Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) has introduced the Polaris Chronograph with a new Ocean Grey Lacquer Dial. It joins the Polaris Chronograph lineup in JLC’s Polaris collection. The other two Polaris Chronographs include a version with a blue lacquer dial and grey lacquer dial.
Left: Blue lacquer dial. Middle: Grey lacquer dial. Right: New Ocean Grey lacquer dial (same as header image).
Key Features
Functions
Image: I love the orange accents as they provide a lovely contrast with the rest of the dial.
Central hours and minutes. Small seconds counter on subdial at 9 o’clock.
Chronograph functions: Central seconds hand. Tachymetre scale on outer dial ring. 30-minute counter on subdial at 3 o’clock.
Dial
Image: A complex dial and a high-end chronograph movement about to come together.
Dial comprises of 35 layers of lacquer and features 3 different finishes.
“Complex in construction, the dial is composed of a central disc, a middle ring, to which the hour markers are applied, and an outer ring that is marked with the tachymetre scale. Sunray brushing on the central disc creates a subtle contrast with the smooth gloss of the hours ring; on both sections, the colour of the lacquer is graduated from light to dark, adding great visual depth to the dials.
The lacquering of the dial components is a lengthy and exacting process, with each layer of coating being applied manually. It begins with the application of a clear coat of varnish, followed by four layers of colour. Then a layer of black is applied to create the gradient effect. The challenge lies in controlling both the shade and the gradient, so that the two main sections of the dial match each other. This is followed by 30 coats of translucent lacquer, to add depth and richness.”
Skeletonised bâton squeletté hour and minute hands, and hour-markers (Arabic numerals and trapezoid-shaped indexes) are coated with luminescent material.
Movement
Image: 1000 Hours Control is JLC’s in-house rigorous testing procedure for all watches.
Powered by in-house Calibre 761, an automatic movement that drives the hours, minutes, small seconds, and chronograph functions. It is a fully integrated chronograph movement featuring a column wheel with a vertical clutch.
Thickness: 5.76 mm. Parts: 248. Jewels: 35. Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz. Barrels: 2. Power reserve: 65 hours.
Movement finishing: Côtes de Genève decoration on the baseplate and automatic winding rotor. Blued screws.
Case
Image: This Polaris Chronograph has all the Polaris design codes such as “taut lines, sharply curving lugs, a thin bezel, a glass-box crystal, and an eye-catching mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The large crown – a signature of the 1960s model that inspired the contemporary Polaris line – and robust pushers are designed for better grip and ease of use.”
Case is made from stainless steel and features brushed and polished surfaces.
Diameter: 42 mm. Thickness: 13.39 mm. Lug width: 21 mm.
Dial side features a glass-box crystal. Caseback features a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 10 bar or approximately 100 metres.
Watch comes with two interchangeable straps. A textured black rubber strap and a blue-grey canvas strap. Double folding buckle is made from stainless steel.
Our Thoughts
Image: JLC has expertise and abilities that most watch brands can only dream about.
In-house chronograph movements are difficult to master and is the domain of a handful of watch brands and independent watchmakers. Chronographs from brands such as A. Lange & Söhne and Patek Philippe feature price tags north of USD 70K. Historically, JLC is the most “in-house” of any watch brand, and are known as The Watchmaker of Watchmakers. In my opinion, they are the only watch brand that offer haute horology at an extremely high level at relatively accessible prices, especially their stainless-steel models.
The Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey is an attractive and versatile watch, powered by a high-end chronograph movement (in terms of design and engineering, if not movement finishing), and will not cost an arm and a leg. Though JLC is most famous for its iconic Reverso, the Polaris collection offers interesting watches that will complement any collection.
Additional Details
Name: Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey
Reference: Q9028651
Price: United States Dollar (USD$): 14,900 / United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED): 56,500
Please visit the JLC website and Instagram page for more information.
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