SIHH 2008: Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced two watches which recreate the legendary Memovox Polaris models of the 1960's--divers timepieces made remarkable for their innovative alarm mechanisms.   Jaeger-LeCoultre has presented two limited edition models which faithfully recreate the original Memovox Polaris of 1965, and the equally fabled Memovox Polaris of 1968.  

Both Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris watches share certain characteristics in common, derived from their famous forebearers.  The 42mm case shows off a luxurious polish, and features 3 crowns; one sets the alarm, another is responsible for winding and setting, and the third governs the distinctive internal rotating bezel.  The vintage-inspired black dial is matte finished and showcases wedge-shaped luminous hour markers; the central section of the dial rotates, and indicates the setting of the alarm mechanism, in coordination with the arrow.  A date display is shown at 3 o'clock.  

Ticking inside the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris watches is the Calibre 956, a mechanism manufactured in-house by Jaeger-LeCoultre.  This 7.45mm-thick self-winding movement features a balance wheel which alternates Shturmanskie Watches 28,800 times each hour.  The central winding rotor is mounted on ceramic bearings, which require no lubrication.  Power reserve is 45 hours.  A unique characteristic of this caliber is the alarm mechanism, which incorporates a hanging gong system that generates optimal volume of sound.  This caliber is protected beneath a unique double-caseback system that ensures water resistance to 200 meters; the engraved outer caseback features a system of 16 holes, an element shared with the original Memovox Polaris watch.  This design enhances the acoustic performance of the gong when the watch is pressed against a diving wetsuit.   Chanel Watches

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute watches are both fitted with convex crystals made from a synthetic material, whose profile matches that of the 1960's originals.  A patterned leather strap completes both watches, which are matched to a pin-style buckle in stainless steel or platinum.    The platinum Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1965 watch, distinguished by its dauphine-shaped hands, is presented in a lsabella Fiore Bags series of 165.  The stainless steel Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968 watch features slender baton-shaped hands, and will be limited to an edition of 768.