Posted by When Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the new Polaris line the main focus was of course on the new Polaris Memovox. But beside the Memovox, Jaeger-LeCoultre have several interesting Polaris models.
One of them, the Polaris chronograph… Let’s have a closer look!
Previously I gave you my thoughts on the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox, you can read the post here: My thoughts on the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox
Now it’s time for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph reference 9028471 in stainless steel:
To tell you the truth, I get a bit of a déjà-vu… Back in 2011 when Jaeger-LeCoultre made the Tribute To Deep Sea Alarm, the year after in 2012 they also launched a Deep Sea line including the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph…
A new chronograph based on the famous Memovox… Here is a shot of the T.W.O Tribute To Deep Sea Alarm and the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph in the middle:
A fantastic start of a new line! Personally I purchase all three of them… After that I think Jaeger-LeCoultre lost focus and all Deep Sea that came after was the beginning to the end for the Deep Sea line if you ask me…
Now, Jaeger-LeCoultre have started a new line based on another fantastic Memovox and this first new complication looks great in the Polaris case!
Strong link to the past, the new complication nicely integrated, keeping the base DNA!
The 42 mm stainless steel case is based on the same shape as the Polaris Memovox. Instead of three crowns on the side – one crown and two flat pushers, making the front profile look very similar to the Memovox.
No inner rotating bezel, instead you have the Tachymeter scale, but the index and numbers are kept. Even the outline of a centrum dial is there and of course the new, chronograph sub-dials. One for the running seconds and one for the 30 minutes chronograph.
Some may think that the sub-dials are placed a bit to close to the center, but I think it looks OK. A bit wider would have worked, but I like the fact that some of the 3 and 9 index are still visible.
The bigger issue for me is the case back. Here you can see that the JLC Calibre 751H is a bit small for the 42 mm case.
The Calibre 751 is also used in for example the Master Chronograph (40 mm).
I know that many customers like to see the mechanical movement, but personally I would have preferred to see a nice engraved solid case back here.
On the plus side, the finishing of the movement is very nice and the power reserve is good: 65 hours.
Another detail I find very positive is the strap! The calf skin strap both looks and feels great. Thinking about getting one for my Tribute To Polaris 1965.
With a water-resistant of 100m / 10 bar, I guess driving is a better fit for this watch than diving…
On the wrist I get a racing vibe! Cool, elegant and sporty!
As said – I think Jaeger-LeCoultre have made a great start with the new Polaris line! Now I just hope that they do not loose focus as with the Deep Sea…
Big thank you to my local Jaeger-LeCoultre AD Nymans Ur for letting me try this watch out!
PS. The Jaeger-LeCoultre new launch of the US Limited Edition Polaris Date yesterday… I will gather my thoughts on that one and let you know…
The Blomman Watch Report 