FROM AN IMPORTANT ASIAN COLLECTOR
940
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Ref. E859
Memovox Polaris
A fine and very rare automatic diver's alarm wristwatch with center seconds, date and tropical dial
- Estimate
- HK$200,000 - 300,000€22,000 - 33,000$25,600 - 38,500
HK$212,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Year
- 1968
- Reference No
- E859
- Movement No
- 1'966'820
- Case No
- 1'116'829
- Model Name
- Memovox Polaris
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. K825, jeweled
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Associated stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 42mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Jaeger-LeCoultre Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1968.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Jager-leCoultre is the creator of what can arguably be considered the most famous vintage alarm watch: the Memovax, launched in 1950. As a result of the increase interest of the public in recreational diving, in 1959 a diver's evolution of the Memovox was launched: the Polaris.
The Polaris was made in 1714 examples and presents two distinct series: the present version was made for the European market as indicated with the full Jaeger-LeCoultre brand name on the dial, whereas the simplified “LeCoultre” brand was used on dials of models intended for the American market.
The appeal of the present example is boosted by its tropical dial: the hour sector has turned an intense dark chocolate hue, made even more apparent by the contrast with the alarm disc and inner bezel, both without tropicalization.
The Polaris was made in 1714 examples and presents two distinct series: the present version was made for the European market as indicated with the full Jaeger-LeCoultre brand name on the dial, whereas the simplified “LeCoultre” brand was used on dials of models intended for the American market.
The appeal of the present example is boosted by its tropical dial: the hour sector has turned an intense dark chocolate hue, made even more apparent by the contrast with the alarm disc and inner bezel, both without tropicalization.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Swiss | 1833Not all companies in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger LeCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker." Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named LeCoutre, the firm provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished mechanical movements with which they completed their watches.
In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.
Browse MakerIn the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.