Updating…
Extremely rare vintage Jaeger Lecoultre Memovox International (aka “World Time” or “Worldtimer”) alarm wristwatch, Ref. 3160, launched together with the Geophysic and the Memovox Parking, in 1958, for the Jaeger Lecoultre Jubilée (125th Anniversary). Produced for only 7 years, between 1958-1965, no need to say that this reference is certainly one of the rarest Memovox. Marketed as a watch for “businessmen, stock brokers, journalists and travellers”, the Memovox International has a special inner alarm disk that allows the wearer to read time in 24 cities around the world.
Original dial with amazing patina, manual wind Jaeger Lecoultre movement calibre K 814, SN: 1292309, 35 mm stainless steel case SN: 742902. Based on JLC archive records the watch was made in 1959. Interesting note: in Jaeger Lecoultre archives, the case serial number 742902 is not registered under the reference 3160, but under reference 3159 (classical Memovox). During my discussion with JLC Heritage Department, they assumed as far as “Memovox World Time” Ref. 3160 (snap-back version) used the same case as 3159, it’s very plausible that some “Worldtimers” could be registered as 3159 in their books (searchings in archives are only case serial numbers based, not movements). As they replied “may be possible, but not registered in such a condition in our data basis“. So the case could be made and registered for 3159, but de facto used for 3160 initially on manufacture, or of course there is still a small chance the case could be a later exchange. I believe the first consumption is more plausible, because all serial numbers of other known “Worldtimers” are very close to this one 742902.
Watch runs great and all functions work as expected. Please take a look at the photos for the condition. Case measures 35mm (excluding the crown). Age related condition with corresponding traces of wear. The watch comes with original vintage leather strap, correct steel buckle, original box and archive extract.