| Author | Message | ||
     Kaltst New member Username: Kaltst Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2010 Rating: N/A |
Hello everyone, I recently inherited a LeCoutre Memovox calendar/alarm. The back of the watch indicates that it is 14 carat gold. My grandfather (who is dead) purchased this watch at an auction in 1992, but left no information regarding its model/year of make. Sadly, the crystal is cracked between 10 and 12, and one of the golden strap links is broken. I understand that without knowledge of its movement serial number, this watch cannot be accurately dated or identified. But can anyone give me a clue? Can the crystal be replaced at reasonable cost? I have uploaded some pictures. Any information is appreciated. Thanks in advance! Stefan    | ||
| Gregb Advanced Member Username: Gregb Post Number: 210 Registered: 10-2006 Rating: N/A |
Crystals are very cheap and should be repaired immediately to prevent degradation of the dial (expensive damage) from exposure to moisture and dust. Most shops charge less than $50 to replace a crystal and the actual material cost of the acrylic crystal itself is less than $1. Your Memovox dates from approximately the late 1960s and is powered by a 17-jewel caliber 911 manual wind alarm movement. | ||
| Kaltst New member Username: Kaltst Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2010 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the helpful information! | ||
| Kaltst New member Username: Kaltst Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2010 Rating: N/A |
Any idea - rough ballpark - how much this watch could be worth? You seem to know what you're talking about. Thanks again. | ||
| Gregb Advanced Member Username: Gregb Post Number: 211 Registered: 10-2006 Rating: N/A |
With gold trading at such high prices right now, your watch is likely going to be valued more for it's gold content than anything else. You probably have almost $1,500 in gold scrap value alone. The Memovox was offered in a variety of case styles over the years. The cushion-shaped cases with round dials (often called "TV dial" watches) and decorated bezels, like yours, are among the least popular models with collectors. Collectors also tend to prefer models without integrated bracelets, since they require a jeweler cut/lengthen the gold band to adjust for varying wrist sizes. In addition, your watch needs some bracelet repair work, in addition to the crystal repair. For these reasons, I would think the collector value would probably not exceed the gold scrap value by very much, if any. |