Jaeger-LeCoultre is currently holding an online auction which will see a collector becomethe owner of a limited-series watch, the Prototype Nº 1 of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea, "LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959" commemorative edition.

In homage to its rich past and to the delight of fine watchmaking connoisseurs, the Grande Maison is pursuing its journey through time and returning to the very roots of the diver's watch by introducing this commemorative edition of the 1959 Memovox Deep Sea, logically named Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea.

The Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea watch faithfully reproduces the original model, except in one respect: the stainless steel case has been slightly enlarged from 39.8 to 40.5 mm in order to match contemporary requirements - and wrists. The case-back carries the motif appearing on the 1959 watch, featuring a frogman surrounded by bubbles.

Bearing the appearance of the original version, the "LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959" commemorative edition is distinguished by a two-tone black/grey execution surrounded by an external ring comprising a scale with five-minute graduations and simply signed "LeCoultre".

It offers the same range of functions: hours, minutes, central seconds and an alarm and should make an excellent investment. A crown at 2 o'clock serves to wind and set the alarm, while another at 4 o'clock is used to wind the movement and set the time.

Jaeger LeCoultre's Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea

The Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea watch is driven by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, the latest version of the legendary Memovox movement incorporating the most advanced technological developments from the Manufacture and which has decisively demonstrated its reliability over the years.

This descendant of the first manually-wound Memovox Calibre beats at a rate of a 28,800 vibrations per hour and is endowed with a 45-hour power reserve.

The limited series of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea, "LeCoultre Spécial Amérique 1959" commemorative edition will be issued in 359 pieces. The last two digits echo the year in which this legendary watch was born.

Driven by a determination to pay homage to one of the treasures of the company heritage, the watchmakers of the Manufacture have chosen to protect the dial of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea with a plexiglas watch glass absolutely identical to that which equipped the historical models - exactly the kind of detail that connoisseurs will appreciate at its true worth.

The auction closes on April 21.