871
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Ref. E859
Memovox Polaris
A very rare and well-preserved stainless steel diver's wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date, alarm function, additional bracelet, blank guarantee and box
- Estimate
- HK$150,000 - 240,000€17,300 - 27,600$20,000 - 30,000
HK$187,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Year
- 1965
- Reference No
- E859
- Movement No
- 1’542’558
- Case No
- 987’297
- Model Name
- Memovox Polaris
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. K825, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Rubber
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel buckle
- Dimensions
- 42 mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, and movement signed
- Accessories
- With blank guarantee, Jaeger-LeCoultre green presentation box, manual booklet, additional off-brand stainless steel bracelet and outer packaging. Further Accompanied by Jaeger-LeCoultre Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1965
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1950 by Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Memovox — a portmanteau of voice and memory — is by all means one of the most desirable and reliable vintage alarm wristwatches on the market. Created as a response to an increasing demand for diver’s wristwatches, in 1959 Jaeger-LeCoultre launched an upgraded model of their alarm wristwatch series: the Memovox Polaris ref. E859.
For this legendary model, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a patented caseback, which intended to optimize the sound transmission of the alarm in subaquatic environments. The outer case, with its 16 holes, allowed for the alarm tone to be heard and also felt on the wrist, while the inner case is sealed to protect the movement.
The Memovox 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. Complimented with a blank guarantee and fitted presentation box, the present lot is not only a fine example from the iconic ref. E859 series, but is also highly collectable for watch collectors around the world.
For this legendary model, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a patented caseback, which intended to optimize the sound transmission of the alarm in subaquatic environments. The outer case, with its 16 holes, allowed for the alarm tone to be heard and also felt on the wrist, while the inner case is sealed to protect the movement.
The Memovox 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. Complimented with a blank guarantee and fitted presentation box, the present lot is not only a fine example from the iconic ref. E859 series, but is also highly collectable for watch collectors around the world.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Swiss | 1833Not 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.
Browse MakerIn 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.