Released at the SIHH 2018 two weeks ago, Jaeger-LeCoultre surprised everyone with a full new collection under the Polaris name. This new Polaris collection is inspired by the iconic Memovox Polaris watch from 1968 and the new Polaris Chronograph is one of our favorite timepieces from it. Fitted with a 42 mm 18k rose gold case —also available in stainless steel with blue or black dial and on strap or matching bracelet—, a stunning grey dial and delivered on a chocolate brown alligator strap, ref. 9022450could very well be one of the best chronographs money can buy if you like precious metals.
About the Watch
Featuring a grey dial that is very well balanced thanks to its bi-compax layout with 12-hour chronograph register at 9 o'clock and 30-minute register at 3 o'clock, the new JLC Polaris Chronograph ref. 9022450 is a gorgeous timepiece. The dial design gets rounded by the baguette-shaped hands with luminescent material and the three different hues and finishes on its surface. The dial combines three different finishes with a sunray finished center in lighter grey, graining on the outer circle where the 18K gold applied markers are located and an opaline finish on its tachymetric scale flange/rehaut.
Everything on the dial of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph timepiece is reminiscent of the Jaeger counters that equip the dashboards of some vintage cars like the Jaguar E-Type from the 60s. The tachymetric scale on the flange is utilized to measure speeds and it is graduated from 60 to 500 km/h.
Rectangular pushers with rounded edges and a satin brushed finish on the case that intertwines with a myriad of highly polished areas on the crown, chamfers and surrounding areas of the chronograph pushers create a symphony of light refraction. The case is exquisitely finished and the watch is pure and elegant looking.
The Strap
The new JLC Polaris Chronograph is delivered on a chocolate brown alligator strap with a newly designed folding clasp matching the metal of the case. Any additional straps are sold for $400 USD via the JLC website.
The Movement & Case Back
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph is powered by the in-house automatic calibre 751H. This movement composed of 262 parts, a double-barrel and 37 jewels, provides a power reserve of 65 hours when fully wound. This exquisitely finished movement with Côtes de Genève features a pink gold oscillating weight matching the metal of the case. The movement is of course fully visible via the display case back.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph ref. 9022450 wears true to its size and very comfortably, regardless of the added weight that comes with an 18K pink gold case. The combination of rose gold with a chocolate brown strap and a grey dial makes this timepiece very warm and elegant. A stunning in-house chronograph for those looking for a contemporary timepiece that comes with top pedigree.
Sticker Price $24,500 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
