Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre Year: Circa 2008 Reference No: 190.8.96 Case No: 2'494'773 Model Name: Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, 956, 23 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Jaeger-LeCoultre calf leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre buckle Dimensions: 42 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed, case further engraved 1/768 Accessories: With Jaeger-LeCoultre additional crystal, instruction manual, pouch, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Offered in like new condition, the present watch is numbered 1 of 768 pieces only, made in tribute to the original Polaris model that was first introduced in 1965. It is also interesting to note that the first few watches made in this series had a slight defect to the luminous material used for the numerals and have aged completely different comparing to the models made later. The numerals have aged like a vintage watch and now appear a very warm orange tone.
Not 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.