Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox Mariner: A Collector's Hands-On Review

amanico · 2021-02-08T23:01:24Z

Explore amanico's in-depth review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox Mariner. Discover its modern ISO-compliant design, community insights on aesthetics, QC, and value. Essential for JLC collectors.

amanico

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Amanico's in-depth review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox Mariner offers a crucial hands-on perspective, moving beyond initial impressions to evaluate its real-world presence. His analysis is vital for understanding how JLC's modern dive watch iteration balances heritage with contemporary ISO standards. This article synthesizes community insights, providing a comprehensive look at a significant reference in the Polaris line.

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A few months ago, I posted my first feelings and thoughts on the Polaris Memovox Mariner, when the official pictures were unveiled.

I was impatient to discover it in real life, to see if my first positive reaction was the good one.

Indeed, the real experience is the only way to appreciate the proportions of the whole watch, its dial, and how you feel it, when it is between your hands or on your wrist.

That's what we'll see, now.

1/ The raison d'être of the Polaris Memovox Mariner:

Some will say that the Polaris Memovox Mariner is just another Polaris with a different dial. I strongly disagree with that statement.

Indeed, when the Tribute to Polaris 1965 and 1968 were issued in 2008, the purpose was to pay an sensuous homage to one of Jaeger Lecoultre icons.The vintage touch was the key factor of this watch, with its hyper domed plexy, and the strong color of the indices ( for the 1968 version ). These two versions stuck to the original in the closest way. The only modern part of the watch was the movement, the Cal 956, which was first used in the Tribute to Polaris.

With the Polaris Memovox 50th Anniversary, the icon has been deeply revisited, with a new case, new crowns, a different case back, revisited applied numbers and indices, new hands, a sapphire glass, and a different treatment of the dial, while the movement stays the same. So, yes, the idea behind this version is to get a modern iteration of the cult watch.

The Polaris Memovox Mariner goes farther in the modernity of the iconic diving watch, as it is the first Polaris to respect the Iso Norms such as an unidirectional bezel via a screw-in crown located at 3 o clock, different colors for the hours and minutes hands, and a water resistance of 300 meters now, instead of 200 meters, before ( while the Iso Norms require a minimum of 100 meters ). The former Polaris share two other Iso exigences with this new version: The running movement indicator and the luminosity in dark conditions.

So we can say that this new Polaris Memovox Mariner is a real and modern diving watch, as it respects all the Iso norms, hence the " diving " mention on the alarm disc.

2/ The aesthetics of the new Polaris Memovox Mariner:

When you read the characteristics of the Polaris Memovox Mariner, you can wonder if it is harmonious or if it is not a bit too chunky. Indeed, with a 42 mm big and 15, 6 mm thick case, the question is relevant.

In the metal, the answer is evident. The watch, although big and thick, is not too chunky. The secret? The thickness has been measured including the sapphire glass, which is 2, 3 mm high, and the case back, which is 2 mm thick. Once in your hands or on your wrist, it is well proportioned, better than on the paper!

You will admire the generous bevels on the lugs. As for the lugs, I wonder if they are not a tad slimmer than on the 50th Anniversary. I will have to try to ask Jaeger Lecoultre to show me both models and to take a side by side picture, just to check that point.

The three crowns are well integrated to the case, not too small nor too big, and nicely decorated.

Only the crown at three o' clock, dedicated to the internal turning bezel, is screwed. Unscrewed, an orange ring is appearing, warning you that you have to screw the crown in order to protect the watch against the intrusion of water before diving.

The other important part of the watch is, of course, the dial. The biggest concern with a blue dial is that the pictures can suggest, sometimes, a different hue than in reality. In the official pictures, I found it cool looking, but maybe a bit flat. In reality, I was totally convinced and seduced. The combination of these different hues of blue, white and small touches of orange is really working, at least for me. We are far from a flashy outcome.

The other major difference between this Polaris and the former ones... The case back, which is now a see through one, allowing to see the movement.

Here, I am a bit more dubitative. On the negative side, 2 points:

- I don't see the point to have a see through case back in a serious diving watch.

- I don't see the interest of having a see through case back when there is nothing exceptional to see ( movement ).

On the positive side, two points:

- The see through case back is a first for a Polaris. So, why not?

- At least you can see the hammer beating when the alarm is working, which is quite entertaining.

3/ The question of the Bracelet:

I am not a bracelet fan, but here I find it is quite nice. Simple, sober, it suggests the " tool watch character " of the Polaris, which is a good point. The other good point is that this bracelet is very pleasant and comfortable to wear.

Now I regret two things:

- The fact that we don't have the choice between this bracelet and a strap. It would have been great to have a Canvas strap, a navy blue one, with such a watch. Or a rubber!

Please, Jaeger Lecoultre, take this suggestion in consideration, pretty please!

- I also regret that this bracelet doesn't have a quick system to remove it.

But, once again, this bracelet is really good looking and its design goes very well with this Polaris.

4/ The movement:

The Cal 956 had to receive a new architecture for the peripheral gong and the hammer, due to the fact that the case back is not solid anymore but in sapphire.

As you can see, the rotor is in tungsten, which is not a true novelty since the different movements of the Polaris line received it in 2018.

I like the Cal 956 a lot. Introduced in 2008, it was a major improvement compared to the former Cal 918, offering for the first time ( if we exclude the Cal 912 introduced two years before ) a quick set of the date!

I just regret that Jaeger Lecoultre didn't take the opportunity of this new Polaris Memovox Mariner to offer a longer power reserve to their Cal 956, while they made it for the Cal 899, for example. The Cal 956 still has the 44 hours power reserve and a classic escapement, while the Cal 899 received a silicon escapement allowing a power reserve of 70 hours.

While we are at it, I find the alarm of the new Polaris Memovox Mariner to be more crystalline, but a tad lower, compared to the former ones. The impact of a see through case back, or of the peripheral gong?

CONCLUSION:

I will say it straight, the new Jaeger Lecoultre Polaris Memovox Mariner is a watch I like a lot. A true Polaris, a nice modernized icon, technical, fresh and young looking.

I love the dial, the new hands, and these colors in the dark.

I am pleased by the fact that it is not a limited edition, too.

While I find the bracelet very pleasant to see and comfortable to wear, I regret the absence of choice and the fact that there is no strap available ( for the moment ) for that watch.

Now I regret that the crowns for the alarm ( at 2 o'clock ) and the time ( at 4 o' clock ) are not screw-in, and that the case back still has these 4 tiny screws ( I would have much preferred a true screw-in case back. But I can live with those points, as long as the water resistance is efficient.

No, my major issue with this watch is... Its price: At more than 17, 000 Euros, I find it way too high. And that bugs me a lot, as I really love that watch!

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

About the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Ref. Polaris1965

The Memovox Polaris 1965 is a notable early iteration of Jaeger-LeCoultre's alarm-equipped diver's watch. This reference is distinguished by its triple-crown configuration and internal rotating bezel, a design that set it apart from other alarm watches of its era. It represents a significant development in the Memovox line, moving towards a more robust and purpose-built aesthetic while retaining the signature mechanical alarm function. The Polaris 1965 is recognized for its specific case construction and dial layout that differentiate it from subsequent Polaris models.

This particular reference features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 42mm in diameter, which was substantial for its time. It houses a self-winding mechanical movement, specifically the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 825, known for its reliability and integrated alarm mechanism. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal, contributing to its vintage profile. The design prioritizes legibility and functionality, with a black dial providing contrast for the luminous markers and hands.

For collectors, the Memovox Polaris 1965 holds interest as an original example of the Polaris series. Its relatively limited production and distinctive design elements make it a sought-after piece. It appeals to those who appreciate the historical evolution of the Memovox line and the brand's early ventures into watches with enhanced water resistance and specialized functions. The Polaris 1965 is a foundational model within the broader Memovox family.

Specifications

Caliber: JLC 825

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 42mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 200m

Crystal: Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

The Polaris Memovox Mariner's modern aesthetic and improved water resistance, along with a more functional crown, make it an exciting contemporary piece, especially for those without a strong attachment to the historical Polaris lineage.
While appreciating the watch's overall appeal, some collectors express a desire for a thinner case, potentially opting for the non-alarm version. There's also a call for more adventurous dial colors beyond the prevalent blue, suggesting options like orange, deep purple, or matte silver.
Concerns were raised about potential quality control issues, including reports of a recall for dial problems on the Mariner. Some argue that the watch represents a 'total mess' with design issues, cost-cutting decisions, and a lack of respect for Polaris history, particularly when compared to more faithful reissues or modern reinterpretations like the Blancpain Bathyscaphe.
A key point of discussion is the decision by JLC to have only one screw-down crown (for the internal bezel) on the Polaris Memovox Mariner, while the other two crowns are not. This design choice raises questions about water resistance integrity for casual skin-divers and why other reviews often omit this detail.
The choice of a sapphire caseback over a solid one is seen by some as an upgrade, given that few owners will use the watch for its actual diving purpose. There's also curiosity about the alarm's sound, with a preference for the 'School Bell' ring found in other Memovox models over the vibrating ring, despite the latter being more practical underwater.
Despite initial concerns about its perceived chunkiness, the Polaris Memovox Mariner feels 'just right' on the wrist. While acknowledging the non-screw-in crowns as a minor drawback, many collectors are willing to overlook it, viewing the watch as a strong modern JLC offering.

The Discussion

Feb 8, 2021

Wow it’s been a while since you’ve done a detailed post like this. I remembered all the wonderful posts you’ve written. I like the contrasting lume and the tungsten rotor. I like this piece but feel they priced it out of my reach (for it’s specs and material). This piece will never be mine - I will just admire it from afar.

fuigo

Feb 8, 2021

I 100% agree to your assessments on the physicality of this watch. On paper, it may seem chunky, but on the wrist it feels just right. I also think it’s a shame that not all crowns are screw-in, but it’s also something I can look past. At this point of my “watch collecting journey”, I’ve given up on finding the perfect watch. All in all, I believe it’s a great product. There haven’t been too many modern JLC models that interest me. This is the first! I look forward to future models in the modern

George Gently

Feb 9, 2021

The price is it's achilles heel. The competition starts to get really interesting in this price bracket. Too interesting for this good looking JLC. Regards, George

Echi

Feb 9, 2021

Same ISO rating/improvements sans alarm. Would you know if their bracelets come with micro adjust? I think this should be the new standard already for bracelets along with quick removal a la VC or Cartier. And, yes, no harm in throwing in a rubber strap a la VC Overseas!

Monopole

Feb 9, 2021

Still holding out for our own special edition... :0)

aperna

Feb 9, 2021

I agree with all of your salient points. Some of these I have shared with my own PM 50th anniversary edition. However this is certainly a most beautiful time piece that I would love to have but not at this price point. I would imagine that the sapphire back probably affects the tone of the alarm.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox Mariner: A Collector's Hands-On Review

About the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Ref. Polaris1965

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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