Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Owner Review : Classic, comfortable and elegant

I had been looking for a watch with an original complication that I didn't have for a few years. Without going as far as a tourbillon, which was out of my means, a chime or a cricket was an option. From there, I mainly had Jaeger LeCoultre or Vulcain in mind (and I still haven't ruled out this option for another future). Afterwards, a big fan of certain JLCs like certain Reversos and other Mastercontrols, I also wanted an elegant, everyday watch and this famous central disc to set the time of the chime. So I had an opportunity at the end of June 2024 with this beautiful "Memoreveil" / I admit I have trouble distinguishing the name "Memoreveil" vs "Memovox". This one dates from 1998, in perfect condition, reference 141 84 20 for those in the know, equipped with the automatic mechanical caliber "918" and its 45 hours of autonomy. Its actual 39.6 mm diameter excluding crowns** is very proportionate. (**the top one to "wind" the chime and set the alarm time with the central disc of the dial, and the bottom one to give the impulse necessary to start the movement from cold and set the time/date)... Its thickness of approximately 13.1 mm seems significant on paper but ultimately quite barely noticeable given that the back is of a fairly small diameter with a spindle shape masking the total thickness of the watch. I am very happy with it, not only because of the very characteristic chime when recharged - recalling a few hours of my "youth" at the end of recess but especially because of its elegance on the wrist or sticking out of the cuff of my shirt. It is mounted on a beautiful custom-made strap from ABP in brown ostrich with ecru stitching and orange grained calfskin lining ("hermes") for originality, all with its original JLC folding clasp.