished with 'fausses-côtes' decoration. It contains 22 jewels and employs a straight-line lever escapement.

Technical specifications for the movement include a monometallic balance, which has been adjusted to six positions, and a shock-absorber system. The balance assembly utilizes a self-compensating flat balance-spring to manage timekeeping accuracy. The movement, alongside the dial and case, is signed by the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 918, rhodium-plated, "faussescôtes" decoration, 22 jewels, straight linelever escapement, monometallic balanceadjusted to six positions, shock-absorber,self-compensating flat balance-spring.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Condition and Accessories

The auction house provides a grading assessment for the object, assigning it a 'Grade: AA Very good' overall. Specific component grades indicate that the case is in 'Very good' condition, the movement is described as 'As new', and the dial is listed with a grade of '1'.

The wristwatch is provided with a fitted box and a certificate, which document the purchase and authenticity as reported by the source. The watch is attached to an 18K pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 2 Very good Movement: 1 As new Dial: 1”
  • “Accompanied by a fitted box and certificate.”
  • “18K pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific material and production origin of the included strap?
  • Are there any variations in the 'Compressor Key' crown functionality compared to other Master Compressor models of this era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours, No. 0685
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJaeger-LeCoultre“Jaeger-LeCoultre”
ModelMaster Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours“Master Compressor, 1000 Hours, Memovox”
Serial number0685“No. 0685”
Production year2003“Made in 2003”
Case material18K pink gold“18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch”
MovementCaliber 918“Cal. 918”
Case diameter41 mm“Diam. 41 mm”
FunctionsSelf-winding, center-seconds, mechanical alarm“self-winding, center- seconds, water-resistant,18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with mechanical alarm”

Visible details

  • Three crowns with varying functions
  • Luminous Arabic numerals and dart hour markers
  • Internal revolving dive timing disc
  • Visible exhibition case back secured with four screws

Research qualifications

  • The exact country of manufacture is not explicitly stated in the source
  • The source does not specify the precise material of the strap, though it appears as leather

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

Terms in this record

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