As with most things, everything we do depends on our mood..
This weekend I had the mood to tinker with my cameras, another past time of mine.
What better thing to do than to combine your hobbies together.. camera and watches.
So I decided to take pics of several watches this last 2 days starting with yesterday's Astron and GS SBGH001 hi-beat.
Today I decided to take pics of 2 JLC watches on which some members had asked me to do a photo review some time back, the TTP 68 Polaris & JLC Amvox 2. To-date I've only taken iPhone pics of the watch on the wrist. Time to take some proper pics befitting the watch.
The original 1968 Polaris was issued in only 1,714 pieces between 1965-1970 and is a highly sought after vintage commanding very high prices by WIS worldwide…costing between Euro 30K-40K depending on how mint & complete the condition is. And it is extremely2 hard to find a mint 1968 piece regardless of how much you are willing to pay.
http://jlc.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-2/pi-6271898/ti-912778/t-jlc-lecoultre-polaris-1968-8-years-of-love/I do not know how far its true abt why it was called the Polaris because it is said that the very first piece of this model was presented to the captain of the USS nuclear submarine 'Polaris' when it sailed for the first time under the North pole or was it the South pole.. I forget..
There was something similar written about the JLC Geophysic also.
Even the Tribute re-issue of 768 pieces Limited Edition in 2008, is extremely hard to come by..a complete and mint pre-owned is selling for close to the original price when it was launched (over RM50K)
JLC has remarked that they will not produce any more re-issues of TTP from here on.
When a MWF member first showed me his TTP sometime back, I was elated and I remember requesting him to allow me the first offer of refusal, in the very unlikely event that he ever wanted to sell it but he never did sell and he has 2 Polaris, a TTP 65 and a TTP 68.
I'm over the top in being able to secure this piece at a fair market price and in a condition beyond reproach despite it being 5 yrs old. Even the box it comes in is special, racing green and gold lettering and in mint condition too.
When the watch was first made available in 2008 at JLC boutique in Starhill, Joanne (the Manager then) informed me that they were allocated just 2 pieces. I hesitated then due to the price for just a SS watch with alarm and no other complication.
By the time I got over the price weeks later, both pieces were sold. I've been looking out for it ever since but either the premium was too high or the condition was not acceptable.
This watch was my 2013 grail…..and it only came in by pure chance at almost the end of 2013...
more reading material:
http://www.gmtmag.com/?p=3210&lang=enhttp://en.worldtempus.com/watches/jaeger-lecoultre/memovox-memovox-tribute-polaris-q-2008470beautiful images of TTP68
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fsot-jlc-memovox-tribute-polaris-1968-ttp-q2008470-817604.htmlFront view of the dial reminiscent of 60's era
Close up of dial
9 o'clock side view- notice the hairline scuff marks which is difficult to avoid as this watch is now 5 yrs old.
Notice the thick cambered synthetic glass… the thickness was to withstand the pressure expected for dive watches.
The watch is also thick because of the double chamber case back .
close up of the 3 traditional Memovox crowns of the 60's
The case back of the Polaris showing the outer chamber with holes to transmit the sound. The 2nd inner chamber provides the waterproof seal.
The JLC TTP 68 Polaris on its original tropical (rubber outside/leather inside) strap
