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Rarely seen but present on this example, the Jaeger-LeCoultre factory bracelet is a trophy worth seeking. Related to the bracelet launched on the late 1990s Reverso Gran Sport, the five-link model seen on this Master Compressor Memovox is packed with quality and value.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox bracelet
First, every link is removable, and what appears at first glance to be pin-sleeves – a cheap system – actually amount to a nearly unheard-of spring bar link retention system. Each link contains a spring bar that can be disengaged using a strap tool.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox folding clasp
Just like the spring bars that join a strap to a case, all that’s necessary is to insert the tool and pop the link off the bracelet. In addition to this convenient and extensive sizing system, JLC provides a micro adjuster on each side of the double-deployant clasp.
Each of the fold-out adjusters, which work in a fashion similar to Rolex EasyLink, yields roughly 2.5mm of in/out tailoring.
If nothing else, JLC took a risk with this watch; its admirers called it fresh and daring while detractors recalled naval mines and warthogs. I’ve heard it discussed by critics as a very “French” design, which I interpret to mean Gallic weirdness akin to the original Renault Twingo or maybe a Parisian mime.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox
But, like the 1992 Twingo, the Master Compressor Memovox combines its forceful – and polarizing – character with serious utility. The strength of JLC during this era was because rather than in spite of designs like this one.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s hard retro-turn of the 2010s today is considered by many marque fans to have been a fairly fallow period for innovation and memorable model launches… the firm’s executive suite should have taken a lesson in boldness from the MCM.
Quick Facts: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox
Reference Code: Q1708170
Case: Stainless steel; 41.5mm; 10.4mm thick; 46.5mm lug-to-lug; 100-meters WR; “Compressor” crowns; solid caseback with rose gold “Master 1,000 Hours” commemorative medallion; rotation-only crown at 11 o’clock for dive bezel adjustment; Compressor crown at 2 o’clock for winding alarm, setting alarm; Compressor crown at 4 o’clock for winding and setting date
Bracelet: Stainless steel, all links removable with strap tool via internal spring bars
Clasp: Double deployant with four triggers and twin micro-adjustment clips
Dial: Black with white luminescent numerals; luminescent hands; date; alarm time indicator; internal rotating dive bezel
Movement: Caliber 918, automatic, 45-hour power reserve, 4Hz, adjusted in six positions, 22 jewels, manual-wind alarm, stop seconds
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, alarm, unidirectional dive bezel
2024 Preowned Price: $8,000-$10,000 (on bracelet: upper range for box and papers)
* Tim Mosso is the media director and watch specialist at The 1916 Company. You can check out their very comprehensive YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@the1916company.
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