Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox 50th Anniversary

amanico · 2018-11-08T07:35:22Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox 50th Anniversary edition. A detailed review compares it to vintage models, highlighting modern updates, design choices, and water resistance considerations.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

30 replies3743 views6 photos

Nicolas (amanico) provides a detailed analysis of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox 50th Anniversary edition, clarifying its identity as a modern interpretation rather than a re-edition. He meticulously breaks down the key differences from its predecessors, examining the case, crowns, dial, and case back, and invites community feedback on JLC's design choices and perceived quality.

30 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

We discussed the Polaris Memovox when it was unveiled at the SIHH 2018.

The main interrogation was to know how we should consider it: A Re Edition or a modern interpretation of a Cult watch.

I said, and I confirm after all these months, that this is not a re edition, but a Polaris revisited, exactly like what Rolex did with some of their cult watches such as the GMT-MASTER, the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller or the Daytona. Close, but different and more modern.

Here are the key points:

The case, first: Same size, yes, but different. The case is brushed, the lugs are larger, generously beveled with care.

The crowns: Thinner than the original and the Tribute. Not hatch-crossed anymore.

The dial: Grained, sunburst for the alarm disc, applied indices filled with superluminova, different hands, here again, we gain in modernity and quality, too.

The close up which will help you to make the difference.

The case back follows the rest:

Decorated with care. The screws are here, to reveal the fact that this is not a super Compressor Case anymore, but the logo is here, as a reminder. the 16 holes in the original and the Tribute are not on the case back anymore, replaced by these circles. Another nod to the past, and to the original.

You almost got my point: I find it is a very nice watch, made with care, oozing quality. Less close to the original than the Tribute, more modern.

Now, I would have gone a bit farther: Screw-in crowns rather than compressor crowns, on this model, and a screwed case back rather than these screws.

All in all, I think Jaeger Lecoultre did a great job on the perceived quality, I would have liked a bit more efficiency in the water resistance.

What do you think?

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Polaris Memovox's dial treatment and overall design are highly appealing, but the lack of screw-down crowns and a screw-back case is a missed opportunity for enhanced water resistance, which would make it more practical for water activities.
The Polaris Memovox ticks many boxes for collectors, including heritage, design, complication, and utility, and some owners are willing to test its water resistance for recreational diving despite the non-screw-down crowns.
The watch is praised as a masterpiece with correct proportions, sublime finishing, and a mellow alarm chime, though the absence of screw-in crowns remains a point of contention.
The alarm complication is considered highly useful by some collectors, making the Polaris Memovox a desirable acquisition, especially for those who appreciate this specific function.
The perceived quality of the new Polaris Memovox is excellent, but the choice to use compressor crowns instead of screw-in crowns for water resistance is a design decision that could be improved, potentially due to production costs.

The Discussion

Subexplorer

Nov 8, 2018

Absolutely agre Nicolas! This new version exudes high quality. It is a re interpretation of an original classic design as Rolex does with their GMT, Subs, etc....

... I like this watch so much under this point of view. I specially like the dial different surfaces treatment as well. It surprises me so much that under this philosphy of change the new watch didn´t include a screw back case and screw down crowns. This would have make it more desirable as a watch to take into water with more peace of mind. I´m still considering it as a future purchase. May be it will take me some time to get to fall in love with this one... as it happened with the JLC Word Tim

amanico

Nov 8, 2018

Thanks for your feedback, Abel. We are thinking the same, obviously. [nt]

Subexplorer

Nov 8, 2018

My big pleasure Nicolas!! Yes yes, similar thoughts!! Cheers! Abel [nt]

Gelato Monster

Nov 8, 2018

i agree

I wish they make the new polaris series more water resistant (min 300m)

amanico

Nov 8, 2018

Aaah, here we differ. I don't really care it is water resistant to 200 or 300 meters. It could as well be water resistant to 100 meters, but with a screw in case back and screwed crowns. ;) [nt]

Gelato Monster

Nov 9, 2018

I am ok with that [nt]