Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea Q2028470

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A modern iteration of the original Memovox Deep Sea from 1959, the re-issue is a faithful execution of the vintage variant down to the smallest details including the case profile, crown shapes, caseback engravings and brand signature.

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This is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea reference Q2028470. A manufacturer synonymous with its flagship model, the Reverso, JLC is a storied brand with a long and rich history in watchmaking. Colloquially known as “the watchmaker’s watchmaker” for its watchmaking prowess, the brand has almost two centuries of watchmaking history with notable feats not only for its case construction of the Reverso but also with dive watches from the mid 20th century such as the aforementioned Memovox Deep Sea.

Originally introduced in 1959, the Memovox Deep Sea was an unprecedented feat during that era being the first diving watch with a usable underwater alarm. By equipping the watch with an audible alarm system in addition to the visual indicators with the luminous triangle indices, the reference added an additional layer of utility for deep sea diving. Tested to over 500 feet, the idea behind the vibrating audio alarm was to time the diver’s safe ascent to the surface by setting the triangular alarm indicator.

As with the later re-issue in 2011, Jaeger released two variants of the Deep Sea Alarms introduced over an approximate three-year period. An estimated amount of about 1,000 pieces were produced for the US market that was simply branded “LeCoultre” due to intellectual property rights issues while the European version was fully branded with “Jaeger-LeCoultre”. This was later applied to the aforementioned reissue and its US counterpart. Besides a slight increase in case size of less than a millimeter, the tribute is almost a like-for-like remake of the original, including the case profile, crown shapes and caseback engravings.

Upgraded to the modern Cal. 956 from the original Cal. 815, the Tribute to Deep Sea is truly a diver’s watch with vintage aesthetics and modern capabilities. The faithful execution of the Tribute to Deep Sea Alarm remains a testament to JLC’s ability to re-create icons of its past. Though the brand’s catalogue remains vast, it is telling that the brand’s re-issues are the ones that tend to receive the most critical acclaim and serves as a reminder that while the Reverso is truly remarkable, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains much more than just its most recognizable model.