Jaeger-LeCoultre - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Jaeger-LeCoultre

    Swiss • 1833

    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.

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FROM AN IMPORTANT ASIAN COLLECTOR

940

Ref. E859
A fine and very rare automatic diver's alarm wristwatch with center seconds, date and tropical dial

1968
42mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 300,000 
€22,000-33,000
$25,600-38,500

Sold for HK$212,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018