Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Alarm 'First Series'
- Regular price
- $28,500
- Regular price
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- $28,500
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love it
–Culminating in a timepiece considered by many to be the ultimate vintage diver's watch, the Polaris project was begun by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1962 after releasing a limited run of early mechanical diving alarms known as the "Memovox Deep Sea Alarm". The "DSA" was Jaeger-LeCoultre's original answer to safely calculating dive time in the new and rapidly growing sport of SCUBA. Utilizing an automatic movement with a manually-wound alarm function that would sound off at a pre-set time, its vibration and sound would alert the diver that it was time to ascend. In the late 50s and early 60s, this was as high-tech as it came. And it is every bit as awesome a function today.
Evolving from its predecessor, the Polaris featured a "jumbo size" 42mm stainless steel case with two-piece caseback designed to amplify the sound of the alarm function underwater. The Polaris also featured an internally-rotating timing bezel, operated from a third crown. Made in a limited run of 1714 examples between 1965-1970, it was produced with several variants to the handset and dial dependent upon the destination market.
This reference E859 Polaris is an exceptional example from the European market, part of the first series of production with an incredible dial and clean case. Ticking within is the unique Calibre K825. This is a truly rare collector's example ready for a distinguished collector who appreciates history.
We've seen a number of remaining examples beaten to hell — a trait which carries its own charm, to be sure — but nothing compares to the beauty of this all-original and (only very lightly patinated) example.
This spectacular piece comes from the collection of Zaf Basha, a noted authority on Jaeger-LeCoultre who has published two books: Vintage Military Watches: A Guide for the Collector and Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Ultimate Guide for the Collector. Over the years, Basha put together one of the most impressive assemblages of vintage JLC timepieces in the world, and we're thrilled and honor to offer many of them for sale on Analog:Shift.
Brand Story
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Brand Story
+Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.
But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.
From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.
A:S Guarantee
+
A:S Guarantee
+Our Pledge
Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.
Condition
Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.
Warranty
We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.
International Buyers
Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
+All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.
Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.
We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.
Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Make it yours will fit standard 22mm watches
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Alarm 'First Series'
- Regular price
- $28,500
- Regular price
- Sale price
- $28,500
- Unit price
- per
