LeCoultre Polaris Memodate E 859 Auction Guide
Vintage

LeCoultre Polaris Memodate E 859 Auction Guide

By amanico · Oct 23, 2019 · 30 replies
amanico
WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum
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Amanico delves into the historical intricacies of the LeCoultre Polaris Memodate E 859, prompted by an upcoming Phillips auction. His detailed breakdown of production numbers and dial variations offers crucial insights for collectors and enthusiasts, highlighting the rarity and evolution of this iconic vintage diver's watch. This post serves as an invaluable reference for understanding the nuances of the Polaris E 859's lineage.


A Lecoultre Polaris Reference E 859 " Memodate " will soon be auctioned by Phillips. 

It is the opportunity to remind some facts. 

The Polaris E 859 certainly is a rare watch, with only 50 prototypes made in 1963 ( not issued, just prototypes ), 500 watches made in 1965 with this dial: 

The Polaris, which belonged to the Curator of the Jaeger Lecoultre Heritage Gallery.


The Polaris 1965: 


And, perhaps, 1214 watches made from 1967 to 1970 with this dial: 


If I said " perhaps ", it is because the Manufacture stated that 1150 Polaris E 859 were produced in 1968, 55 in 1970, and only 9 watches in 1967. 

The two years which let me perplex are 1970 ( I didn't see even one ), and 1967 with the estimation of only 9 pieces. 

Indeed, I saw two E 859 from 1967 in the metal, and, in pictures, 7 others. I think it is highly improbable that I saw 100 % of the Polaris made in 1967... There may be a bit more!

Still, the 1967 is probably the rarest of the Polaris ever made. 

That's for the rarity. Now, some words about the dial... 

The Polaris " Memodate " certainly is the rarest, prototypes apart as I only saw one. The one to be auctioned is the fourth I saw... Only four... 

Here are the four of them: 

Credit picture: Jglydon:


Credit Antiquorum:


Credit Phillips:


And the fourth, which is the one to soon be auctioned: 


Exactly the same watch ( with the same case number ) which was auctioned some years ago by Christies: 


Do all the Polaris 1965 and 1968 come with some wording on the alarm disc? No. Only the Lecoultre. Never the Jaeger Lecoultre. 

Example of a Jaeger Lecoultre Polaris 1965. 


A Jaeger Lecoultre Polaris 1968. 


The Lecoultre Polaris 1965 and 1968: 


And to end in beauty, a Jaeger Lecoultre Polaris 1967: 


So, to make it clear, only on the Lecoultre Polaris you will find a wording, most of the time " Memovox " and only in a very cases, " Memodate ", and the mention " Memodate " will only be seen on the 1967 version. Another interesting point, the case numbers are very close: 1, 099, 785, 1, 099, 714, and 1, 099, 761.The fourth one, I don't know ( Jglydon's one ).

Hence the interest of this Polaris 1967. I am curious to see if this specificity will be reflected by the outcome of this auction... 

Best,

Nicolas

About the Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Ref. Polaris1968

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris 1968 is a notable iteration of the Memovox line, distinguished by its multi-crown design and internal rotating bezel. This particular reference is recognized for its robust case construction and the integration of an alarm function, a signature complication of the Memovox series, presented in a sport-oriented configuration. It represents a specific period in the development of the Memovox collection, offering a distinct aesthetic and functional profile.

This timepiece features a stainless steel case, measuring 42mm in diameter. It is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber K825, which provides the time, alarm, and an internal rotating bezel function. The crystal protecting the dial is acrylic, contributing to its period-correct appearance. The movement offers a power reserve suitable for daily wear.

For collectors, the Memovox Polaris 1968 holds interest due to its unique design elements and its place within the broader history of alarm watches. Its three-crown configuration, with one crown for winding and setting the time, another for setting and activating the alarm, and a third for operating the internal bezel, makes it a distinctive piece. The watch appeals to those who appreciate mid-century sports watch designs with integrated complications.

Specifications

Caliber
Caliber K825
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
42mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
RE
Reuven Malter
Oct 23, 2019

The best thing is the box though. It really helps presenting the watch because you can just put your watch into your box, open the box and make a presentation worthy of the JLC museum.

JU
julienbroucaret
Apr 4, 2023

Hello there, I am new on the forum, my name is Julien, I am french, living in Paris. I bought a Memovox Polaris 68 about a year ago, this watch was in good position on my wishlist ! Paradoxically I started to read more and take information on it after the acquisition. After reading Le Monde Edmond article I understood that what "attracted" me at the first sight was basically a quiet rare dial: the Memodate ! I am now on this thread where I guess other owner(s) are present... and I will be very h

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