Jaeger LeCoultre

The Polaris was produced from 1965 until 1971 in a small series of only 1714 examples and is probably the firm’s best-known divers watch. Functionality and legibility are of paramount importance when designing a great tool watch, and divers’ timepieces consequently can be viewed as relatively austere appearance. Known amongst collectors as reference E859 it features an unusually large 42 mm super-compressor case construction with 3 crowns. Unlike a traditional dive watches, the Jaeger super-compressor cases were engineered to become more water resistant as the diver submerges. The increased water pressure causes the case back’s sealing rings are increase their compression ensuring the increased water resistance of the watch, but also prolonging the lifespan of the greased O-rings. During 1962 and 1963 fifty prototypes were produced but never sold to the public. The Polaris was designed as a reliable and highly waterproof alarm watch for divers.