====== Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris ======
The **Memovox Polaris** is a classic [[alarm]] [[dive watch]] produced by [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] from [[1963]] through [[1970]].

===== Memovox Polaris =====
Introduced in [[1963]] and released for sale in [[1965]], the **Memovox Polaris** combined two hot trends It was a [[Compressor]]-case [[dive watch]] and also featured an [[alarm]] function and date window, the first dive watch so equipped. Replacing the famous [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Automatic|Deep Sea Automatic]], the Polaris added a third crown (at 3 00) to operate an internal [[dive bezel]]. It also updated the case with [[EPSA]] [[Compressor]] technology, having a triple case back The outermost case back was perforated to allow the alarm to be audible; the second caseback snapped on and featured a Compressor gasket, while the inner caseback was struck by the alarm hammer as on other [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox|Memovox]] models.

Like all Compressor models, the Polaris featured crosshatch-inscribed [[crown]]s, but this was the only three-crown Compressor. It is also unusual among non-Super Compressors in having multiple crowns The [[Super Compressor]] models from other makers had two crowns, including one to operate an internal dive bezel, but the Polaris lacked the screw-on caseback of those models. The Polaris was also unusually large for a Compressor at 42 mm.

The Memovox Polaris was rated for 200 m (660 ft). The Polaris featured the new Jaeger-LeCoultre [[JLC 825|Cal. 825]], an update to the classic [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox|Memovox]] movements with a date wheel and second-generation automatic winding system.

When production ended in [[1970]], 1,764 examples had been produced. The classic Memovox Polaris look was the reference for the modern [[Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX1]].

===== Memovox Polaris II =====
In [[1971]], Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the next-generation **Memovox Polaris II**. The chief technical improvement was the introduction of Jaeger-LeCoultre's [[JLC 916|"Speedbeat" Cal. 916]], which operated at 28,000 A/h.

The Polaris II featured a stylish new 43 mm oval case and more-daring dials. A majority of Polaris II watches were destined for the US market and feature a turquoise bezel, "LeCoultre"-signed dial, and "HPG" (High Precision Guarantee) logo. The European market version features a grey bezel and grey "Jaeger LeCoultre GT" (Grand Taille) dial.

Only 1,120 Memovox Polaris II models were produced.

===== Tribute to Polaris =====
In [[2008]], Jaeger-LeCoultre released a series of limited-edition watches as tributes to the classic Polaris. These included the Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968 (768 pieces in steel) and the Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1965 (65 pieces in steel and 65 pieces in platinum). The "Tribute 1968" (Ref. 200.84.70) features the looks of the original in a large 42 mm case. The 1965 model is rarer, with the steel versions limited to the company's Paris boutique. [[JLC 956|Cal. 956]] is used for both watches.

The Memovox Tribute to Polaris watches are credited to [[Magali Métrailler]], Jaeger-LeCoultre's first female designer. She has said that it was the original Memovox Polaris that was her inspiration for the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor|Master Compressor]] and [[Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX|AMVOX]] line.

===== Polaris Collection =====
In [[2018]], Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced a new line of Polaris watches, including a [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic|Polaris Automatic]], [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date|Polaris Date]], [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph|Polaris Chronograph]], [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph WT|Polaris Chronograph WT (World Timer)]], and [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox|Polaris Memovox]]. These resemble the 1968 Polaris line, with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 and triangular hour markers between. A special boutique edition (limited to 250 pieces) was also created, the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic WT|Polaris Geographic WT]] with [[JLC 936|Cal. 936A/1]].


{{tag>Watch_models Jaeger-LeCoultre_models Jaeger-LeCoultre_Memovox_models Dive_watches Alarm_watches}}