The recent resurgence of interest in vintage dive watches has demonstrated how lucrative this particular market has become. Submariner, Seadweller, Seamaster come to mind immediately, as some of these models have had a cult-like fan base for decades. Continued publicity, exposure in movies and the impact of “certain” auctions ensure accelerating their value into the stratosphere. Enter Jaeger-LeCoultre and its legendary “Memovox Polaris I” from 1963, the first watch fitted with a triple back and compressor system, meeting the most rigorous demands by deep-sea divers of its era.

Taking the evolution of dive watches a step further, the Memovox Polaris I also became the first automatic dive watch ever to incorporate an alarm function and date.

For this, the oversized 42mm case incorporated a newly designed triple back to ensure that the sound of the alarm would be audible in full submersion. Jaeger-LeCoultre equipped the Polaris I with the famous caliber 825.

The introduction of the patented “Piquerez Compressor System” would increase water resistance to 200 meters /660 feet.

Details

Stock # 16203

Brand Jaeger LeCoultre

Model Name Memovox Polaris II

Condition Very Good

Gender Mens

Movement Automatic

Case Stainless Steel

Case Shape Round

Case Size 44 mm

Crystal Sapphire

Band / Strap Strap

Dial Blue

Caseback Solid

Complications Alarm

Date

Additional Information extremely rare LeCoultre dive watch from 1971.

Additionally, the engineers and designers at Jaeger-LeCoultre would place the bezel under the crystal, which could be rotated by a third waterproof crown, placed in between the two now iconic Memovox crowns at the 2 and 4’o clock position.

Following the introduction of the first Memovox Polaris, a total of only 1764 examples would ever be issued between 1965 & 1970.

The Polaris I has easily become one of the most sought after dive watches and has appreciated dramatically over the past three years.

…1971 was the year Jaeger-LeCoultre would introduce the next generation of the Polaris, the Memovox Polaris II !!!

Certainly no easy task, JLC knew it had to improve on the Polaris I.

For this, a new high frequency movement, the calibre 916 was created. Beating at 28.800 vibrations per hour, the calibre 916 inside the Polaris II achieved a new level of accuracy.

In fact, this superlative movement is being used today in the Master Compressor Memovox!

The watch you are looking at is the famous Memovox Polaris II. The oversized eggshell shaped stainless steel of 44mm features a blue bezel and dial, which makes the watch extremely legible under water.

The example we are offering is in its rare original condition. The dial is marked LeCoultre, indicating that this particular watch was produced for the American market. The letters, “HPG” (High Precision Guarantee”), were also additionally applied on models heading to the US.

It is overall in very good condition with moderate wear on the case. The rich blue dial is in excellent condition, as is the bezel. The strap is an Hermes-Style blue buttery soft grained calf leather.

In total, only 1120 Memovox Polaris II examples were ever produced, making this watch quite rarer than its predecessor, the Memovox Polaris I.

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