← Back to Jaeger-LeCoultre

Polaris

Introduced: 1968 (original Memovox Polaris), modern revival in 2018

Purpose / Inspiration: The Polaris was JLC’s answer to the tool watch boom of the 1960s—a dive-ready piece with a mechanical alarm for underwater timing. The original 1968 Memovox Polaris became a cult classic. In 2018, Jaeger-LeCoultre brought back the name as a full sports collection: dive-capable, vintage-inspired, but powered by modern in-house calibers. It’s rugged enough for the weekend, refined enough for the boardroom.

Designer: Original designed by JLC for serious divers; 2018 revival crafted in-house to honor the 50th anniversary with modern sizing, movements, and finishing

Case size:

  • Original: 42mm (huge for the time)
  • Modern Polaris: 41mm–44mm
  • Polaris Automatic: 41mm
  • Polaris Chronograph: 42mm
  • Polaris Date, Memovox, and Mariner: 42mm–44mm

Case options:

  • Stainless steel
  • Titanium (Chronograph WT)
  • Limited editions in rose gold
  • Brushed and polished surfaces with bold bevels and short lugs

Powered by:

  • Modern in-house calibers:
    • Caliber 899 (Automatic)
    • Caliber 956 (Memovox alarm)
    • Caliber 751 (Chronograph)
    • Caliber 912 (Chronograph World Time)
  • All automatic with 38–65h power reserves and sapphire display backs

Bezel:

  • Internal rotating bezel controlled by second crown (Polaris Auto, Date, Memovox)
  • Chronograph versions have traditional pushers and fixed bezels

Dial options:

  • Lacquered black, blue, or grey with gradient or textured finishes
  • Bold Arabic numerals and markers
  • Lume-filled hands and indices
  • Alarm models have a central disk with pointer for setting

Water resistance:

  • Polaris Automatic: 100m
  • Polaris Mariner Memovox: 300m
  • Other variants: 100m–200m

Bracelet:

  • Rubber strap with Clous de Paris texture
  • Leather strap for casual/dress look
  • Stainless steel bracelet with polished center links
  • Interchangeable strap system on newer models

Still in production, Polaris is JLC’s core sports watch line, now offering everything from daily automatics to hardcore divers with in-house alarms

Why it matters: The Polaris balances heritage and utility better than most luxury sport watches. It doesn’t chase hype—it builds on history. And that mechanical alarm? Still one of the coolest under-the-radar complications around.

Dive-Capable. Desk-Ready. Date-Backed. The Polaris covers it all

Mechanical Alarm? Still Got It. Buzzes like the 60s, built like the 2020s

Not a Sub. Not a Speedy. Better for It.

Vintage Spirit, Modern Build. A real tool with a suit on

References for Polaris