They were equipped with several types of dial and hands, accordingto the markets for which they were intended today, the slightest variations of numerals, hourmarkersand signatures generates passionate interest among fervent contemporary collectors.In 2008, Jaeger-LeCoultre honours this legendary model by creating two Memovox Tribute toPolaris replicas. But this name mostly echoed the adventurous spirit of the 1960s, distinguished by adetermination to travel ever faster and further, in an era when the public at large was fascinatedby the space race, ocean discoveries and polar exploration.Research work began on the Memovox Polaris in 1962, and 1,714 of these watches were madebetween 19. In order to meet the specificdemands of the American market, the first to show an interest, the Memovox was christenedPolaris after the famous American missiles symbolising the Western strike force during the ColdWar. Sincewater resistance is the cornerstone of any diver's watch, the new model featured the patentedPiquerez Compressor system, as well as three super-sealed crowns.Powered by the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 825, with a balance performing 18,800vibrations per hour, the Memovox Polar also showed the date through a window at 3 o'clock.In harmony with the size of the case itself, the movement was remarkably large for a wristwatch:14 lignes, meaning 31.6 mm in diameter, and 7.6 mm thick. Representing a new breakthrough intechnological history, its triple-back case enabled optimal diffusion of sound under water. It was driven by a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 815, the first movement in watchmakinghistory to feature both automatic winding and an alarm function.Six years later, the Memovox Polaris was born. The latter served to remind the diver that it was time to return to thesurface. The Memovox Deep Sea launched in 1959 was the very first diver's watch to be equipped with an alarm. The second is the most famousmodel of all, created in 1968.History of a legendAlmost half a century ago, Jaeger-LeCoultre had already left an indelible imprint on the historyof diving. The first correspondsto the original Memovox Polaris, as it was launched in 1965. And what better tribute could itpay than by opting for faithful replicas equipped with the latest technical innovations inherentto Jaeger-LeCoultre's 21st century automatic movements?The two models that made the most lasting impact on their era were chosen for the 2008re-editions, presented under the title of Memovox Tribute to Polaris. It was therefore high time for the Manufacture toexpress its gratitude to a watch that has become an icon.
Its powerful design, dynamic form and blendof performance and energy continue to pervade all the Jaeger-LeCoultre sporting models tothis day: from the Master Compressor Memovox to the AMVOX, as well as the all-newMaster Compressor Diving watches. Regarded as theepitome of the sports watch for the past four decades, the Memovox is an extremely raretimepiece that is fiercely coveted by collectors.
Bothreflecting and perpetuating this vocation, the Memovox Polaris represents an inexhaustiblesource of inspiration for the creative talents at work in the Manufacture.
Memovox Tribute to Polaris,renaissance of a legendary watch.For 175 years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been tirelessly inventing and discovering new technicaland aesthetic horizons, thus renewing the grand Swiss watchmaking traditions.