Pre-Owned Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Memovox 001-103-02807

WHY WE LOVE IT

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In 1947, Vulcain altered horology by creating the world's first ever wrist alarm, the Cricket.  Its success would lead to a bevy of wrist-mounted alarm watches from numerous brands.  

Jaeger-LeCoultre was one of those brands, but their approach to the wrist alarm perfected the concept and their offering, the Memovox, released in 1950, formed a new benchmark for the class. Like the Cricket, the Memovox employed a twin-crown system (the top crown to wind and set the alarm, the bottom to wind and set the time), but was differentiated by a unique alarm mechanism: a hammer that struck a post welded directly to the case back, unlike the Cricket, which uses a resonant dual case back design. With this innovation, JLC set itself apart, and created one of the most iconic models of post-war watchmaking. 

JLC quickly realized that their design was ripe for adaptation and began exploring different applications. In 1959, JLC released the Deep Sea Alarm which made waves as the first automatic wrist alarm designed to be worn under water. Rated to a depth of 200 meters, the Deep Sea Alarm was unmatched by any other manufacturer until Vulcain released the Cricket Nautical in 1961. 

Following the Deep Sea Alarm, JLC released the Polaris in 1968. Like the Deep Sea Alarm, the Polaris was a wrist alarm, but it was housed in a three-layered compressor case similar to those manufactured by EPSA. The Polaris had two case backs — one with holes bored in it to provide better acoustics for the alarm, and another inside it that formed a watertight seal. Inside of that was an additional inner layer of bronze, to magnify the sound of the alarm.

The particular watch we have here takes inspiration from this bevy of vintage JLCs of yore, combining their features and inspirations into a single, contemporary masterpiece. Dubbed the Polaris Mariner Memovox, it’s a highly water resistant, alarm-equipped tool watch on a steel bracelet. What more could one want?!

Dating to the 2020s, this example is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a sapphire exhibition caseback, three signed crowns, a smooth bezel, and an inner, rotating dive bezel. It features a handsome, deep blue sunray dial with applied ‘quadrant’ and ‘Arabic’ indices, a matching, skeletonized ‘sword’ handset, an inner alarm-setting dial, and a date window at 3:00. Powered by the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956 movement with 44 hours of power reserve, it comes paired to a stainless steel multi-link bracelet with a signed, double-push button deployant clasp. 

Innovative, historically inspired, well sized, and versatile, this is Jaeger-LeCoutlre’s modern, flagship tool watch — and it’s a doozy. But don’t take our word for it…

Get it on your wrist, STAT!

OVERALL CONDITION

Case is in outstanding condition overall showing only faint signs of wear from gentle use. Luminous multi-tone blue dial with inner-rotating alarm indicator and outer timing bezel is in as-new condition with matching 'skeleton' handset. Signed crown. Signed pushers.