![]() ![]() As JLC dropped all its sports-oriented collections, this new Polaris line-up became rather crucial for a brand only focussed on dress watches or high-complications. Ten years later, in 2018, and to mark the 50th anniversary of this watch, the brand decided to give it another look… But this time, no longer a 1-to-1 re-edition, no longer a limited edition but a modernized version with a full, sporty-elegant collection of watches with several complications available – time-only, diver, chronograph, chrono-WT, worldtime, and of course, a Memovox. The 2008 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris 40th Anniversary – image Antiquorum. Once again, not something for the long run or for the masses. In 2008, to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1st-gen Polaris Memovox, Jeager-LeCoultre launched a faithful re-edition, with 768 pieces in steel and 165 pieces in platinum. Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris II Blue E870 – image Timeless Watches. Still, the first-generation Polaris Memovox had a short life and was discontinued in 1969, with around 2,000 pieces manufactured.It was later replaced by the Polaris Memovox II, a watch truly dans l’air du temps, with an undeniable 1970s flair: an ovoid case with integrated lugs, an external bright blue bezel and double gradient dial (you can see where this is going) but still an alarm function. The 1968 Memovox Polaris, a compressor diver with alarm function There was an alarm there for that purpose… In fact, quite practical indeed. Once again, there was no need to look at the watch to keep track of elapsed times. This watch combined a compressor-style case – internal rotating bezel – with the alarm function, meaning three crowns on the right side of the case… Visually bold for sure, but that gave this Polaris its true identity. In 1968, Jeager-LeCoultre upgraded the diving/alarm watch and introduce thed Polaris Memovox – which could well be the brand’s most iconic, most sought-after sports watch. ![]() ![]() The 1959 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Deep Sea, the brand’s first dive watch with alarm function – image Sotheby’s. The alarm was used as an additional indication to the count-up bezel – for diving times or decompression stages. Then, remember that back in the 1950s, watches had a real purpose. First of all, JLC mastered this complication for several years. The Memovox featured a combination of diving capacities and an alarm function – which might strike you as a surprising feature for a dive watch. Not really. This watch wasn’t JLC’s first attempt of a dive watch in 1959 the brand already had the Memovox Deep Sea, one of its most iconic instrument watches. It is one of those names that vintage enthusiasts cherish. If you’re into watches, the name Polaris should seem familiar. And as I’ve now had a chance to see it in the metal, let’s give this Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date “Blue Double Gradient” a closer look. More recently, the Grande Maison launched a limited edition with a rather funky, 1970s-inspired blue dial (and guess what, I liked it). I already had a thing for the Polaris Date, when JLC presented it at the SIHH 2018. If you didn’t know yet (well, now you’ll know), I have a soft spot for vintage-looking dive watches… I know, I’m weak – and I never dive – but when they are done right, I can’t help myself.
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