Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox 1000 Hours

Technical characteristics

Date

circa 2003

Type

Self-winding wristwatch with mechanical alarm

Maker

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Diameter

41 mm

Movement

Caliber 918

Reference

146.8.97/1

Provenance

The Arman Collection

Serial Number

4145

Maker / attribution

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Design

Visible features

• Three crowns with 'Compressor Key' symbols • Applied luminous Arabic numerals on black dial • Date aperture at the 3 o'clock position • Applied Master Compressor logo on case back

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a polished stainless steel three-body case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 16 mm in thickness. It features concave, curved lugs and a case back secured by four screws, which also displays the applied Master Compressor 1000 hours logo. The watch is distinguished by its triple-crown configuration: one at 2 o'clock for the alarm, one at 4 o'clock for time setting and winding, and one at 10 o'clock for the internal revolving dive timing disc. Both the alarm and time-setting crowns are fitted with the brand's 'Compressor Key' locking system. The dial is black with applied luminous Arabic numerals and dart indexes. It incorporates an outer revolving disc designed for dive time measurement, alongside apertures dedicated to the alarm indication and the date display. The hands are made of luminous steel, consistent with the tool-watch aesthetic of the Master Compressor line. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring water resistance for the mechanical assembly.

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the object comes from The Arman Collection. According to the grading system provided, the overall condition is assessed as Grade AAA, indicating an excellent state of preservation. The individual components are categorized as follows: the dial is noted as 'As new', while the case and the movement are both classified as 'Very good'. The watch is offered as a complete set with its original stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp. As a piece produced circa 2003, it remains a representative example of the Master Compressor series during that period. The listing specifies that the dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer, confirming the internal consistency of the components as presented for sale.

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 918. This mechanical movement is rhodium-plated and finished with fausses cotes decoration, housing 22 jewels within its architecture. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and a monometallic balance that has been adjusted to six positions. The caliber is further equipped with a shock absorber system and a self-compensating flat balance spring, as well as a hack mechanism for precise time adjustment. Functionally, the movement manages a mechanical alarm and center seconds indication. The self-winding mechanism ensures that the alarm functions, along with the standard timekeeping, are reliably maintained through regular wear.

Identification

Reference

146.8.97/1

Serial number

4145

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.