Prototype N°1 of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea “LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959” commemorative edition watch auctioned for the benefit of the Malpelo marine site.
Within the framework of the partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre, the International Herald Tribune and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux is announcing the auction of a unique model. The proceeds will be entirely devoted to safeguarding a remarkable marine site, the fauna and flora sanctuary around Malpelo island, Colombia.
Inspired by the famous 1959 Geophysic model, developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre at the request of the first scuba diving enthusiasts in the United States, the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea “LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959” is a contemporary re-edition of this timepiece that represented an essential landmark in watchmaking history. It was indeed the world’s first diver’s watch to be equipped with an alarm function specially designed to provide divers with a specific audible indication warning them it is time to begin a progressive return to the surface.
Water-resistant to 10 bar, the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea “LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959” commemorative edition is driven by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956 and equipped with a steel case topped by a Plexiglas watch glass entirely in keeping with the original. The Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre is auctioning the Prototype N°1 of this model that is destined to find its own place in the history books.
The auction will provide watchmaking devotees with the opportunity to acquire this exceptional piece while contributing to the protection of an endangered marine site. Proceeds from the sale will be entirely donated to the Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary located 500 kilometres of the Colombian coast, in the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding maritime zone. Considered one of the world’s most extraordinary diving spots, the sanctuary is extremely important in terms of its marine biodiversity and in particular hosts many shark species, including some extremely rare ones.
Illegal fishing is the main threat facing the Malpelo site, and Colombian navy crews supported by national parks cooperate in ensuring appropriate surveillance of the zone. In order to facilitate landing operations on the island and to enable them to conduct patrols near the coastline, they are in urgent need of an inflatable boat that would enhance their efficiency and greatly improve the smooth operation of their missions.
The auction will thus be held in the very near future, with bidding to be open from April 18th 12.00 C.E.T to April 21st 18.00 C.E.T via the brand website. Participation will be open exclusively to those having registered starting from April 12th, and competition for this first Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea prototype is expected to be fierce.
About Jaeger-LeCoultre
A major player in watchmaking history since 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre is the first Manufacture to have been established in the Vallée de Joux (Switzerland). It played a pioneering role by uniting the full range of horological skills under one roof and made an indelible imprint on the development of the sector by creating legendary watches such as the Reverso, the Duoplan, the Master Control, the Memovox Polaris, the Gyrotourbillon I, as well as the Atmos clock.
Guided by time-honoured know-how and a constant quest for technical enhancements, the company’s master-watchmakers, engineers and technicians craft each watch in harmony with the same dedication. Each masterpiece, heir to more than 178 years of expertise, calls for the exercise of no less than 40 professions and benefits from cutting-edge technologies while being crafted in harmony with the noblest traditions of the Vallée de Joux. Building on a vast heritage encompassing over 1,213 mechanical calibres and 398 registered patents, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains the standard of reference in the field of high-end watchmaking
Photos Copyright Jaeger-LeCoultre.