Jaeger-Le Coultre Memovox "Tribute to Polaris"
In 1947, Vulcain altered horology by creating the world's first ever wrist alarm, the Cricket. Its success would lead to a bevy of wrist-mounted alarm watches from numerous brands.
Jaeger-LeCoultre was one of those brands, but their approach to the wrist alarm perfected the concept and their offering, the Memovox, released in 1950, formed new benchmark for the class. Like the Cricket, the Memovox employed a twin-crown system (the top crown to wind and set the alarm, the bottom winding and setting the time), but was differentiated by a unique alarm mechanism: a hammer that struck a post welded directly to the case back, unlike the Cricket, which uses a resonant dual case back design. With this innovation, JLC set itself apart, and created one of the most iconic models of post-war watchmaking.
JLC quickly realized that their design was ripe for adaptation and began exploring different applications. In 1959, JLC released the Deep Sea Alarm which made waves as the first automatic wrist alarm designed to be worn under water.
Following the Deep Sea Alarm, JLC released the Polaris in 1968. Like the Deep Sea Alarm, the Polaris was a wrist alarm, but it was housed in a three-layered compressor case similar to those manufactured by EPSA. The Polaris had two case backs--one with holes bored in it to provide better acoustics for the alarm, and another inside it that formed a watertight seal. Inside of that was an additional inner layer of bronze, to magnify the sound of the alarm.
The Polaris was rare, with only 1714 pieces being produced. Existing examples that find their way on the vintage marketplace often suffer from signs of wear, particularly in the bezels. Many a collector dreams of finding one in excellent condition, but those examples are few and far between.
Information:
Pre-Owned: Jaeger-Le Coultre Memovox "Tribute to Polaris"
Reference: Q2008470
Dated: 2010
Limited: 768 Pieces
Bracelet: JLC Strap
Case: 42mm x 17.52 Thickness - Stainless Steel
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: JLC 956 - Automatic
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Alarm
Accessories: Inner and outer boxes, booklets, warranty papers
Crystal: Plexiglass
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition: Great
Case has light normal wear with no dings. Strap is in good shape with light wear and cut at top. Dial and hands are in perfect shape. Crystal is in great shape. No service history on this watch but is running great.
History of Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833 in Switzerland's Vallée de Joux, began as a small workshop established by Antoine LeCoultre. Driven by innovation and precision, LeCoultre's company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality timepieces and movement production. In 1903, a partnership with Parisian businessman Edmond Jaeger led to the formation of Jaeger-LeCoultre, combining Swiss watchmaking expertise with French elegance.
Throughout the 20th century, Jaeger-LeCoultre solidified its position as a leader in watchmaking innovation. The company's milestones include the creation of the world's thinnest pocket watch (1925), the self-winding Atmos clock (1928), the iconic Reverso watch (1931), and the Master Memovox alarm wristwatch (1950). Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to operate as a true "Manufacture," designing and producing its timepieces entirely in-house, while maintaining its legacy of innovation and exceptional craftsmanship.
