Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris

The powerful design of this legendary model, much sought-after by collectors, is the inspiration behind many of today's timepieces, from Master Compressor to AMVOX. In 2008, the Manufacture pays tribute to the legendary Polaris by creating a replica of the two most emblematic Memovox Polaris models. While the design remains faithful to the original, the movement incorporates the latest technical innovations of Jaeger-LeCoultre's automatic movements.

Legendary model
Originally equipped with the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 825, the Memovox Polaris distinguished itself between 1965 and 1970 by a generous size that was entirely exceptional for the period. The latter enabled optimal reading of the time and the alarm indicator that was immediately distinguishable during diving by a luminescent triangle in the dial centre. Moreover, its triple case-back enabled optimal diffusion of sound below water and water resistance to 200 metres.

Faithful to the original
The essential features of the Memovox Polaris naturally had to be present in this tribute re-edition. These include the round case with no visible bezel, the domed synthetic glass, the 42 mm diameter, the polished finish and the vintage black dials. The emblematic alarm display with its central disc bearing a luminescent triangle as an adjustment marker, the central seconds hand, date at 3 o'clock and the internal rotating bezel are also unchanged, as are the three crowns with their instantly recognisable grid-patterned motif.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956
The same design, but a new movement. The re-editions of the Memovox Polaris incorporate the parameters of performance, precision and reliability characteristic of the latest generation of Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic movements, without affecting the purity of the original design. In keeping with the Memovox tradition, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956 features a suspended gong and a 45 hour power reserve, a variable-inertia balance beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, an oscillating weight equipped with ceramic ball bearings and a total of 268 parts.

Did you know?
In 1959, Jaeger-LeCoultre created the Memovox Deep Sea, the first diving watch equipped with an alarm. Signed "LeCoultre" like all the timepieces destined for the American market at the time, this watch was particularly well-adapted to the high expectations of that market that was fascinated by sub-marines The design was so well received that the Manufacture quickly developed a model, signed this time "Jaeger-LeCoultre" for the European and Asian clients.

Technical characteristics

Movement:
mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
28,800 vibrations per hour
45-hour power reserve
268 parts
23 jewels
7.45 mm thick

Functions:
hour, minute, small seconds
date, alarm
internal rotating dial ring

Dial:
Matt black dial, three luminescent 3-6-12 numerals, distinctive central triangular marker for the alarm indication
1965 re-edition: polished nickel-coated "line" hour-markers
1968 re-edition: luminescent trapeze-shaped hour-markers

Hands:
1968 re-edition: baton-shaped, rhodium-plated, luminescent
1965 re-edition: dauphine-type, rhodium-plated, luminescent

Crowns:
Three crowns, with vintage gridwork motif:
At 2 o'clock: to wind and adjust the alarm
At 3 o'clock: to adjust the inner rotating dial ring (featuring a triangle-shaped marker)
At 4 o'clock: to wind and reset the movement.

Case:
ø 42 mm in 950 platinum (1965 model) or in steel (1968 model)
cambered synthetic glass
water-resistant to 200 metres

Strap:
Black leather, equipped with a pin buckle in steel or 950 platinum

References:
Limited series of 768 watches in steel for the 1968 model: 200 84 70
Limited series of 165 watches in 950 platinum for the 1965 model: 200 64 40

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