141
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Ref. E859
Memodate, Polaris
A fine and very rare stainless steel writwatch with centre seconds, date and alarm
- Estimate
- CHF15,000 - 25,000
CHF22,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Year
- 1967
- Reference No
- E859
- Movement No
- 1'881'933
- Case No
- 1'099'785, inner case-back engravings Brevet 313813, 6-67
- Model Name
- Memodate, Polaris
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, 825
- Bracelet/Strap
- Rubber
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel buckle
- Dimensions
- 42mm. Diameter
- Signed
- <em>Case, dial and movement signed </em>
- Accessories
- <em>Extract from the Archives</em> confirming production in 1967. The extract further states that 1'714 Memovox Polaris wristwatches were manufactured between 1965 and 1971.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Polaris was produced from 1965 until 1971 in a small series of only 1714 examples and is probably the firm’s best known divers watch. Known amongst collectors as reference E859 it features an unusually large diameter of 42mm and three crowns. During 1962 and 1963 fifty prototypes were produced but never sold to the public. The Polaris was designed as a reliable and highly waterproof alarm watch for divers. The compressor case features a case back with 16 holes to increase the audibility of the alarm under water. The present example is from 1967 and stands out by an overall excellent and original condition. A very rare feature is the MEMODATE inscription underneath the triangle for the alarm setting where normally the designation MEMOVOX can be found.
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.