1960s Gübelin 'Ipso-Vox' Alarm By Jaeger-LeCoultre 36.5mm 855

Here we have a rare 1960s Gübelin 'Ipso-Vox' Alarm by Jaeger-LeCoultre 855. The Ipso-Vox is Gübelin’s version of the Jaeger-LeCoultre reference E855 Memovox that was introduced in 1960. This watch features a 36.5mm heavy gold-plated case that gently curves over your wrist with tapered lugs. Its curved flanks lead to a comfortable 45.5mm and a case thickness of 11.5mm. Down the right side, we have two coin-edged crowns, the top one winds and sets the alarm, and the bottom sets the time and date. A smooth sloping bezel holds a domed crystal above a striking domed silver dial. Applied gold-plated batons have a black painted line through them marking the hours, surrounding a minute and hour track with Tritium pips, sitting above a rotating disc featuring an arrow indicator for the alarm. A framed date window at 3 o’clock. At noon, we have the Gübelin motif, and on the disc, 'Ipso-Vox' completes this sophisticated vintage alarm timepiece. On the reverse, a stainless steel screw-down case back, inside the bumper automatic JLC Cal. K825, 17 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour, the movement is wound by a half-oscillating weight that "bumps" back and forth, rather than a complete 360-degree rotor. Its mechanical alarm is set using the upper crown and indicated by a rotating central disc on the dial. The alarm is known for its distinctive buzzing sound. It comes paired with a well-suited 18mm strap and pin buckle.

This watch is sold as watch only and therefore comes with no box or paperwork. It comes paired with a well-suited 18mm strap and pin buckle. The watch is from Circa. 1960s and is sold in worn condition, but overall, it is in fair vintage condition, with signs of wear on the case and an even patina across the dial, as you can see from the photos. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

I have been very excited to bring this incredible Gübelin 'Ipso-Vox' Alarm, created by Jaeger-LeCoultre for Gübelin in the 1960s. Cased in a thick gold-plated 36.5mm case and powered by the well-respected bumper automatic JLC Cal. K825, this is certainly a vintage gem on and off the wrist, especially in this condition. I would not hesitate to add this watch to your collection today, who knows when the next great example will appear!

Reference : 855
Movement : Bumper Automatic JLC Cal. K825
Age : Circa. 1960s
Year : Circa. 1960s
Case Size : 36.5mm
Case Thickness : 11.5mm
Lug to Lug : 45.5mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Gold Plated
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 1854, Jakob Breitschmid laid the foundation for a legacy on the picturesque Pfistergrasse in Lucerne by establishing his distinguished watchmaker's shop. Through his dedication and skill, he flourished in his craft over the years. In the late 1870s, he embarked on a fateful journey by taking on Eduard Jakob Gübelin, a promising apprentice, under his wing. Born in East Switzerland in 1861, Gübelin's passion for the art of jewellery and gemology led him to Lucerne to learn from the esteemed master craftsman Breitschmid. Following an enriching period as a journeyman jeweller in Paris, Gübelin returned to Lucerne and reunited with his mentor in the business. In a surprising twist of fate, in 1886, Gübelin married Breitschmid's daughter, Bertha, and ascended to become his father-in-law's business partner. Eventually, in 1899, he assumed full ownership of the enterprise and rebranded it as the renowned House of Gübelin. Their unwavering commitment led to the establishment of a boutique in the former Hotel d'Angleterre on the enchanting Schwanenplatz by the shores of Lake Lucerne in 1903. In a significant development in 1923, they founded their own jewellery workshops, enabling them to offer exquisitely crafted jewels created in-house. Concurrently, Gübelin's son, Eduard Moritz, established a modest gemological laboratory in the same year to meticulously evaluate the gemstones intended for use in their jewellery, marking the inception of what has blossomed into one of the most esteemed gemological laboratories worldwide. In 1945, Eduard's sons assumed the mantle of leadership within the enterprise, with Walter overseeing the daily management and the ateliers. Simultaneously, Eduard Josef presided over all facets of the gems and laboratory. Eduard devoted numerous years to the comprehensive study of gemstones across Europe and the USA, pioneering innovative instruments to advance his research and emerging as a pioneer in the field of photomicrography. His groundbreaking work involved capturing the inner characteristics of gems and identifying inclusions, thereby revolutionising the process of valuation and identification. Presently, the Gübelin Gemological Laboratory has expanded to include branches in Hong Kong and New York.