Introducing: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic (Live Pics & Pricing)

January 15, 2018

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary Polaris diving alarm watch, and Jaeger-LeCoultre is celebrating by launching an entire collection of sports watches that are variations on the Polaris theme. This watch is the simplest of the bunch, a time-only automatic that has all the styling cues you expect from a Polaris but without the complications. It's 41mm across (the smallest of the new models) and the case mixes brushed and polished finishes to create real definition. There are two crowns as well, with the second operating the inner rotating bezel, which you can use as a timer (for dives or longer events). This is now the foundational sports watch in JLC's catalog (unless you still consider the Reverso a sports watch, that is). The New Polaris Collection Be sure to check out the rest of the new Polaris collection too: Polaris Date Polaris Chronograph Polaris Chronograph WT Polaris Memovox Why This Watch Matters Reviving the Polaris is no small task. This is without question one of the most beloved vintage watches amongst aficionados of mid-century divers, and while there have been small limited edition tributes here and there, JLC has mostly let the model lie dormant for the last few decades. This new collection also introduces an all-important set of sport watches to JLC's catalog that are in line with the Master collection as far as pricing is concerned. They truly round out the company's contemporary offerings and the Polaris offers plenty of room for experimentation and for growing the collection in the future. Initial Thoughts As the most basic model in the collection, this watch is in many ways the real test of whether or not Jaeger got things right with the new Polaris line C and, in my opinion, they did a great job. The three finishes on the dial add a ton of visual depth, the vintage-styled markers are spot on and don't overdo it with faux vintage coloring, and the case is extremely comfortable on the wrist. Do I wish this model was 39mm instead of 41mm? Yes, absolutely. But I understand from a commercial perspective why 41mm sounded tempting and it doesn't really hurt the watch overall. The Basics Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultreModel: Polaris AutomaticDiameter: 41mmThickness: 11.2mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Black or blue, each with sunray, grained, and opaline finishesIndexes: Applied Arabic numerals and trapezoid batonsLume: White Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 100mStrap/Bracelet: Light brown leather with folding buckle, dark brown leather with folding buckle, alligator with folding buckle, stainless steel bracelet The in-house Caliber 898/1 movement. On the wrist, the time-only Polaris looks like a classic. The Movement Caliber: In-House Caliber 898/1Functions: Hours, minutes, secondsPower Reserve: 40 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 30 Pricing & Availability Price: $6,600 (calf leather strap), $6,900 (alligator strap), $7,600 (stainless steel braclet)Availability: April 2018, online and in-storeFor more click here. The Polaris Automatic is also available with a blue three-finish dial.