Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Ref. E859 - Original Family Owned
The Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris is the most complicated way to solve a problem - and that is why we love it!
What is that problem? How do I know when I am going to run out of oxygen underwater! Decades before the Polaris, Jaeger LeCoultre has been producing its highly novel and unique alarm watch known as ‘The Memovox’. That model utilized and automatic winding in—house movement with a mechanical alarm function. At some point, this complication and design was thought to be married to a highly technical and robust diving watch that would be for the most serious of professionals. That watch, was the Polaris and its brother the Deep Sea Alarm.
Both of those watches are icons today, but The Polaris is the most interesting of the two as it married the Alarm Memovox, with the Technical SuperCompressor case and internal rotating dive bezel to create a truly innovating and unique watch sporting three crowns. The top crown controlled your inner bezel, the middle time, and the bottom the alarm. All housed under a massive plexi dome crystal. The idea being that you could use the alarm to physically (as the watch does vibrate) and visibly (as it would emit bubbles underwater) alert you when you would be running out of air on a dive.
Think about the technical prowess to build a waterproof dive watch with multiple inner rotating discs, operated by THREE crowns, and has a resonator case back… FULL OF HOLES! It's large size (by the standards of the time) lends for a perfect modern wearing experience and has become an icon of the JLC historical canon.
The example that we have here comes to us from the family of the original owner and even has a letter from them to go with it! The owner was a welder and recreational diver who used this on his dive trips off the coast of Bermuda! Remarkably, it has survived in fantastic, well-preserved condition with a strong unpolished case, an exceptional dial and inner rotating bezel, all three 'hashed' crowns, and even its U.S. market J.B. Champion 'brick'-link bracelet with a blade clasp.
An outstanding package!
Condition Report & Details
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Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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