Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic

CASE : steel, transparent sapphire crystal and caseback,water-resistant to 100m

SIZE : 41mm

MOVEMENT : mechanical self-winding Caliber 898/1, 40h power reserve

FUNCTIONS : hours, minutes, seconds

DIAL : black with sunburst, grained and opaline treatments, rotating inner bezel ring driven by a second crown, rhodium-plated and luminescent hands and applied numerals

STRAP : brown calfskin leather with steel folding clasp

The Polaris models composing the new range of Jaeger-LeCoultre instrument watches are more modern than they might appear. Witness the simplest and most telling example of all : the Automatic model. Don’t be fooled by the name. The Polaris, Jaeger- LeCoultre’s major new launch for 2018, was named and designed in the wake of an eponymous 1968 Memovox model. Nonetheless, and perhaps also despite first appearances, the Polaris is not a nostalgic watch. In examining this comprehensive range comprising a three-hand model – which we have chosen to feature – along with a date model, a chronograph, a GMT chronograph and a reedition of the original Memovox, it is important to move beyond initial impressions. Seen on the wrist and in real light, the Polaris Automatic is in fact truly modern and that overall impression begins with its dial treatments. The central medallion is sunburst, while the rest is sandblasted. The Arabic numerals are rigorously defined and geometrical. The latter style attributes also apply to the hour-markers, hands and various other dial markings – and is particularly true of the matt rotating inner bezel ring, which justifies the presence of a second crown. A sporty-natured and versatile watch, the Polaris is designed for contemporary daily living and as such is pleasing rather than polarizing.