Memovox Automatic “Snowdrop”

JAEGER-LECOULTRE, SNOWDROP, REF 73800-21, GOLD VERSION, FULL-SET

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is proud to introduce here an extremely rare, superb and full-set large, all 18K gold, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Memovox Automatic, model Snowdrop. Made in the 1970s, the model, Ref. 73800-21,  is a very fine water-resistant 18K yellow gold self-winding wristwatch with sweep center second, date and alarm and an 18K yellow gold JLC integrated link bracelet.

The model has a two-body construction: a monocoque solid gold case with two crown, a screwed down gold bezel securing the glass to the case. The inside case back is engraved « LeCoultre & Co ». According to scholars, around 2’000 pieces of the model were ever produced, however, less than hundred were manufactured in solid gold. It is interesting to notice that the present watch was sold by the manufacture LeCoultre & Co, le Sentier, on December 21st., 1973, one can guess probably for a special Christmas gift.

Under the slightly domed crystal glass, the brushed champagne dial is set with applied gold baton indexes, luminous dots, minute and second division, a gold rimmed date aperture at 3, gold Baton hands, inner hour and minute division for the central champagne alarm disc. The dial is signed with the Aprior mark at the bottom « o t swiss made t o ». Trained eyes will notice the applied gold logo « JL » at 9, that allows us to know that the model is fitted with a high beat caliber, high frequency 28’800 alt/hour. This new caliber 916 replaced the caliber 825 beating only at 21’600 alt/h. Caliber JLC 916 is rhodium-plated, with monometallic balance, adjusted 3 positions, self-compensating flat balance spring, shock absorbers, blued steel screws, rotor signed « LeCoultre & Co ». The present watch still retains its original fitted box and original guarantee, a rarety !!. Dial, case and movement are signed, buckle signed GG.

The Memovox is probably one of JLC best and most famous models. The Snowdrop is so special in every ways, the kind of watches we love or we hate, but it will be almost impossible to find another one complete and in superbly preserved condition, such as the present watch !

Condition: 9/10, great original unpolished condition, originals crowns, full-set