JAEGER-LECOULTRE. A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC DIVER’S WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS, ALARM AND DATE

Making its debut at Basel in 1951, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox was created with the aim of providing a reliable wristwatch with alarm complication. Although the timepiece was a success, the Memovox encountered many developments throughout the years and became in 1956 the first self-winding alarm watch in history.

Part of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most collectible timepieces, the name of the Memovox Polaris originates from a period passionate about polar exploration, ocean voyages and the conquest of space. Produced in 1,714 examples from 1965 to 1970, the Polaris was part of a small production, and became throughout time one of the most desirable diving wristwatches on the market.
With the reference E859, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced a new case of 42 mm diameter, considered very wide for the period. Through its size, the case of the wristwatch provided clear legibility under water and was furthermore delivered with a pierced case back designed to render the alarm sound more distinct under water.

In excellent overall condition, the rarity of the timepiece is further enhanced through its dial. Known as “Tropicalization”, the hour ring of the wristwatch has aged to an even brown shade, perfectly harmonizing with the luminous material.