Continuing the maison’s impeccable craftsmanship, Jaeger-LeCoultre recently introduced a pair of fresh interpretations of its beloved Polaris Chronograph. Both watches feature 42-mm stainless steel cases and lacquered dials in deep blue or warm, understated grey.
As a novel addition to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s repertoire, the latter adds a sense of stealthy elegance. To achieve a more visually appealing dial, the new Polaris Chronograph employs a multi-layered design. Beginning with a central disc, it transitions into a middle and an outer ring, creating a stepped effect that gives the illusion of greater depth. In the outer ring, the tachymeter scale is printed in white with vibrant orange dots at the relevant points, including the crucial 60th marker.
A 60-minute scale (or 60-second scale) encompasses the midsection of the dial, along with large, applied hour markers. Lastly, the innermost disc of the dial bears the maison’s name and emblem, as well as a discreet notation confirming the watch’s self-winding ability.
A meticulous lacquering process that transitions from light to dark on both the central disc and the mid-ring harmonises these elements. Each dial segment is lacquered entirely by hand and involves multiple intricate steps.
In the maison, an artisan applies a coat of clear varnish, followed by a layer of colour. Performing this task requires exceptional dexterity and concentration. Each hue and gradient must result in two dial sections that match perfectly. The artisan then applies 35 layers of translucent lacquer. It’s a painstaking process, but it significantly enhances the dial’s visual depth.
The watch’s transparent caseback reveals the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 761, a movement renowned for its precision chronometric accuracy. With a fully integrated column-wheel chronograph mechanism, a vertical clutch, and twin barrels, it offers 65 hours of power reserve. The movement is produced, assembled, and thoughtfully decorated with blued screws and Geneva stripes on the baseplate at the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture in Le Sentier in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux.
The new Polaris Chronograph is excellent for those wanting a versatile sports-chic watch that exudes character. To emphasise this point, Jaeger-LeCoultre will offer the blue version of the timepiece with a steel bracelet and a blue rubber strap adorned with the Clous de Paris, a guilloché pattern characterised by small pyramid-like squares. It’s also known as a hobnail pattern.
In contrast, the warm grey iteration will come with a beige canvas strap and an extra black rubber strap. Featuring quick-swap spring bars and an interchangeable folding buckle, you can wear your Polaris Chronograph however you like.
