JLC Polaris vs. Rolex Submariner
Jaeger-LeCoultre is so famous for its dress watches, especially the iconic Reverso. For many, JLC is considered a very high end watchmaker in a similar rank as Breguet, GP, or perhaps even Patek. (At the end of the day, JLC made a lot of calibers for Patek for quite some years.) However, the JLC diver watch, Polaris, has been so far under the radar. Why has the Polaris not been receiving similar love from watch collectors like the Submariner?
Don't get me wrong. I love Submariner and in fact have been waiting for a phone call from the Rolex Boutique for that piece. However, I think the Polaris is also an excellent diver watch in a similar price range to Submariner. Their styles and their designs are widely different, but I think either one is an excellent choice, depending on one's personal taste.
The Polaris has a rich history that can be traced back to 1960's. Its dial is quite intriguing, as there are 3 different finishes on it. Don't know whether it is a better design or not, but I have not heard of internal bezel from many other brands. One bonus of an internal bezel I may imagine is to avoid scratches on the bezel. I think the Polaris has a lot of good things to offer.
On the other hand, I don't need to say anything about the Submariner. Everyone knows Submariner. So, my question is, which one would you prefer if you are in the market for a diver watch, or just an everyday watch, at this price point, and why?
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Vincent
I love watches and have been collecting inexpensive watches for over 20 years. Most are quartz watches but a few are automatic. None cost me more than C$300. Since two years ago, I started collecting...
Canada
Member since
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7.00” / 17.78 cm
Sub. I love the Polaris, especially in green, but as a daily the Sub is more robust and flexible tool wartch. Great as a 1 and done if you don’t want a large collection, it will literally work with anything from office to shorts to a suit and there is a global network to be able to get it serviced. Both companies are not shy with service costs however Rolex are very global with their networks that I would take this into account.
Sub. I love the Polaris, especially in green, but as a daily the Sub is more robust and flexible tool wartch. Great as a 1 and done if you don’t want a large collection, it will literally work with anything from office to shorts to a suit and there is a global network to be able to get it serviced. Both companies are not shy with service costs however Rolex are very global with their networks that I would take this into account.
That's true. I think both are excellent watches, but I also pick Submariner over Polaris. I like Submariner a bit more, just because of its style.
I am going with the Submariner. The Polaris looks great but upon reading about it I don't find the information I need. I don't find the answer of "Do the pushers/crowns screw down?" If they don't I don't find the JLC to be a dive watch I could rely on while being in the water. It's a great looking watch but so is the Sub and the Sub's dependability does it for me.
I am going with the Submariner. The Polaris looks great but upon reading about it I don't find the information I need. I don't find the answer of "Do the pushers/crowns screw down?" If they don't I don't find the JLC to be a dive watch I could rely on while being in the water. It's a great looking watch but so is the Sub and the Sub's dependability does it for me.
Agree. It is odd that a diver watch does not have a screw down crown. But somehow JLC seems to achieve the rating without one. While JLC is such a reputable watchmaker, and whatever they claim should be considered reliable, the Submariner has been tested and in use for so many years by so many people, I would also lean toward Submariner if I am to use it in the water.
But for those who are to use it just as a daily watch, then the choice may become more challenging. As to me, in terms of brands, I prefer JLC without a second thought. But in terms of the look of the watches, I like Submariner more.
Agree. It is odd that a diver watch does not have a screw down crown. But somehow JLC seems to achieve the rating without one. While JLC is such a reputable watchmaker, and whatever they claim should be considered reliable, the Submariner has been tested and in use for so many years by so many people, I would also lean toward Submariner if I am to use it in the water.
But for those who are to use it just as a daily watch, then the choice may become more challenging. As to me, in terms of brands, I prefer JLC without a second thought. But in terms of the look of the watches, I like Submariner more.
I had a Sub but sold it when the market was ridiculously high. It was a great GADA watch. I swim a lot too and it was always on the wrist. Swimming around in the pool playing with the kids and one bump to a pusher on the JLC could break the water seal and then major trouble occurs. JLC probably won't cover it under warranty so now you have a waterlogged $10,000. bracelet. No thanks.
2 totally different styles and looks for a diver. Don’t recall many JLC Polaris homages compared to a sub.
I had a Sub but sold it when the market was ridiculously high. It was a great GADA watch. I swim a lot too and it was always on the wrist. Swimming around in the pool playing with the kids and one bump to a pusher on the JLC could break the water seal and then major trouble occurs. JLC probably won't cover it under warranty so now you have a waterlogged $10,000. bracelet. No thanks.
That's true! Don't understand why JLC does not make a screw down crown for the Polaris.
2 totally different styles and looks for a diver. Don’t recall many JLC Polaris homages compared to a sub.
Submariner is almost the king of dive watches.. Polaris is pretty much under the radar. Styles and looks are very subjective. I personally like Submariner more, but I can imagine many others would prefer the style of Polaris. Given the prestige of JLC, I just don't understand why the Polaris has not been more successful.
Submariner is almost the king of dive watches.. Polaris is pretty much under the radar. Styles and looks are very subjective. I personally like Submariner more, but I can imagine many others would prefer the style of Polaris. Given the prestige of JLC, I just don't understand why the Polaris has not been more successful.
If you like the Sub, and get the Polaris, it would just be a placeholder. Eventually you will still want a Sub. Unless you really want both then it would be ok to just get the Polaris first and Sub later.
My vote is on Sub although I own Polaris and love it because your question was about a “diver”.
Polaris, although technically a diver, is too elegant to use as an outdoor watch.
I bought it not as a sport watch but a watch to wear in business casual attire.
Polaris’ direct competitor is probably not a Sub but a Bathyscaphe.
I have to admit, I really like the Polaris.
2 totally different styles and looks for a diver. Don’t recall many JLC Polaris homages compared to a sub.
My Sub homage and I agree 😬.
Which is why we’re both Team JLC on the question 🤣.
My head says Polaris but my heart says the Sub.
Polaris 8 days a week. Why get a watch everyone has or has knocked off. I respect the Sub for being a archetypal design but definitely prefer my Polaris.
Submariners are a dime a dozen. Go Jaeger-LeCoultre ✌️
I have a vintage Rolex sub (which is awesome). But modern to modern the Polaris is the way to go. Modern subs are everywhere and feel sorta generic. The JLC is beautiful in person and is uncommon with the internal bezel and dual crowns. It also wears great.
I think JLC is probably at the forefront in terms of technical innovation. I have a very high respect of this brand.
I will also add that the Polaris history goes well back to the 60s. A vintage Polaris Memovox in particular is an awesome watch that will cost you the same money as a new car. So plenty of history, love, and appreciation from folks that know. 😀
Yes, my poll does briefly mention that the Polaris' history goes back to the 60's. One interesting thing another Cruncher pointed out earlier is that the Polaris does not have a wind-down crown. I did not notice that before, and after looking around in the JLC product pages, I further found that except for one model, all the Polaris models are not described as dive watches.
This is interesting, because the original Polaris Memovox was a dive watch with an interesting alarm feature. And the gentleman at the JLC Boutique also referred to Polaris as the brand's dive watch.
Perhaps the Submariner may be the better option if it is used for diving, but Polaris could be the better choice if it is used as an everyday watch. Just my personal opinion. 😀
The most vocal group will be for Rolex, because marketing.
Personally, the Polaris for me. Better look overall, and probably a better movement. The Polaris can act like a diver if need be, but can look more dressy than the Subs chunkiness.
Hope your decision is easy.
Thank you! I will get the Submariner because I want a more sportier watch for this purchase, but in general, I love the JLC brand more. I already have one (Reverso) and may also buy another (Master Control) in the future from the brand. Despite my decision on this purchase, I am a big fan of JLC! 🥳
The Polaris seems like a younger brother of the Sub. Probably because it’s easy to read, has a few numbers, and a nice subtle sunbrush black dial. Sun is just iconic. I would take either and wear proudly.
Agree. Both are amazing!
I wish JLC would make a conventional Diver. But they've always offered technically impressive, but ultimately, kooky designs which challenge the norms beyond what most are interested in buying.
The Polaris, as an example, wears very large at 41mm without much bezel, the face aperture is massive. It's too big for me, but I can wear a 42mm pelagos without much concern.
Come on JLC, make a handsome diver...
Thank you for your opinion. I do find that the Polaris look very nice on the wrists of the few who share the photos with others either here or in other forums. But I am on the same page as you that JLC is always pushing the norms, but I mostly view this a positive thing for a luxury brand.
Fair enough. If the choice is between JLC and Rolex then there are no bad choices!
I picked the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M over the Sub a few years ago because while I love the 5-digit Sub case design the 6-digit Sub case...not so much. Hence the Ginault and it's 5-digit case! Not to mention the Omega cost less and didn't require a years long wait to get it 🤣
Oh yes, the Omega Seamaster is another excellent choice. In my case, because I already have an Omega (Speedmaster 57) on my future buying list, I want to have my dive watch from a different brand and for a different style. 😉
Thank you! I will get the Submariner because I want a more sportier watch for this purchase, but in general, I love the JLC brand more. I already have one (Reverso) and may also buy another (Master Control) in the future from the brand. Despite my decision on this purchase, I am a big fan of JLC! 🥳
Sportier is as sportier does.
Happy to see more JLC lovers in this forum! 🥳
My JLC Deep Sea Chronograph…take that Submariner 😉
Almost all JLC watches are really good-looking, and the Polaris is no exception.
No idea about the others, I do not really look too hard into this price category, since I am not rich. I just saw pics of it here on Watchcrunch.
My JLC Deep Sea Chronograph…take that Submariner 😉
Very nice! 😍
No idea about the others, I do not really look too hard into this price category, since I am not rich. I just saw pics of it here on Watchcrunch.
Hey, that's fine. There are also MANY watches that are beyond my price range. That is true for most people. The good thing about watch collection is that there are always good and quality watches at every price range. I just bought a Tissot Gentleman last week for a fraction of the price of either of these two watches, but I still absolutely love it. We can always appreciate beautiful things without necessarily own them. 😉
I was on the fence about the Polaris until I tried one on. It moved to the top of my list. It’s very, very comfortable on my wrist and the blue is fantastic.
It’s a very tough call between these two and I’m unable to make a decision.
I was on the fence about the Polaris until I tried one on. It moved to the top of my list. It’s very, very comfortable on my wrist and the blue is fantastic.
It’s a very tough call between these two and I’m unable to make a decision.
That's also what I found on many JLC watches. Not only do they feel very comfortable on the wrist, they also look much more beautiful in person than how they look in the official stock pictures.
In my case, what happened is that the Reverso was on my list, but it was not at very top of the list, as I already have a good dress watch (Cartier Tank) and another one I am currently enquiring of (Patek Calatrava). But when I checked out the Reverso in person, I immediately changed my purchase plan and moved the Reverso to the top of my list and went back to the Boutique the following week to buy it, as it was the only one they had in stock at the time.
Thank you for the advice. I do not plan to get the Polaris. I will buy the Submariner only. I am a big fan of JLC in general and like the brand much more than Rolex. But comparing watch to watch, I like Submariner more.
I hold this poll just because I am curious. I love the brand JLC and wonder why the Polaris has been so under the radar given how prestigious the brand JLC is. But the poll is not for helping my buying decision. 😎
Because of marketing and what it is. The backstory of the Submariner is so much more interesting that most want to be part of that saga. From Comex divers, deepsea explorers, the military, fictional spies. The submariner is everywhere whereas the polaris is just known to a handful of watch enthusiasts.
I personally would not choose a JLC diver as my next high end diver purchase ( if achievable) as that slot will be filled by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms ( which has a better backstory akso) or even another Rolex - Yacht master 42 titanium in the metal is gorgeous in that tool watch sort of way.
Because of marketing and what it is. The backstory of the Submariner is so much more interesting that most want to be part of that saga. From Comex divers, deepsea explorers, the military, fictional spies. The submariner is everywhere whereas the polaris is just known to a handful of watch enthusiasts.
I personally would not choose a JLC diver as my next high end diver purchase ( if achievable) as that slot will be filled by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms ( which has a better backstory akso) or even another Rolex - Yacht master 42 titanium in the metal is gorgeous in that tool watch sort of way.
I see your points. The Fifty Fathoms is absolutely another great diver. I've also looked into that too.