We recently shared the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection with you upon its introduction at this year’s SIHH exhibition. Today, we have the Polaris Memovox model for review which was arguably the most talked about timepiece in the collection.
It seems this year will the year of the Polaris Collection for Jaeger-LeCoultre. The new collection features five different models that are all inspired by the legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox debuted in 1968. The model we have today is the re-make of this iconic timepiece.
The new model, introduced with a limited span of 1000 units only 50 years after its debut, comes in a stainless steel case measuring 42mm in diameter. The case features the brand’s classic triple winding crown design. The top crown is used to set the mechanical alarm function. The middle one turns the rotating inner bezel and the lower one sets the time and date functions.
The dial of the model consists of 3 different circles enclosing each other. All finished in black, the center chapter features a Sun Ray pattern surface while the outer one sports a grainy texture. The bezel is black opal. The date display window is located at 3 o’clock. All hands and indices are filled with beige colored Super-LumiNOVA phosphor material.
The mechanical alarm function of the model is set effortlessly by using the dedicated winding crown located at 2 o’clock. The alarm and date functions, which are among the most useful complications, work perfectly in this model.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox is powered by the Caliber 956. Based on the Caliber 912, the self-winding movement is also found in other Memovox models. 23 jewels movement (composed of 268 parts) beats at 4Hz and offers a 45 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Although being able to enjoy a mechanical alarm movement through a sapphire crystal display caseback, the model is equipped with a solid stainless steel caseback featuring an engraved illustration of a vintage dive mask and the timepiece’s limited edition number.
The model comes on a black rubber strap that is secured by a matt brushed stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre signed folding clasp. The straps wearing comfort needs no extra introduction but visually it looks tad ordinary.
One of my favorite models in the new Polaris Collection, which meets watchmakers in SIHH 2018, Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox is getting ready to take its place in boutiques with a label price of 12700.00 EUR. The new model takes its place in our archives as arguably the best alternative in its pretty limited segment offering a mechanical alarm function introduced in a retro-inspired diver’s watch.
