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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Alarm wristwatch

LeCoultre Wrist Alarm Reference 2052-1

Partially verified

This 1950s LeCoultre Wrist Alarm, often referred to as the Memovox for the US market, is a manual-wind wristwatch housing the Caliber 814 movement. The dial is silver-toned with an inner rotating alarm indicator, featuring radium-lumed hour plots and hands. The case back bears a specific hand-engraving dedicated to a staff member of the US Navy command COMCRUDESPAC, dated between August 1953 and June 1955. The watch is currently paired with a handmade two-piece leather strap. It is reported to be keeping time, although its full service history remains unknown to the vendor.

Front view of the 1950s LeCoultre Wrist Alarm, showing the silver dial, rotating alarm disc, and dual crowns.
Front view of the 1950s LeCoultre Wrist Alarm, showing the silver dial, rotating alarm disc, and dual crowns. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Alarm wristwatch
Maker / attribution
LeCoultre
Reference
2052-1
Catalogue / lot identifier
LCWA20521
Source-reported date
1950s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
877XXXX

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 Crowns

The watch is housed in a 32mm 10K yellow gold-filled case. The design incorporates elongated lugs and a polished finish. The auction description reports that the case exhibits light signs of previous polishing and gentle wear consistent with age.

These crowns are unsigned, and the source notes that they are believed to be early replacements rather than original components. The case back is personalized with a specific hand engraving commemorating service to a US Navy staff member.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 10K yellow gold-filled case remains in wonderful condition”
  • “The unsigned twin crowns are believed to be very early replacements.”
  • “The case back is adorned with a hand engraving that reads " Staff, COMCRUDESPAC, Aug 53 - June 55, to N1, Compliments of your team.”

Dial and Hands

The silver-toned dial features an inner rotating disk used for the alarm complication. The dial displays discoloration and signs of aging, while the printing remains intact. Hour positions are marked with radium plots which have developed a beige patina.

The hands are tipped with radium material that has aged to a darker shade than the dial markers. An inner blue print on the rotating dial provides contrast. UV inspection indicates that the lume plots are intact and the hands remain in stable condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original silver dial has achieved an excellent vintage aesthetic through age”
  • “The radium lume plots all remain intact when inspected under UV light”
  • “The original radium-tipped hands have aged a shade darker than the hands”

Movement and Functionality

The watch is powered by the manual-wind Caliber 814 movement. This movement incorporates an alarm complication, which is engaged and set via the top crown. The vendor describes the alarm sound as crisp and audible.

According to the auction description, the timepiece is currently keeping time. However, the service history is not provided, and the vendor advises that a full movement service may be required.

Evidence for this section
  • “The alarm is crisp and noticeable, which is a key feature of the Cal. 814 manual wind movement.”
  • “The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • Can the serial number range 877XXXX be used to confirm the exact year of production?
  • Were there specific variations of the Cal. 814 produced exclusively for the North American market under the LeCoultre brand name?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LeCoultre Wrist Alarm Reference 2052-1
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandLeCoultre“Brand LeCoultre”
Reference Number2052-1“Model 2052-1”
Case Material10K Yellow Gold-Filled“The ref. 2052-1 features an excellent 10K yellow gold-filled case”
MovementCaliber 814“The alarm is crisp and noticeable, which is a key feature of the Cal. 814 manual wind movement.”
Serial Number877XXXX“Serial 877XXXX”
Case Diameter32mm“measuring a well-proportioned 32mm case”
EngravingStaff, COMCRUDESPAC, Aug 53 - June 55, to N1, Compliments of your team.“The case back is adorned with a hand engraving that reads " Staff, COMCRUDESPAC, Aug 53 - June 55, to N1, Compliments of your team.”

Visible details

  • Silver dial with inner rotating alarm track
  • Dual winding crowns positioned on the right side of the case
  • Hand-engraved case back referencing US Navy personnel
  • Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Unsigned crowns are reported as potential early replacements
  • Service history is unknown
  • Exact manufacturing origin is not explicitly stated

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی LeCoultre Wrist Alarm رفرنس 2052-1

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8b7421bcfd

Terms in this record

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

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