JAEGER-LECOULTRE | MEMOVOX DEEP SEA, REFERENCE E857, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH ALARM, MADE IN 1959

As leisure diving gained popularity during the 1950s, Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to create an innovative diving wristwatch to accommodate the most elegant divers. The Memovox Deep Sea reference E857 was launched in 1959 and was the first diver’s watch to feature an alarm. The Memovox complication was a tremendous safety feature in this aquatic context as it would inform the diver it was time to reach back to the surface. According to Jaeger LeCoultre, 1’061 ref. E857 were produced between 1959 and 1962, making this 1959 timepiece an early production example.

The reference E857 is a rarity on its own and considered as one of the most appealing in its category. While most of these pieces have some Arabic numerals and text on the dial, the present lot is further distinguished by its rarer sober triangular indexes and no text dial making it an exceptional lot. This elegant dial configuration has since gained a well-deserved recognition as it inspired the modern limited edition Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea. The present piece is presented on behalf of the family of the original owner and was fully serviced by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Heritage watchmakers and bears its original unrestored bezel and dial. It is accompanied by its Repair Guarantee certificate and an Extract from the Archives.