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

Dial: black Calibre: cal. K815 automatic, 17 jewels Movement number: 1'389'582Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 775'467Closure: brown unsigned ostrich strap with unsigned stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Jaeger-LeCoultre Extract from the Archives confirming date of production in 1959

DIAL: dial with signs of ageing, all luminescent material is present, displaying a homogeneous patina throughout. The minute hand is missing some luminescent material. Hands display slight pitting and traces of corrosion. CASE: shows signs of previous polishing, retains bevels. Case and bezel display scratches throughout. The alarm pin has just been restored. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, alarm functional, sound is slightly muted. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

As leisure diving gained popularity during the 1950s, Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to create an innovative diving wristwatch to accompany the most accomplished 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 travel back to the surface. According to Jaeger LeCoultre, 1’061 ref. E857 were produced between 1959 and 1962. The reference E857 is a rarity by its own merit 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 triangular indexes and no text dial making it an exceptional lot. This elegant dial configuration has since gained well-deserved recognition as it inspired the modern limited edition Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to the Deep Sea. Until today the present piece has remained with the family of the original owner.