Jaeger-LeCoultre Memodate Polaris E859 – 1967 - SOLD

The elegance of the deep, the thrill of a mechanical alarm, all wrapped in an almost-secret icon.

The Memovox is the story of a talking watch. Literally. In 1950, Jaeger-LeCoultre shook up the watchmaking world by launching the first wristwatch equipped with a mechanical alarm. Named Memovox — “the voice of memory” — it was an instant success, becoming an iconic model that blended refinement and functionality.

Over the years, the Memovox evolved: date display, automatic winding, refined alarm mechanism… These innovations reached their peak with a version that would become legendary — the Memodate Polaris E859.

The example presented here is particularly exceptional. Made in 1967 for the American market, it features a rare dial signature: LeCoultre Memodate. While most Polaris dials were simply marked LeCoultre or Memovox, the Memodateinscription appears only on certain models intended for North America, likely to highlight the combination of an alarm (Memo) and a date function (Date). A discreet detail, reserved for a handful of pieces, and now highly sought after by collectors.

But don’t be fooled — this watch isn’t just a vintage beauty. It’s also a serious tool watch. Its 42 mm stainless steel case, oversized for its era, houses the famous patented triple-back compressor case, designed to guarantee water resistance up to 200 meters while also amplifying the sound of the alarm — even underwater. A world first.

Inside beats the automatic Caliber K825 with bumper rotor — a movement as technically clever as it is charming. It powers the mechanical alarm, central seconds, date window, and an internal rotating bezel operated via crown. All protected beneath a domed plexiglass crystal, a bold visual signature of dive watches from this golden era.

The Polaris E859 was produced in just 1,714 pieces between 1965 and 1970. Among them, the year 1967 stands out. Based on cross-referenced archival research and seasoned collector observations, it appears that only 9 examples of the E859 were made that year — a detail not officially confirmed by Jaeger-LeCoultre, but widely accepted within the enthusiast community. If true, it makes this piece even more special.

Delivered with its official Jaeger-LeCoultre archive extract dated January 2024, this watch embodies history, technical mastery, and style — all in one.
A timepiece that awakens memory, senses… and wrist.