JLC Polaris Date vs. Polaris Memovox SIHH 2018

amanico · 2018-02-19T04:06:28Z

Compare Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date vs. Polaris Memovox from SIHH 2018. Explore design, features, and collector preferences.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

59 replies13221 views13 photos

Amanico initiates a compelling comparison between the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date and the Polaris Memovox, two key releases from SIHH 2018. His post delves into the subtle yet significant differences, inviting the community to weigh the merits of each model. This discussion highlights the nuanced preferences of collectors when faced with modern interpretations of iconic dive watch heritage.

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I discussed with many people at the SIHH and virtually, and while I thought that the Polaris Memovox was a clear winner, I was surprised to hear that the victory of the Memovox was not so large.

Yes, the Polaris Memovox is still a winner, in this " frontal game ", but there are quite a lot of people whose heart drive them to choose the Date.

The players.

The Polaris Date, on the left, versus the Polaris Memovox, on the right:

As you can see, the look is very close, with the same dial and bezel finishings: sunray on the center, grained on the outer part, opaline for the inner bezel, plus the vanilla colored trapezoidal indices and hands.

The case back is solid in both watches, with the same " Super Compressor " logo engraved on it.

Both have a sapphire domed glass.

There are two things you can easily notice, the absence of the legendary alarm triangle and the missing third crown at 3 o clock on the " Date ". Which is easily explainable, as the missing crown is due to the lack of alarm on the " Date ".

So the crown which operates the turning inner bezel is now located at 2 o' clock on the date, instead at 3 o' clock on the Memovox.

The case is the same for both watches, with an identical size ( 42 mm ), but a different thickness, 13, 1 mm for the Date, 15, 95 mm for the Memovox.

Live picture of the Date:

And of the Memovox:

The movements are, of course, different: Cal 899/1 for the " Date ", Cal 956 for the Memovox. No alarm and 38 hours power reserve for the first, alarm and 44 hours power reserve for the second, both being automatic and beating at 28, 800 alternances per hour.

The Cal 899/1:

The Cal 956:

The rubber strap is the same for both, but the " Date " can also be bought with the now famous steel bracelet, which is not the case for the Memovox, even if I think Jaeger Lecoultre won't refuse to sell you the steel bracelet if you prefer the Memovox.

Those who prefer the " Date " told me that they found it purer than the Memovox. Maybe because of the absence of disc, and the two crowns instead of three.

There are two points which are counting a lot, for me:

The important difference of thickness, in favor of the " Date ", and the retail, 7700 Euros for the Date with rubber strap, 8600 Euros for the Date with the steel Bracelet, while the Memovox is 12, 800 Euros.

About the thickness, on the paper there is a major difference, in the real, I had hard time feeling the Memovox was so big.

The Polaris Date:

The Polaris Memovox:

Now, there is the historical point of view. For me, the Polaris Memovox is the winner, because I cannot see a Polaris without an alarm.

But having the choice can never be seen as a problem!

What about you?

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

A collector who owns the TT Polaris considers the Polaris Date as a more rational and accessible option than the limited edition Memovox, especially for water activities, due to its creamy indexes and easier availability.
One member notes that while some purists are 'shocked by the present,' new buyers less concerned with history might prefer the modern models, suggesting a new strategy for JLC akin to Rolex's approach with the Air-King.
A critique is made regarding the Memovox's 38-hour power reserve and the use of an older movement, questioning JLC's innovation in modern alarm movements.
A contributor expresses a strong dislike for rubber or silicon straps, preferring sailcloth or similar materials, and disliking rigid straps that don't fold between the lugs.
One opinion favors the Polaris Date, arguing it offers aesthetic and practical advantages without the 'baggage of obsolescence,' given that smartphones provide superior alarm functionality.
A member states a preference for the Memovox, seeing it as 'simply more watch,' but emphasizes the need to see and feel both models in person before making a final decision.
A strong argument is made that complaining about the extra crown and dial details on a JLC Polaris Memovox is akin to criticizing pushers on a Speedmaster, as these features are integral to its identity and functionality.
A collector who visited the London Boutique found the new Polaris collection 'nice but not moved,' preferring his existing TT1968 and finding the 44mm World Time too large.

The Discussion

Tim_M

Feb 19, 2018

Easily the Memovox

I cannot believe that anyone would complain about the extra crown and dial details associated with the alarm - on a JLC Polaris, no less! That is like complaining about pushers and sub-dials on a Speedmaster Pro or the presence of a dive bezel on a Submariner. Objectively, the Memovox offers more functionality, and subjectively, I find it more attractive. JLC did well to keep the "patina" overtones subtle on both of these models. Best, Tim

amanico

Feb 19, 2018

I totally share you point, Tim. Thanks for your feedback. [nt]

amanico

Feb 19, 2018

Thanks for responding, my dear Alex. [nt]

agyzace

Feb 19, 2018

Thanks for creating such cool posts with lots of pics and info, my dear Nicolas [nt]

amanico

Feb 19, 2018

It is a great pleasure to share them, Alex. Thanks again for your kind words. [nt]

MTF

Feb 19, 2018

Moving Forward

amanico, Jaeger Lecoultre Polaris Date I understand the nostalgia of the "Memovox' but the Jaeger Lecoultre Polaris Date wins for all the reasons that you proffered. As we always have to move forward rather than vacillate in the past, the 'Date' model gives all the advantages of aesthetic and practical fitting, without the baggage of obsolescence. We all have Smartphones with alarms that can be set to the most intricate of schedules. Regards, MTF