Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris E859 42mm

iconic diver - rare alarm complication - big case

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris E859 42mm - vintage diver's watch from 1968
vintage diver's watch from 1968
case with sharp lugs
black dial with big tritium markers
big 42mm diameter
triple crowns with hatching pattern
special case bottom with 16 holes to amplify the alarm sound
automatic caliber K825 by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Serial number, diving helmet, date stamp and the reference number inside the case back
amazing presence on the wrist
old LeCoultre Polaris poster
'Memovox pour l'homme d'action'
Excerpt from the JLC catalog

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Description
In 1959, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented the first automatic diving watch with an alarm: the Memovox Deep Sea Alarm Ref. E857.

Its direct successor was the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris, presented in 1963, which is the reference E859 you see here. About 1700 pieces of this watch were made until 1970, before it came to the end of production.

The case diameter of 42mm was exceptionally large by the standards of the time, but perfectly suited for underwater legibility. Over time, the watch gained iconic status due to its simple design and rare complication. Today, the Polaris E859 is one of the most collectible wristwatches on the vintage market.

Housed under a hesalite crystal, the black dial features large tritium markers, a rotating inner bezel and a date window. Together with the three large crowns, the watch has a design you would expect from a classic vintage diver.

From a mechanical perspective, the Polaris is a masterpiece! JLC developed a unique triple caseback system that prevents the alarm sound from being muffled. For example, the outer caseback has 16 holes and acts as a resonator, amplifying the alarm sound. Thus, the sound is audible even underwater.

The three distinctive crowns are used to control the functions of the Polaris. The upper crown is used to wind the alarm and, when pulled out, to set the alarm time. The inner bezel can be turned with the crown at 3 o'clock. The lower crown is used to wind the movement and set the time.

Condition report.
Dial: immaculate condition without scratches, marks or other imperfections - original and intact tritium lume in hour markers and hands - signed "T SWISS MADE T".

Case: great condition - rarely worn - beveled lugs with perfect bevels and edges - intact and correct numbers inside the caseback - original crowns with typical cross-hatching.

Movement: Automatic caliber JLC 825 operates flawlessly in all functions.

Summing-Up.
Rarity, design, size, mechanics, historical relevance: The list of outstanding features of this timepiece is pretty long. It is not for nothing that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris E859 occupies a special place among connoisseurs of sophisticated diving watches.

Case number: 1116xxx
Movement number: 1952xxx

Int.Exe.: 1304090
Features

Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre

Model: Memovox Polaris

Reference: E859

Functions: alarm - date - central second - hour and minute - rotating bezel

Material: Stainless steel

Dial: black

Watch glass: acrylic crystal

Bracelet: leather

Type of clasp: pin buckle

Diameter: 42mm

Caliber name: Jaeger LeCoultre K825

Movement type: automatic

Year of Manufacture: 1968

Overall condition: 9 - has rarely been worn - top condition

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