The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection was one of the most important innovations introduced in SIHH 2018 in my opinion. The new collection, based on the brand’s legendary Polaris model, has also become one of the most refined model families prepared in line with the never-ending Heritage trend. The model we have here from this fine collection is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph Stainless Steel (Ref 9028471) with chronograph feature as the name implies.
Among the new collection’s features, I believe liking every single timepiece in the collection almost equally is the one that impressed me most. Although Memovox Diver model was my favorite in the collection like many watch enthusiasts, I cannot say by a long way this time as I really liked the rest of the collection as well.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph Stainless Steel (Ref. 9028471) comes in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm and a height of 11.9mm. The thick, satin-surfaced lugs and rounded glossy bezel make the case sporty and retro-looking while the reasonable dimensions offer a comfortable wearing experience even on smaller wrists. The case is equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both faces and is water resistant to 100 meters / 10 bars, a decent value for a watch with sports chronograph specification. The chronograph pushers are designed in rectangular form with rounded edges that match with the retro character of the model together with the large, JLC signed winding crown.
There are three different dial colors available in the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph as black, blue and gray (only with 18K pink gold model). We have the black dial version here for review. May sound a little dull on black and white but thanks to the sector style dial lay-out, the multiple surface pattern design offers a pretty colorful stance which is not expected from a monochrome color palette.
The dial is designed in Bi-Compax Chronograph form with no date display. As a symmetry loving watch enthusiasts who prefers no extra displays on dials, I am very happy with this preference. However, users who would like to have this feature on their timepieces might not like it. The large indices including Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 are nicely inspired by the original Polaris model and accompanied with sword style hands. Thanks to the Super LumiNOVA phosphor material application (in a slightly darker tone than plain white), legibility is perfect at almost any occasion.
The model is powered by the JLC’s manufacture movement Caliber 751. Equipped with a chronograph mechanism that uses both a column wheel and a vertical clutch, 41 jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers an impressive 65-hour power reserve when fully wound thanks to its double-barrel design. Functions are hours, minutes, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters and the movement is enjoyed through the sapphire crystal display case back.
The version we have here is offered on a brown calf leather strap that is secured by a JLC signed folding clasp made of stainless steel. A brown alligator strap and a stainless steel bracelet is also available in the collection.
As I mentioned at the beginning of my article, I liked the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection a lot. Picking up a model from the archive and then reproducing a modern version is, especially in these days, is not a difficult task. However, building an entire collection over that particular old design and make every version in this collection share the same design language is something that can only be achieved by a brand like Jaeger-LeCoultre aka The Watchmaker Of Watchmakers.
We would like to thank once again to the Quadran Boutique (Istinye Park Mall) family for their utmost support and assistance.
