BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the vintage-inspired Polaris collection during SIHH 2018. Based on a 1968 model with the same name, the Polaris collection comprises a variety of sports watches with multiple complications. For 2019 Jaeger-LeCoultre has come up with a limited-edition variant of the Polaris date featuring a striking blue fume dial.
Simple to look at, the dial on the Polaris date makes a strong statement on the execution front. It consists of three sections with three different finishes on offer which are further accentuated by the fume treatment on this instance. At the center is a small circular disk with a deep blackish blue sunburst effect. Moving outwards first up is the textured section which has been rendered in a lighter shade of blue, which is followed by a sloped rotatable bezel with a printed chapter ring on the outer periphery that has a matt finish and is once again presented in a dark hue of black/blue. Placed on top of dial is a mix of applied trapezoids and bold Arabic numerals which have been deeply filled with custard colored luminous paint to emit a vintage vibe and aid low light visibility.
Just like the dial, the stainless-steel case on the Polaris date exhibits some nice attention to detail. It measures 42mm in diameter and is beautifully finished. It features impressive hand brushing for the most part which is well complemented by sharp bevels on the lugs and a polished bezel on the top. To ensure that the watch stays firmly planted on the wrist the lugs have been also been angled downwards. The case is water-resistant to 200 meters and is flanked by two crowns to give the watch a distinctive visual appeal. The crown at 2 controls the internal bezel whereas the crown at 4 can be used to set the time.
Powering this watch is Jaeger- LeCoultre’s in-house calibre 899A/1. This is an automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 4Hz and offers a power reserve of around 38 hours. To make sure that the watch keeps accurate time the movement has been thoroughly tested under different conditions for 1000 hours. It has been beautifully decorated, but unfortunately has been hidden behind the closed case back.
In all the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date Limited Edition is a handsome looking luxury sports watch. Production would be limited to 800 pieces and the watch would retail for USD 8,250.
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