Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #5 Memovox Parking

Jul 11, 2011,15:32 PM
 

Hello Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Lovers,

 

I am back after a superb but heartbreaking couple of days in Paris…

 

Paris – the city of light, the city of love.

 

And indeed I fell in love…

 

Even if no girl involved, I lost my heart to all the beautiful watches I was shown!

 

A mind numbing experience!

 

But I think I have figured out where Vlad hides, I have found his lair!

 

smile

 

Notre Dame Cathedral



 

 

Just surprised not to see his face on any of the Gargoyles…

 

wink

 



 

There has always been a strong connection between France/Paris and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

 

You can see traces of this in their old ads…

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre French ad, 1949.



 

Blomman translation, English photo, 2011.



 

OK, since Nicolas has “outed” my Ref 3161 Memovox Parking in Gold…

 

Here she is:

 



 

A small beauty I been hiding under my sleeve for some time now…

 

As a part of the Jubilé Collection I find this small manual memovox very interesting.

 

And even today still very current in style!

 

Today, over 50 years later the symbol for parking is the same and even use the same colour.

 



 

The Memovox Parking looks very much the same as any other memovox except for the Parking-P?

 

In general, yes – but IMO, in detail, no.

 



 

To start with, the proportions between the dial and the alarm disk are not the same as on most memos.

 

The alarm disk is much larger then usual and the indexes are shorter and wider.

 

This makes the Parking dial look bigger and cleaner.

 

The 12/3/6/9 configuration with lack of JLC logo and date makes the dial much more harmonised, IMO.

 



 

As Nicolas mentioned earlier, the detail of the 3 versus 4 bars on the alarm marks.

 

In documents I noticed two different versions:

 

- 3 bars and single luminous dot at 12

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre French catalogue, 1958.



 

- 4 bars with double dots at 12.

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre French catalogue, 1960.



 

My SS version lacks the two dots, so here is a borrowed photo.

 

See the one to the left.

 

Pic credit, Nicolas.



 

AFAIK, this is the only vintage memovox with three bars instead of four.

 

I wonder why? Do anyone know another vintage memo with 3 bars?

 

3 bars good for alarm, 1 bar=75 seconds (alarm=15 minutes).

 

4 bars good for time reading, 1 bar=1 minute (alarm=12,5 minutes).

 

As the watch lacks minute indications it’s very strange with the 3 bars configuration.

 

Another version is the one that Stefan has on his Gubelin Parking.

 

4 bars with one dot at 12.

 

Pic credit, Stefan.



 

Note that between 11 and 12 – and between 12 and 1 there is only 3 bars.

 

IMO, the Parking is a very fun watch with a lot of charm!

 

smile

 



 

What a crazy idée, a watch specially made for remember when your parking hours will expire..!

 



 

You better put some more coins in the meter before it’s too late!

 



 

Jaeger-LeCoultre ad, 1958.



 

Note the bottom right: Known in the U.S. as LeCoultre.

 

And as always these modest JLC slogans – “ALWAYS ONE STEP AHEAD IN STYLING AND ENGINEERING” !

 

smile

 

As we know JLC did not sign their crowns at this point.

 



 

The Parking has no signed crowns, neither has the Geophysic.

 

But just a couple of years later they started to sign the crowns, for example on the Geomatic.

 

But how was it with the buckle?

 

The Gold Ref 3161 had the original strap when I found her.

 



 

The buckle is unsigned but I believe it to be the original one.

 



 

Does anyone know when JLC started to sign their buckles?

 



 

Hope you will not get any parking tickets this summer!

 



 

 

Thank you for reading Part #5 of this Vintage Ads Series.

 

Hope you enjoyed!

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

 

Vintage Ads: The Series – Intro!

 

Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #1 Futurematic

 

Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #2 Memovox Pocket Alarms

 

Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #3 Electronic

 

Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #4 The Planet-Sphere

This message has been edited by blomman on 2011-07-11 15:36:07


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Best yet !

 
 By: LouS : July 11th, 2011-17:06
Great topic, great post. Thanks for the effort.

Thank you for your kind words, Lou!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-13:28
The Jubilé topic is always nice to revisit! Best Blomman

Now we are talking Memovox.

 
 By: nilomis : July 11th, 2011-17:54
Blomman Great post of a great series. Good thing, to track parking time (they didn't know an iPhone!). Thanks for the pics from Paris. I'm planing to be there in October. The SS model is outstanding (I'm not a gold person). Keep posting. You may end up wi... 

Paris? Do you really dare..?

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-14:00
To go, Nilo? You will loose yourself – as I did and my commute is fairly modest compared to yours… Thank you! The Funky 70’s – soon my friend… Best Blomman

anenjoyable post:) [nt]

 
 By: playtime : July 11th, 2011-18:29
No message body

Thanks, J ! :) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-14:19
No message body

Great post Blomman!

 
 By: fernando : July 11th, 2011-19:27
Noticed in the JLC add. 1958, the watch pictured also has 3 bars. Like you said good for setting alarm but bad for tracking the minutes. For such a watch maybe they reckoned the alarm is the priority. Many thanks for such an interesting & well put togethe... 

Well, since there are two dial versions…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-14:30
Maybe you had a chance too choose? It would be interesting to know – maybe it’s just a mistake?! Someone forgot and made only 3 bars in one of the “moulds”? Thank you, Fernando! As always a lot to see in Paris, more on that later&#... 

Indeed a very enjoyable post...

 
 By: EdwardL : July 11th, 2011-19:38
It's amazing how you showed the Parking sign same as the P on the watch. Thanks for sharing Ed

My pleasure, Ed!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-14:38
Many things changes over the years… In Sweden all the pharmacy signs have been changed into several different during the last year after I don’t know how many years with the same symbol. Now it’s hard to find a pharmacy because of this&#... 

There are a lot of things to say about the Memo Parking, Blomman.

 
 By: amanico : July 12th, 2011-00:50
A watch I love a lot for its funny character, enhanced by some funny ads, too, featuring a policeman giving a fine. I also appreciate its case, which is basically the same than a 3159, ( or the E 858, which is different, but very appealing, too ) and the ... 

Ah, the 4th – that’s where you are hiding! ;)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-14:54
Yes a very lovable watch! As for Paris – I don’t like Paris, I LOVE Paris! Thank you, my friend! Best Blomman

I'd like to see JLC...

 
 By: watchme : July 12th, 2011-06:51
add 15-minute lines (subtley) on the alarm disc so that you can do any count-down, whether it be 30 minutes or 5 hours and 30 minutes. This would be a very practical addition, and, if done right, wouldn't "clutter" the dial. -Dean

Ok, let's go further...

 
 By: amanico : July 12th, 2011-11:56
Why nnot an 8 Days Count Down Alarm? Best, Nicolas.

I don't need a week in advance for an alarm...

 
 By: watchme : July 12th, 2011-12:40
however, an 8-day manual wind would be nice...with a gong that is laser-welded to the sapphire crysal (the next logical development) for unparalleled volume and clarity. Am I asking too much? -Dean

Sounds great! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-15:16
Hope JLC hears you, Dean! Best Blomman

How about both?

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-15:02
Like the modern Master Memovox Cal 914? 3 bars inner for the alarm + 4 bars outer for minutes..? Thank you for your input, Dean! Best Blomman...  

A good solution. [nt]

 
 By: fernando : July 12th, 2011-20:41
No message body

No, not this one, Blomman.

 
 By: amanico : July 12th, 2011-22:37
I love this one so much! I have to find one. My fav Modern Memo. Best, Nicolas.

3 vs 4 Bars.. an offer for a simple explanation ?

 
 By: hs111 : July 12th, 2011-23:02
Blomman & Gentlemen, - have been following with interest & many a smile this so nice post - and next to nice pix and sights of Paris ( finally, Blomman you got to fo some .. saw the gargoyle watching ) - also the reflection about 3 vs 4 bars : Couldn't it... 

Thank you for an excellent post

 
 By: Asimut : July 12th, 2011-06:54
and for the previous ones as well. I have been enjoying these and did not have the opportunity to comment yet. As a collector of vintage JLC watches since 25 years, I have always enjoyed the creativity and artwork of the ads. Cheers, Asi

About advertising as an art form…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-15:18
I will come to that topic soon! Thank you, Asi – any old marvels to share? Best Blomman

i must admit to say that i love this #5 very much...

 
 By: FanFrancisco : July 12th, 2011-09:32
... Blomman, you have made this review a bit different than what you did for last four Parts. this one you included some beautiful scenery photos in Paris to mix with those vintage ads which gave me a new concept and refreshing reading pleasure. back to t... 

Yes, a bit different…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-15:22
I thought it was appropriate to add some Paris flavour! Happy you liked the post, Stefan! And thank you for letting me borrow one of your pics! Feel free to add some more photos of your Memo Parking collection! Best Blomman

Evening Revelation.. So enthusing.. Great post - with a twist :))

 
 By: hs111 : July 12th, 2011-14:32
Another very pleasant read .. Thanks so much ! And, BTW : about one of my 'little' grails, which has escaped me for long meanwhile One day, I hope.. Meanwhile kind thanks to yoy ! Best, hs

Re: A little Grail…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:13
Post – always with a twist! Like a Gin and tonic… Another one on your hunt list? Well, they pop up from time to time. But be careful, the Memo parking is probably (together with the WT) the most faked/not original of memovoxes… Thank you, HS – hope you wi... 

I know, I know.. Start low.. Go slow.. :)

 
 By: hs111 : July 13th, 2011-12:28
Thank you for these kind words and the experienced hunter's advice, And yes, the MMV Parking is very much on my list, will keep my eyes open.. -- but will eventually appreciate friendly consultants .. Meanwhile, I'll continue to enjoy my other treasures, ... 

Fantastic find...

 
 By: ocwatching : July 12th, 2011-14:48
a beauty in all regards and again, I love the accompanying literature/vintage ads.. Blomman, you and Vlad are really pushing me to the vintage chase.

On the other hand…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 12th, 2011-15:23
YOU are never innocent, my friend! Best Blomman

True, but I feel less alone. ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 12th, 2011-22:40
No message body

YOU .. Need a lawyer ? .. - or just a good Cafe ?

 
 By: hs111 : July 13th, 2011-12:44
- well, I guess a sip of Champagne might equally work.. What do you think ? Best, hs

Me think YES. ;)

 
 By: amanico : July 13th, 2011-13:11

Come over to the Dark Side, OC ! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:20
Plenty of interesting finds to make! Thank you, for your always so kind words, OC ! Best Blomman

very nice!

 
 By: DRMW : July 12th, 2011-14:54
Another informative post. What a great way to spend time with your Memovox P, in Paris! Can't get any better than that. -MW

P: as in Parking and Paris…! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:32
Thank you, MW! Yes, the best of ways to enjoy a Jubilé JLC. Together with the Dark Lord in the city of light! Best Blomman

++1.. if I may humly state !

 
 By: hs111 : July 13th, 2011-12:51
Remember, there were always.. 4 ( at least). Anyway, a great Chors des Musketiers ! All enjoying the aura of P.. arking & P.. aris ! Just my little memory 2 cent - token.. Best, my friend

P: as in Parking, Paris and Priends! ;)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:59
Indeed, a great time we had, my friend! Best Blomman

=D [nt]

 
 By: DRMW : July 13th, 2011-16:22
No message body

Well done, Blomman.

 
 By: Davo : July 12th, 2011-20:00
Great post, and very informative. Thanks for posting.

Thanks D-man! :) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:36
No message body

Beautiful post.

 
 By: VMM : July 13th, 2011-01:34
I've enjoyed the reading and the pics. Thanks for posting. Vte

Always some small details…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:38
Always something that puzzles me with these vintage JLC’s! Thank you, Vte – I hope to be able to return to the Promised Land soon and learn more! Best Blomman

Cool post ..

 
 By: bimbeano : July 13th, 2011-03:54
.. as all your posts monsieur Blomman !! We will meet one of these (?) days Filip

I really hope so, Bim!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:41
Thank you, very kind! I really hope we meet – this autumn in Paris? Best Blomman

I will be in Paris in ...

 
 By: bimbeano : July 13th, 2011-12:47
.... maybe August, definetely September , most probably october and if necessary november or december. Let me know when you are coming over ! Mukke bra !!! Filip

Mukke bra - LOL! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 13th, 2011-12:49
I will go when the TT DSA US comes… Don’t know yet when, but I let you know! Best Blomman

Try first week of October... Tyler is coming, we'll try to get the Brits, too.

 
 By: amanico : July 13th, 2011-13:07
So, if Blomman and hs can come ( by the way they'd better buy an appartment, as they spend their life here.. ), it may be a great GTG! Best, my friend. Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-07-13 13:12:37

Dark Count calling.. Padawan rolling ! :))

 
 By: hs111 : July 13th, 2011-13:19
Well, appartment sounds nice, (especially if QL) - although.. - just "Un Carnet des Dix" for the aeroplanes might work, then simply a good hotel, a great Cafė (maybe Pain au Chocolat).. AND: - A nice table, full of glasses and watches, plus joyfull f... 

First week of october ...

 
 By: bimbeano : July 13th, 2011-14:22
... Might be very conveniënt for me .... Keep me updated captain Vlad ! Ze Bim

Sounds like a great plan! :) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 15th, 2011-03:22
No message body

"IMO, the Parking is a very fun watch with a lot of charm!"

 
 By: marcelo : July 13th, 2011-13:26
Could not agree more. And want a JLC truck too...

Hi Marcelo!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 15th, 2011-03:28
No JLC truck in your “garage”? Thank you for checking in! Best Blomman

No, unfortunately...

 
 By: marcelo : July 15th, 2011-04:59
Thank you, blomman And have a nice weekend! Marcelo

You will find one soon enough! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 15th, 2011-05:22
HAGWE, my friend Blomman

Such a utility watch, with practical real world applications

 
 By: Hororgasm : July 13th, 2011-19:12
Sometimes, watches like this are fun and affordable, created with a single or duo purpose for real world application. The WIS in us, always crave for the esoteric stuff from SIHH and Basel, fancy complications blah blah blah....and here is one created jus... 

The alarm is a very practical and useful complication.

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 15th, 2011-03:44
One of my favourite complications if you didn’t know…! Not as grand and romantic as the MR, but more useful (and less expensive). Thank you, Horo! Best Blomman