For my 2000th post, let's get some sweets! Beware the Polaris!

Sep 30, 2007,15:39 PM
 

Dear fellow JLC addicts,

 

We've been very active with the new watches launched in the last years, but as the time is coming when the Jaeger-LeCoultre Patrimony Gallery is going to open, I now have the opportunity to share some pics of a cult watch, probably the JLC icon!

 


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Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris, 1965

 

The new Diving range is quite appealing, but it doesn't have its alarm option yet. Apparently we're many hoping for a Polaris re-edition.

 


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Powerful no?

 

The Amvox1 is a very appealing watch but what about a real re-edition with a plexiglass, 300 meters waterproof, a real Polaris dial (but which one?), the original case size and the new Memovox calibre used in the Extreme World Alarm?

 


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A triple back to improve the sound transmission

 

When I look at these crowns it reminds me of my Grandfather's "petanque" bowls. I wonder if these decorations had any practical interest? For sure he would have loved this watch.

 


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A triple crown too

 

This watch already had everything. It was automatic, an alarm with a date, a real diving watch, and it was totally JLC, elegant and understated!

 


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No I'm not playing with the 3s !

 

We can't regret Tritium but I'm sure they can find ways to replace it and recreate its styling impact and its warm yellow colour.

 


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You would not accept it on a new watch, but on this one…

 

Did you notice that it was a great design? The dial was perfectly balanced, clear, totally readable.

 


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A double 3 this time, on top of a 3 on its top

 

We would need a high tech strap with this possible new watch. The choice should be offered to have several straps for different uses: tropic rubber, cordura, modern diving rubber, Nato, and why not leather!

 


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The rubber strap is something too

 

Rubber as vintage is an idea I'm not used too, but why not?

 


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Tropic, this is a Bahamas JLC, the watch James Bond should have got !

 

The original Polaris size is perfect for today's standard, so much larger than my 36mm Memovox, and it fits small wrists very nicely (like Amvoxes do). I wonder how its size was received in 1965 as it was quite probably a very large watch for that time, even if it was a tool watch.

 


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Yes it was a large watch, even by today's standards.

 

The case is thick yes but not excessively and the thickness works well with the case width.

 


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No It's not an Amvox1

 

On the wrist I can only say that when you've tried it, it's easily adopted.

 


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Perfect, nothing to add

 

Hopefully it won't be just a dream.

 

Dje

 

 

 

 

 

 

This message has been edited by Dje on 2007-09-30 15:46:02 This message has been edited by MTF on 2007-10-09 03:00:53


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You're welcome. nt

 
 By: Dje : October 1st, 2007-01:36

Put me on the list!!!!!

 
 By: sclamb : October 1st, 2007-01:31
I would definitely sacrifice any further watch purchases in the foreseable future for an original or re-edition of the Polaris. In the latter instance a 44mm case, alarm mechanism from the W-Alarm, tritium (or something that will burn bighter and longer t... 

Is there any list or real project?

 
 By: Dje : October 1st, 2007-01:36
Hi, Honestly I don't know. I'd be on the list too, but at 42mm. Cheers Dje

Probably not a list....

 
 By: sclamb : October 1st, 2007-04:09
but at least I asked first to be on it if there ever is one Simon

Great post Jerome

 
 By: Asimut : October 1st, 2007-04:04
Never quit dreaming,,,,,one day! Asi

You tease us....>>

 
 By: Velociphile - No longer in the building : October 1st, 2007-07:47
Garce! Monsieur Le sourcier de la Polaris. J'attend avec l'argent pour...... Merci, Velociphile ******************** Polaris Reissue waiting list #1 not this can of worms again !...  

Yes Tim....

 
 By: Dje : October 1st, 2007-08:34
Hi I remember quite well your article. I happen to like Vadim's mock up. I'd like to see it with tritum yellow colour and Compressor chrono keys, it may be perfect. We all have to wait anyway. Dje

Vadim also mocked up....

 
 By: Velociphile - No longer in the building : October 1st, 2007-11:02
www.watchprosite.com Ahhhh, brings back memories - all the pics seem to have vanished tho'. Amongst which Vadim also mocked up a diver with depth gauge if I remember rightly. I'll have to see if I still have those and how close he got to the GeoDeepSea. V... 

I would REALLY like one of those!! (nt) [nt]

 
 By: sclamb : October 1st, 2007-09:11
No message body

No really!! :-) nt

 
 By: Dje : October 11th, 2007-00:58

Though I am #2 on the waiting list, I doubt ...

 
 By: HerrK : October 1st, 2007-08:29
... that there will be a reedition that comes closer to the original than the AMVOX1 does! The case design of the AMVOX1 matches that of the Polaris (absolutely - as Nicolaus pointed out recently). If there is a divers Memovox Polaris reedition it is like... 

Your words seem quite sound

 
 By: Dje : October 1st, 2007-08:37
Hi Christian, You are probably right but they have the power to say yes. If they want or will is another story! Dje ps: anyway the original was perfect so.....

Jerome, you will be knowing better than me ...

 
 By: HerrK : October 11th, 2007-03:33
... what the Polaris remake will be like - to be true I do not kow at all and cannot even get an idea from Jaws post, as there seem to be dates and dials of the Polaris completely mixed up. But even if the remake would be perfectly matching the original (... 

You tease...!!!! Great pics though...

 
 By: Andy : October 1st, 2007-15:05
Do JLC read this forum - do they know what a seller this would be....if done right..!! Like you say the original was as near to perfect as you can get. Thanks Dje, Andy.

Very nice report, Jerome.

 
 By: amanico : October 1st, 2007-22:47
This Polaris is simply extraordinary. It was and still is a modern watch, but born 44 years before ! On the wrist, it's perfect too. Yep, let's wait, see and pray for a reedition of this model. I'll try to post ASAP some pics of the Polaris and the A I to... 

Jerome...Nicely covered.

 
 By: BHK9 : October 2nd, 2007-01:46
Hi Jerome, What a complete coverage!And it makes a good 2000th post.Double Congrats! Hope to hear from you as often as possible. Thanks for sharing. Warm regards, BHK9

Yes

 
 By: Dje : October 11th, 2007-01:44

A wonderful post, Dje, for a truly charming watch . . .

 
 By: Dr No : October 2nd, 2007-09:05
. . . which makes me wonder how the elegant dial designs of the golden age of watchmaking vanished from favor . . . best regards, Art

Dear Dr, do you know where the DB4 has gone?

 
 By: Dje : October 11th, 2007-01:47
Hi Dr No, We have to live in our times. We may be a minority perhaps! Don't give up the fight! Cheers Dje

Dear Dje...

 
 By: JoeyJLC : October 15th, 2007-23:34
I think some of us here have typed ourselves silly raving about a re-issue of the Polaris and many of us have put in our wish list on a much earlier thread. All that's left is to see if MJLC listens to its "old school" bunch of enthusiasts...those die-har... 

Keep waiting....

 
 By: Dje : October 18th, 2007-02:14