MK Personal Collection Rare LeCoultre "Polaris" Compressor Diving Wristwatch Circa 1968
The Estate Department Collection
In stock
| Item Number | 97486 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.0000 |
| Item Brand | Jaeger LeCoultre |
| Band Size | 7 1/4" |
| Band | Steel |
| Box & Papers | None |
| Caliber | E825 |
| Case | Steel |
| Serial Number on Case | 1.099.662 6-67 E859 |
| Circa | 1968 |
| Condition | Very Good (Case has been polished and the watch is in overall used condition) |
| Notes About Condition | Case has been polished and the watch is in overall used condition |
| Condition of Movement | Running But Does Not Keep Accurate Time |
| Serial Number on Movement | 1.870.409 |
| Crystal | Plastic |
| Dial | Original |
| Gender | Men's |
| Jewels | 17 |
| Model | Polaris |
| Reference | E859 |
MK Personal Collection The present lot is part of a larger privately held collection and is intended for exhibition purposes only.
Rare LeCoultre "Polaris" Compressor Diving Wristwatch Circa 1968. This fine and very rare men's LeCoultre wristwatch with rare dive alarm features is the most sought after Jaeger LeCoultre around. It features a massive steel case with the patented snap back featuring the alarm holes. It measures 47.00mm x 46.00mm including the crown. It is stamped on the inside cover "LeCoultre Co Swiss Compressor 6-67 E859". It has a LeCoultre Swiss automatic movement, Cal E825 memovox that is in good running condition (Serial #1,870,409). The watch is topped with a mint condition original black dial with luminescent arrow indexes, inner bidirectional rotating timing bezel with date window at 3 o'clock. This model was first produced between 1965-1970 where a total of approximately 1,700 watches were produced and that was it. As you can see the watch is in overall excellent condition. It comes from the original owner. The watch just needs a good polish. The bracelet is not LeCoultre.
One of the Jaeger-LeCoultre's most collectible timepieces, the Memovox Polaris is part of the firm's line of divers watches developed between 1959 and 1970, its name evoking the spirit of adventure and discovery at an epoch passionate about polar exploration, ocean voyages and the conquest of space.
Launched in 1965 and made in 1714 examples only, the Memovox Polaris was not only a milestone in the history of diving watches but also for Jaeger-LeCoultre. The revolutionary mechanical alarm system consists of a patented triple case back to optimise the transmission of sound under the water. The outermost is pierced with 16 holes and enables the sound to be heard easily under water. The inner case back is the waterproof seal. The three oversized crowns allowing easy time and alarm setting even under water are of particular design, showing a cross hatch pattern.