Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatique Review

amanico · 2018-02-01T01:16:29Z

In-depth review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatique from SIHH 2018. Explore its design, movement, and how it compares to other sports watches.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

66 replies17673 views11 photos

Amanico's 2018 review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatique provides a critical first look at this significant new release from SIHH. His detailed observations on its design, proportions, and dial finishing offer valuable insights for collectors considering this model as a versatile daily wear. The article also explores how the Polaris Automatique aims to carve its own identity within the competitive sports watch segment.

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Is the Jaeger Lecoultre Polaris Automatique THE new sports watch par excellence?

For me, this is the new daily beater by Jaeger Lecoultre, refined, sober, cool, sporty. The watch you will be able to wear in any circumstances, like a Rolex Submariner or, better, Explorer, at the office, in the mountains or at the sea.

When I first saw it in September, past year, I was a bit dubitative.

I am more convinced now that I could have a deeper look at this watch.

First of all, the case is very well made, and 41 mm doesn't look that big. I even thought it was a bit smaller ( 40 mm ).

Polished on the bezel and the sides case, the rest is brushed. The contrast is eye catching, enhanced by these generous bevels.

With a 11, 2 mm height, I would even say that these proportions are the best for the Polaris case, which is a discrete watch, what was maybe the point which disturbed me at first sight.

The dial is worth some serious attention: When I see these 3 / 6 / 9 / 12 applied hour markers, filled with Superluminova, I couldn't help thinking about the Rolex Explorer. Remove the " 12 ", and there is a certain air de famille.

BUT... The long trapezoidal indices, and most of all, the finishing of the dial, sun ray for the center, grained for the outer part of the dial, without forgetting the opaline inner bezel achieve to convince that this Polaris Automatique ( in french, this is more chic, probably ) has its own character and personality, made of refinement, somehow, and strength.

The movement is the Cal 898 you have in the Tribute To Geophysic. It is an automatic movement, beating at 28, 800 alternances per hour, made of 195 parts, and offering a power reserve of 43 hours. It is 26 mm big and 3, 3 mm high.

The novelty about this movement? As for the Cal 751 and 752 housed in the Polaris Chronograph and Polaris Chronograph World Time, it receives a new designed rotor, made of Tungsten.

Cal 898:

To be complete with this introduction, the glass is a sapphire, slightly domed.

The good thing is that you have the choice between:

- The Calf strap,

- The Alligator strap,

- The new steel bracelet,

- Black or Blue dial. For the blue, the calf and the steel bracelet are available, the alligator is an option for the black dial only.

Blue Polaris... There was one in the early Seventies... The E 870, Polaris II.

So you can make your own Polaris Automatique.

The other good thing is that this watch is reasonably priced: 6700 Euros for the Black or Blue on Calf, 6850 for the Black on alligator, and 7600 Euros for the Black or Blue on steel bracelet.

Once you understand and admit that Polaris is not associated with a Memovox function anymore, as it was the case till this year, you can judge it more objectively.

Once you make this effort, you can appreciate this watch, for what it is. A sports watch, a sport chic daily beater.

My favorite version of this Polaris Automatique?

I would say Blue with steel bracelet. This bracelet is, finally, nice looking, and adds to the sporty character of this watch.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

About the Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph Shark Ref. MemovoxE870

The Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph Shark, referenced as MemovoxE870, is a distinct offering within the brand's historical sports watch catalog. This particular reference is often associated with the broader Deep Sea line, which includes various timepieces known for their robust construction and specific functional designs. The 'Shark' designation points to a specific aesthetic or technical configuration that differentiates it from other Deep Sea models, appealing to collectors interested in the nuances of vintage Jaeger LeCoultre sports watches. It represents a period where the brand explored various designs for tool watches.

While specific details for the MemovoxE870 are often sought after by collectors, the Deep Sea Chronograph models typically featured a stainless steel case, designed for durability. The movement would have been a mechanical caliber, reflecting Jaeger LeCoultre's in-house manufacturing capabilities. Crystal materials and water resistance ratings were consistent with the practical requirements of the era for such watches, aiming for reliability in various conditions. The dial configuration would have prioritized legibility, a common characteristic of functional chronographs.

This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate the historical context of Jaeger LeCoultre's tool watch development and the specific design language of the Deep Sea series. Its place within the broader Deep Sea family, alongside other notable references, makes it a subject of research for those aiming to understand the full scope of the brand's output in this category. The pursuit of original documentation, such as special booklets, highlights the collector community's dedication to preserving and understanding these historical pieces.

Specifications

Caliber: JLC 916

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Blue

Key Points from the Discussion

The Polaris Automatique's good size, symmetry, and subtle details, particularly the blue dial version, have garnered significant appeal among collectors.
While well-made, some collectors feel the new Polaris collection lacks ambition and innovation, hoping for more audacious options and complications in other JLC lines.
The new Polaris line presents a dilemma for collectors, comparing it to the Tribute to Polaris 68 for its faithfulness to the original versus the 50th-anniversary version's modern updates.
The Polaris Automatique is praised for its near-perfect proportions and the beautiful way its dial, with three different finishings, displaces light, especially the blue dial with a brown strap.
Concerns were raised about the bracelet using push pins and the movement appearing too small for the case, leading some to believe JLC cut corners on the watch.
A key design element of the original Polaris, the slightly domed hour marker ring, appears to be absent in the new Automatique, with questions arising if it's present in other new Polaris models.

The Discussion

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Feb 1, 2018

i am warming up to these ! Esp be blue dial (with the brown calf strap !!) the bracelet looks very well made too and also looks handsome . Can’t wait to see them in the metal in Singapore ! Cheers Robin

Tim_M

Feb 1, 2018

Thank you for this photo study and your insights. You go to great lengths to give us full information, and these posts live as useful references forever.I have to admit that I'm not in love with the new collection (lacking ambition and innovation), but the watches are well made and will help the company get back on its feet. Perhaps these will bring current Rolex/Breitling/Omega customers into JLC's orbit; a slightly higher price point that carries a prestigious marquee name. Separately, I hold

damianp

Feb 1, 2018

Comparing the blue dial geophysic Limited Edition and the blue dial Polaris Automatic, which one would bei your favorite?

JToddH

Feb 1, 2018

Very sleek design with great combination of materials and finishes.

nilomis

Feb 1, 2018

With excellent pictures, as usual. This watch must be seen "in metal" to grab its real looks, in special the blue dialed one. Love the calf strap and the fact that it comes without date. Congratulations, Nilo

DSF

Feb 1, 2018

Me too I’m slowly warming up to the new Polaris line. I was actually hunting for the tribute to Polaris 68 (full lume mistake dial) before this year SIHH. Now comes the 50th anniversary version. Hmmm.... which one to go for? The tribute is pretty true to the original with the plexi glass and super compressor case (please correct me if I’m wrong). The 50th anniversary has a completely different case, sapphire crystal, bigger numerals, applied indices, longer hands, which I’m not too sure about. B

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatique Review

About the Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph Shark Ref. MemovoxE870

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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