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

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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.

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

... 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

fallanden_ch

Nov 8, 2018

My favorite complication is the alarm. I think it's the most useful in my life. I love to play with crono's like everyone else, and I own two perpetual Patek's, but I find I wear a Vulcain Cricket most days lately. I've been wanting this watch and I think I will pull the trigger. It looks great and I don't own a JJC at the moment. I would love to know how it sounds.

Gelato Monster

Nov 8, 2018

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

Subexplorer

Nov 9, 2018

... there is no technical problem for JLC except higher costs of production may be. In any case it is a wonderful watch! Cheers! Abel

amanico

Nov 9, 2018

I have zero issues with my TT Polarises, by the way. Best, Nicolas

nasseriq

Nov 10, 2018

Morning. I tried this on yesterday. This watch is a masterpiece. Well made, correct proportions and sublime finishing. The alarm chime is mellow. The vibration of the alarm is gentle. I agree shame about the screw in crowns. The strap is also super comfy. I will source one shortly and write a full review. Best Reubin

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