This is a very fine and exceedingly rare stainless steel Memovox Polaris from by Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC). According to the Archives of Jaeger-LeCoultre, the present Polaris wristwatch was manufactured in 1963 (two years before the production model was launched) as a Prototype, so it is one of the rarest pieces reference E859 .
This highly attractive example is in remarkable original and features an automatic 17 jewel movement, and a mechanical alarm complication. The triangular indicator on the inner disc points to the time that the wearer desires the alarm to sound.
Polaris was designed as a divers watch, featuring some remarkable design features such as the loop on outer the case back, bored so that the sound and vibration of the alarm can be sensed over a rubber suit during a dive. Additionally, the inner case back sports the patented JLC “Super Compressor” system, which is activated when outside water pressure pushes on the crown, and compresses a rubber gasket that is housed between the crown and the case to create a waterproof seal.
Only 1,714 Polaris models were made between 1965 and 1969.
The self-winding JLC Caliber 825 is rhodium-plated with fausses cotes embellishment, and a straight-line lever escapement. The movement features a monometallic balance adjusted for temperature and 5 position, a shock absorbing mechanism, and a self-compensating flat balance spring, and an index regulator.
This timepiece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Jaeger LeCoultre. 42 mm diam.
