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

January 15, 2018

This is the most complicated of the new Polaris watches, packing a ton of functionality. The 44mm titanium case keeps weight down and the dial is available in either dark black or rich blue, both of which feature the three different finishes found across the Polaris collection. Yes, there's a lot going on here, but the clear, high-contrast markings ensure legibility for all of the complications, including the chronograph, GMT, and worldtimer. At less than 13mm thick, the watch is relatively slim, sitting nicely on the wrist. The New Polaris Collection Be sure to check out the rest of the new Polaris collection too: Polaris Automatic Polaris Date Polaris Chronograph Polaris Memovox Why This Watch Matters Each of the other watches in the Polaris collection focuses on a single complication (or has no complications at all), while this watch pulls out all the stops and swings for the fences. It's important to note that the complicated automatic movement is made in-house by JLC, so you're getting some serious watchmaking here, and the styling is very much consistent with that of the less complicated offerings. If you're looking for a robust watch that offers a lot of firepower in a package that's extremely wearable and rugged, this could be a great new option. Initial Thoughts Personally, I'm partial to the simpler models such as the Polaris Automatic and even the classic Polaris Memovox, not least of all because of the more manageable case size of the former. However, I have to admit that I find myself liking the Polaris Chronograph WT more and more as it settles in. Sure, the dial is on the busy side, but the open space toward the center gives the whole thing a bit of breathing room, and the legibility is pretty great all things considered. I'm a time-only kind of guy, but thinking about this watch as objectively as I can, I think JLC has done a great job offering up something new, complicated, and flat-out fun to spice up the Polaris collection. The Basics Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultreModel: Polaris Chronograph WTDiameter: 44mmThickness: 12.5mmCase Material: TitaniumDial Color: Black or Blue, each with sunray, grained, and opaline finishesIndexes: Applied Arabic numerals and trapezoid batonsLume: White Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 100mStrap/Bracelet: Brown leather strap The dial has enough negative space to compensate for the wealth of information presented. The Movement Caliber: In-House Caliber 752Functions: Hours, minutes, second timezone, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, and worldtimerPower Reserve: 65 hoursWinding: Automatic Pricing & Availability Price: $14,500 (calf leather strap), $14,600 (alligator strap)Availability: April 2018, online and in-storeFor more click here. The 44mm titanium case is rather slim at 12.5mm top to bottom.