Review of my Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic

As a long running dress piece fan, I never really got the diver bug. After a few years cycling through some dressier chronographs (Speedy Pro included) and smattering of sober pieces from Stowa to Omega to Cartier, I finally found my brand with Jaeger-LeCoultre or JLC.

It was around this moment that a desire for a steel sports piece, pardon the pun, finally materialized (as consumer desires are wont to do).

I romanticized the idea of a piece sturdy enough for July afternoon dips in the Grunewald lakes, elegant enough for business trips to Munich and striking enough for the south-facing terraces of Austrian skihutte.

I'm happy to report that the JLC Polaris Automatic aptly meets the brief. Before I fell for JLC, I honestly never paid the Polaris any attention. I can say with certainty that it is the only piece I have purchased, let alone kept, that I didn't creepily stalk online for months before hand, watching every video review at least thrice.

While it may sound like a cliché, the Polaris really has to be handled in the metal to be fully appreciated. At 41mm and with an extremely thin bezel, the design proudly draws the eye to the large blue dial.

And it does not disappoint. Featuring three distinct surfaces, each with their own texture and unique light play, the dial is simply spectacular. The combination of the opaline inner rotating bezel, the grained indices track and the traditional sunburst center creates a dynamic effect that for me evokes the Northern Lights.

Atop sit unexpectedly utilitarian and sporty Arabic numerals three, six, nine and twelve numerals. Along with the trapezoidal non-cardinal indices and hands, the numerals are filled with lume and surrounded by polished white metal.

Like taste in music, watch enthusiasts are simply born to gravitate to certain features. For me, it has always been applied polished indices and dial texture. With this Polaris, I have certainly met my match.

Given the size of the eye-catching dial, it is safe to call this a statement sports piece. However, this flashy posture is tempered somewhat by the elegant 11mm thinness.

I prefer pieces in the 38.5 to 42mm range and this one just hits right.

I hear many reviewers laud Rolex for their improbable end link tolerances. While I agree with this, I would put the Polaris right next to the Crown for this particular category. The tolerances are so tight on the Polaris that it flirts with the integrated bracelet look and certainly feel.

Speaking of the bracelet, I can tell you that it is the most comfortable that I've ever worn. It drapes the wrist much nicer than the new Speedmaster bracelet for instance. It also features a double micro adjust clasp which functions very similar to the Rolex Easy-Link. I have to admit that I love to make these adjustments throughout the day.

Can we finally admit that we just enjoy fidgeting with these things? Seriously, what else are chronographs, Reversos and micro adjust clasps for if not to punctuate gaps between daily tasks and minutiae?

Finally, this piece really fits into my current collecting philosophy which is to focus on unique, personal choices rather than pieces that "every collector must have". I previously went down that road and did enjoy owning some classic pieces, but I now much prefer wearing discrete and unique watches that I almost never see on anyone else's wrist.

I wouldn't change much of anything about this piece but I'll admit that the action on the rotating bezel is too light and therefore, it routinely moves involuntarily. This doesn't really bother me though, as I love to set it back to zero and rarely use it to time anything. Secondly, at this price point, the power reserve could certainly be longer. Lastly, as with all JLC, the retail price is outrageous. Thankfully, they are available pre-owned or new through dealers/forums at much more attainable prices.

Overall, I am very pleased with this piece and don't see myself letting it go. With its pure symmetry, stunning dial, fantastic bracelet and off the beaten path nature, I am confident that I have found the one sports piece for my dress watch-focused collection.

Thanks for reading crunchers!