The first automatic alarm watch

Thanks to its continuous creativity, Jaeger-LeCoultre has stamped its imprint on a whole range of watchmaking innovations. Witness the 1956 invention of the first automatic alarm wristwatch at the workshops in Le Sentier.

This technical feat was justifiably greeted with enthusiasm, and indeed lovers of fine watchmaking still remember the occasion. An extremely efficient timekeeper, the Master Réveil awoke its wearer from sleep or reminded him or her of an appointment thanks to a hammer striking the inner side of its case. This watch was very popular at the time of its launch and is now a sought-after collector's item. Some 40 years after this spectacular success, the Manufacture has again shown its mettle in creating the automatic Master Réveil, more pleasing to the ear than the original model. The very pure chime, which sounds when the tiny hammer causes the gong suspended inside its case to vibrate, is an exceptional combination of effectiveness and discretion. Such sound quality rests on the discovery of a special alloy and the invention of a special shape for the steel gong - a masterpiece attributable to researchers in acoustic metallurgy at Jaeger-LeCoultre. The measurement of time by the Master Réveil is handled by 22-jewel Calibre 918, an automatic movement with a 45-hour power-reserve and a balance oscillating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations/hour. Once cased up, each complete watch must prove its reliability during the rigorous Master Control 1000 Hours test before leaving the workshop. For if we have to interrupt the course of our dreams, it should at least be at the exact time we have chosen...

Jaeger Lecoultre

LINK

• Our Master Reveil collection
• Our Jaeger Lecoultre page