Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris E859

Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Polaris E859

First ringing into the watchmaking scene in 1950 with one of the most practical horological complications to date, an alarm, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox has become a truly iconic piece from “the watchmaker’s watchmaker”. While not the very first alarm wristwatch, the Memovox was marketed as a watch for businessmen with meetings and such to attend. However, JLC soon expanded upon the collection to other use cases, like the Memovox Parking in 1958 and the Memovox Deep Sea in 1959, the first diver’s watch with an alarm. Offered here as an expansion of that earlier diver’s watch is the Memovox E859, launched in 1965 and produced until 1970 in a run that is believed to have made roughly 1714 pieces. Featuring a trio of winding crowns, one for its inner bezel, one for its normal winding and time-setting and one for its alarm, the E859’s 42mm stainless steel construction is certainly commanding, especially when we consider how big watches were at the time of its production. Fitted with a large black dial with luminous indices and Arabic numerals, the Memovox championed legibility and functionality in a world where watches were normally much smaller and traditional. Brand : LeCoultre Dimensions : 42mm Model : Polaris Memovox Movement : Automatic Reference : E859 Bracelet : Stainless steel generic bracelet Year : Circa 1960s Condition : Excellent Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Black THE DIAL Combining three parts to create its dial, the E859's display features an inner dial that indicates when the alarm will sound, a stationary chapter ring that houses its luminous indices and numerals, and an outer rotating bezel which is to be used while diving. THE CONSTRUCTION] Measuring 42mm in diameter and boasting short faceted lugs alongside its trio of crowns, the E859 wears like a contemporary watch with its commanding presence on the wrist. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.