JAEGER LECOULTRE MEMOVOX POLARIS II STEEL

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris and Memovox are both considered rock stars among watch afficionados, simple as that. In fact, very few other watches, regardless of brand or cost, have had such an impact on modern horology as these two models have, and continue to have...

When Polaris and Memovox are used in the same sentence to describe one singular watch, however, the level of rockstardom (and excitement) goes up exponentially!

Let's go back to 1963, when the “Memovox Polaris I” was introduced. It was the automatic dive watch ever to incorporate an alarm function and date and featured a triple back and compressor system, meeting the most rigorous demands by deep-sea divers of its era.

For this, the oversized 42mm case incorporated a newly designed triple back to ensure that the sound of the alarm would be audible in full submersion. Jaeger-LeCoultre equipped the Polaris I with the famous caliber 825.

The introduction of the patented “Piquerez Compressor System” would increase water resistance to 200 meters /660 feet.

Additionally, the engineers and designers at Jaeger-LeCoultre would place the bezel under the crystal, which could be rotated by a third waterproof crown, placed in between the two now iconic Memovox crowns at the 2 and 4’o clock position.

Following the introduction of the first Memovox Polaris, a total of only 1764 examples would ever be issued between 1965 & 1970.

To this day the Memovox Polaris I has become one of the most highly sought after dive watches and continues to fetch record prices at the premier auction houses.

…1971 was the year Jaeger-LeCoultre would introduce the next generation of the Polaris, the Memovox Polaris II !!!

Certainly no easy task, JLC knew it had to improve on the Polaris I.

For this, a new high frequency movement, the calibre 916 was created. Beating at 28.800 vibrations per hour, the calibre 916 inside the Polaris II achieved a new level of accuracy.

In fact, this superlative movement is being used today in the Master Compressor Memovox!

The watch you are looking at is the famous Memovox Polaris II, of which only 1120 pieces were produced, far less than their predecessor.

The oversized oval/cushion shaped stainless steel measures 43mm in diameter without the two original crowns. The upper crown is for setting and winding the alarm function, the lower crown is for setting the time. Both crowns are signed with the JLC hallmark.

It is important to note that a majority of these Polaris II were made for the US market and feature the more commonly seen turquoise bezel and dial with HPG initials (High Precision Guarantee). The US market versions were sold under the LeCoultre name (no "Jaeger"), and were cased and timed in the US.

This particular watch was produced for the European market and features the much rarer grey bezel and original grey Jaeger LeCoultre "GT" (Grand Taille) dial.

Overall condition is excellent, near mint with moderate signs of wear to the case.
The beautifully age grey dial is 100% original and in near mint condition.

The automatic movement, cal 916 was serviced two years ago and is near mint, running smoothly. The loud alarm works as it should and keeps a great power reserve.

Btw, did I mention that this Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Polaris II is on the original JL steel bracelet and comes with the original box and booklet?