Jaeger Le Coultre - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Jaeger Le Coultre
    Year: 1967
    Reference No: E 859
    Movement No: 1'881'931
    Case No: 1'099'714
    Model Name: "Memodate" Polaris
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. K825, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rubber
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 41mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Jaeger LeCoutre extract from the archives confirming production of the present watch in 1967, a LeCoultre fitted presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1950, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Memovox (voice of memory), its first wristwatch featuring an alarm. The model rapidly became one of the most desirable and reliable alarm wristwatches on the market and in 1959, the brand decided to make a diver’s version.

    Known in the United States as the Polaris, and in the European market as the Skin Diver Memovox, the reference E859 offered both visual (inner bezel) and auditory (alarm) timers for ultimate diver safety. To do so, the firm created a patented caseback which optimized the alarm’s sound transmission under water. The outer case, with its 16 holes, allowed for the alarm tone to be heard and also felt on the wrist, while the inner case sealed and protected the movement. The watch featured three crowns, each with the cross hatch pattern characteristic of Super Compressor watches: the first for time setting, the second to rotate the inner bezel for dive timing, and the third to rotate the inner disc with an arrow to set the alarm.

    The present example, made for the American market stands out from the regular production not only thanks to its excellent condition, but also due to its name. Whereas most Memovox dials do not bear any inscriptions apart from the brand name, this watch is stamped Memodate. This particular feature has hardly ever been seen in the past and remain a particularity that even the savviest LeCoultre collectors cannot miss

133

Ref. E 859
An extremely rare and attractive stainless steel diver's wristwatch with alarm, date and box

1967
41mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€14,100-23,500
$15,600-26,000

Sold for CHF40,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019