Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Alarm ‘Tribute to Polaris’ 190.8.96

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This Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox ‘Tribute to Polaris’ was released in 2008 as a limited edition of only 768 pieces to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Memovox Polaris reference E859 which launched in 1968. The original Memovox Polaris is an iconic watch based on another iconic watch; the JLC Deep Sea Alarm, which was the first dive watch with alarm ever made. The Memovox Polaris took what was great about the Deep Sea Alarm and built on it, offering better visibility due to its larger case size and improved usability.

The design of the Memovox Polaris is an incredible achievement. Despite being a hardened dive watch with a water-resistance rating of 200 metres, it’s still a visually stunning timepiece with vintage-inspired looks suitable for wear in any situation. But what makes the design so special is the way in which it hides its complexity. Even though it’s one of the most complicated dive watches on the market, you wouldn’t know it on first glance. There are dive watches with a quarter of the functions of this watch that look cluttered and confusing – something you don’t want on a watch supposed to be used underwater. The Memovox Polaris is a serious horological heavy-hitter that neatly combines its various functions into a clean and highly-legible package.

The watch is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 956, a highly-innovative, reliable and visually beautiful movement. The alarm function on the watch works by striking a case-mounted brass gong providing improved resonance and sound quality. The movement has a bi-directional automatic-winding system with a ball-bearing rotor for maximum efficiency. It also has a resting power-reserve of 45 hours, 23 jewels and a quick-set date function.

For this legendary model, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a patented double caseback design intended to optimise the sound transmission of the alarm underwater. The inner caseback is sealed to protect the movement while the outer caseback has a perforated 16-hole design which creates a hollowed-out layer that acts as a sound chamber. This allows the alarm to not only be heard but also felt on the wrist.

The watch has three crowns controlling each of the watch’s functions. The top crown is used to wind-up the alarm when in the neutral position, and when pulled out is used to set the alarm when rotated clockwise and set the date when rotated anti-clockwise. The middle crown is used to adjust the inner rotating bezel which is used to time dive length. The lower crown is used to manually-wind the watch in the neutral position and set the hands when pulled out.

The watch is in very good condition showing only very light superficial wear. The watch is fitted with a brand-new unworn JLC calf leather strap. It also comes with two additional JLC straps in worn condition: A black perforated diving strap with cross-hatching pattern inspired by carbon-fibre and a black calf leather strap with yellow stitching. The strap has a JLC stainless-steel folding clasp making the watch easy to take on and off whilst providing extra security on the wrist.

The watch comes as a complete-set with box and papers. Also included is a spare plexiglass crystal that a watchmaker can fit on the watch should you ever damage the current one. The watch was originally purchased from Hardy Brothers in Sydney in 2010.

The watch has been tested and inspected for performance and is in excellent working condition. Hailwood Peters guarantees the watch for authenticity. Hailwood Peters provides a one-year warranty on the watch.

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