An Underrated Luxury Sports Watch With Untapped Potential - Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris
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- Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2021
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In this video, I'll take a detailed look at what I consider one of the most underrated luxury sport watches on the market, the JLC Polaris Automatic. We'll touch on the history of the Polaris, provide a general overview of the watch, and then discuss what type of enthusiast might be perfect for this piece.
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BOUGHT ONE. this year. Its beautiful and wears really well on the wrist. Its not large watch even though the pics make it look formidable. 41mm is perfect, 39 would be way too small. Its actually very light and delicate, similar to a Patek. Its probably the best value for a high horology watch.
I can only agree with what you said. Bought one myself and its amazing, the colours are stunning. 39mm would also be too small for me. They made this one exactly right
Completely agree. 39mm would ruin this watch. The sizing is perfect. Fits like a glove and so comfortable
Totally agreed. I’d choose it as my only watch if it comes at 39mm!
+1! Unfortunately way too big, especially for a JLC.
Literally this. Just make a 38-39mm version and this is the perfect watch hands down. LISTEN TO US JLC
I have the chrono version with the blue dial. The dial, finish, and quality is absolutely stunning in person. It has become my favorite watch and I get tons of compliments.
Excellent content as always. Jaeger-LeCoultre is still so under appreciated! Bringing this watch down to 39mm would be a game changer for sure.
Bought mine in August 2022. Extremely happy with this watch. I think it's a good thing they changed some of the classic looks, I doubt I would have bought it otherwise. What blows me away is the accuracy, incredible we are talking within (-0
5/+0.5 a day or something). Also the details in the movement are beautiful as mentioned in video. Sure it's a shame the power reserve is only 40 hours, but then again if you wear it everyday or nearly every day who cares?
This is a very nice watch. It was off my radar. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Totally agree on the size, Teddy. It would look great at 38/39mm.
I love this watch! You hit the nail on the head, I think it’s underrated and has a lot to offer in the category. If I had to give up my small collection and just have one watch, this might be the one.
An absolutely amazing watch. Got mine in January and I'm loving it. Finishing and decoration are superb.
Got mine this year too - after considering several other more expensive blue dial options.
I had a Polaris Date (in black) and loved it. Eventually sold it for the Polaris Chronograph that is even more incredible. Having got hooked on that the Mariner Date soon joined it. The whole Polaris range is a wonderful upgrade to the usual Omegas and Rolexes.
Super late but I’m about to sell my Polaris date (black) today for the Polaris Chrono (also black). Got an incredible deal for it (new watch). Super excited
I love the Polaris line! A longer power reserve is definitely a plus, a smaller size would be nice too. Apart from those, I think it is great in its current form! Great video Teddy!
I owned this watch for a bit. The bracelet is the most comfortable bracelet I've ever worn. With the two micro adjustments you can find an exact fit any time. It's also a great watch to switch out for a leather strap. Just be sure to buy curved springbars. The holes are drilled too close to the case for straight springbars.
Why did you sell it?
@@ShadowJ20 I loved the watch, but just changed style a bit. Going for a little less flash. Kept a couple of dive watches and a 39mm Explorer for special occasions.
I love this watch. And yeah it’d be awesome if they updated the movement to a little longer power reserve. Love it on the leather strap as well. So happy thanksgiving to the team over there !
Jlc's sports watches are too classy to be sports watches. That's why they are under rated
i just bought a black dial one last weekend. It is really fantastic. i love it so much!
I've always been a fan of this watch and design, love a quad Arabic dial layout and preferably the black dial for me, great piece.
Agreed. I have this watch with the black dial. I love the watch, but I would love it more if it were 38-39mm. The power reserve is not an issue for me personally but I appreciate it's way behind on competitors, even their ultra thin range now has a power reserve of 72 hours!
Does the black have the texture like the blue? Is it a striking looking black? Just curious cuz I was thinking about making the black dial Polaris my next watch. Just not sure yet. I haven't seen it in person yet. I've seen the blue and it's beautiful, but I have a blue dial watch. Thanks
Great summary. I just purchased this watch and love the size. Traditionally I wear a 40 mm Submariner but have began understanding the history and quality of JLC. Thanks for the review
I know this two are quite different watches, but how would you compare both as in enjoyment/satisfaction factors?
Agree strongly!
Love the no-date out of all of the variations, and would pull the trigger at 70 hrs power reserve and ideally 😊39mm or 40mm.
Hey Teddy
I just want to thank you. I finally pulled the trigger on what I would consider an actually "nice" watch and your channel has been huge for me! You communicate not only knowledge but passion in a marvellous way. Plus, the production quality is off the chart 👌 I’m taking things slow but am already looking forward for my next purchase 🙂
Congrats! What watch did you decide? Teddy's content is really great! He is truly a real enthusiast. Knows so much about watches, not snobby, and actively appreciates and promotes great value watches. What a great guy and great content.
@@wt5098 thanks Matthew 🙂 I got a Tissot Seastar 2000, I’m really happy with it!
JLC is always pure class.
You are so well spoken. Another great review. I love it although it's a bit large for my wrist as well...
A gorgeous three hander with something extra! Thanks for bringing to our attention, Teddy.
41 is great and this watch is amazing on the bigger wrist
Huge fan of the Polaris memovox models. Alarm is an uncommon but universally useful complication
I tried this piece on recently at an AD, which was my first time trying on any JLC watches. It wears wonderfully on my 7-1/4" wrist. It's thin and looks great without being too ostentatious. I do wish the power reserve was the same as in the Polaris Mariner Date model though. They did not have a Polaris Mariner Date to try on, so I didn't get a direct comparison on feel. I know the latter is a bit thicker.
This beautiful timepiece is pure class!
I love JLC Polaris series. Beautiful finishing and high quality timepiece.
Superb video review. The design on this watch appeals only after being exposed to it over time. Once you appreciate "it", you will be totally hooked. JLC needs to get more exposure for it. Looks awesome on their leather straps. One can seriously dress it up or down. Versatile. Its elegance in a diver's package.
It's a gorgeous watch, lovely dial. I'd love to see it at 37-38mm. JLC rules.
Yeah, but that would mean ditching the internal bezel, which is exactly what I think they need to do. It wouldn't be a Polaris without a bezel so that would mean moving it outside (external dive bezel) which is fine with me.
@@LanguagesWithAndrew I see your point, most iconic "compressor style" watches we've seen from the past like Enicar Sherpa and Longines 7042 are bigger than this model. But with modern technology in case construction I do believe it's feasible, especially for Lecoultre. Cheers, mate!
Maybe exercise and workout so you dont have a women's size wrist.
@@Mile-long-list LOL 🤣🤣 I do exercise and have good muscle mass in my forearm, but unfortunately working out does not increase wrist width, only fat or pathologic edema can increase wrist girth. It's a genetic issue, Mark LOL 🤣🤣
@@Mile-long-list Troll.
Another wonderful review! Someday I would love to add a JLC to my collection and perhaps with a few improvements this could be the one. I think it is a stunning watch and the 41mm size doesn’t bother me at all. The two things that put me off is the 40 hour power reserve and the fact that the crown used to adjust the inner bezel doesn’t lock so you can accidentally move it. Because of that, I find it hard to pick this watch over something like the Glashutte Origanal Senator excellence with Arabic numerals that is similar in price, finishing, quality, and size (40mm diameter 10mm thickness) but has a 100 hour power reserve and I believe is more accurate (-2/+6).
A video you made a while back where you mentioned the memovox version of this got me into this line. I got to handle one in person recently and I was blown away. I also like how low key it is unless you know JLC and what this watch is
I got to try this on a few months ago. A smaller size along with smaller lugs and a smaller sector dial would really make this a buy for me. The sector dial has too much empty space. The brown leather strap really looks nice with the blue dial though.
Thanks Teddy!
I agree. Needs to be 39mm to fit more wrists.
Stunning watch. I tried this on but appeared to look just a tad too large. However, I am not opposed to the size. Ended up with the Reverso Tribute in green.
Love this watch? A 2019 model with box and papers in used but mint condition can be had for a little over £5k so a lot more attainable than you might think as well!
I agree with the untapped potential...I'm in the market for something like this, however dropping this much coin, the watch needs to fulfill all those check marks. This comes close, but the 40hr power and the 41 mm case size is kind of a sacrifice. I would certainly snatch this up if it either had a longer power reserve. I can live with the case size but ideally I'd like 39mm
Truly a beaut, really enjoying JLC, but for sure a longer power reserve is a must.....
I'd consider this model of JLC, but the 40 hrs of power reserve is a deterrent. Nice job Teddy making this model so appealing with your commentary!!
Stunning dial. Clean, elegant and uniquely JLC.
This video reflects exactly my thoughts about this watch. If it were a little smaller it would be the one I would aim to eventually purchase the following years. I can't quite find a perfect match for what I have in mind currently
I agree I think it's a very underrated offering from jlc. I do wish it was a tad smaller though.
Yes!! Make it in 37-39mm and I'm sold...
I tried on both the JLC Polaris and the Longines Heritage Diver the other night. Both watches felt wonderful on my 7 1/2" wrist. The decompression ring on the JLC moved too easily and without a screw lock on the knob I can imagine that the triangle indicator will never be found at 12:00. The lightest rub on the crystal rotates the dial without even touching the knob. The 72 hour reserve on the Longines and the attractive price make the Heritage diver an easy choice over the watch maker's watch maker.
This watch is awesome! you should do another video on their master ultra thin series!!
Learnt a lot from this video thanks Teddy! ps. Would love to see some coverage of Girard-Perregaux both on the channel and in the web store!!
I purchased this piece a few weeks ago with the brown leather band. Absolutely fantastic piece. Worth the look in my opinion.
Great job Teddy.
Love this watch!
The Polaris chronograph might be my next purchase/1st big boy watch. I think it’s eligible for the one watch collection designation.
Solid caseback would go a long way here. So would a 38 or 39mm variant. Or right-size the movement and put a gold rotor on it and charge more. Or do both. Its a great watch anyways.
Love your videos Teddy! Curious about your thoughts on the smart watch movement and how that might be at odds with the traditional watch sector. Happy Thanksgiving!
I agree if they offer something like this in a 39mm it will become a grail watch for me.
That's right !!! In 39-40 MM and that's mine
Great video and presentation as always.
Personally, this watch is good but it is overshadowed by the more hyped model lines of the brand.
I sold my datejust 41 for this watch (blue with leather strap). No regrets 😊 prices have just increased aswell.
Thanks Teddy! Good review. I love blue dial watches. Wouldn't mind owning this model. However, at this price, my collection cannot add (without) subtracting other high-end pieces that I refuse to let go. Someday.....:)
Polaris Automatic is an amazing watch as is, looks great & feels incredibly comfortable & fits extremely well. I don’t agree with the “untapped potential” theory, it is a great watch and JLC doesn’t mess around with the supply.
Btw, power reserve & water resistance are both completely meaningless discussions bc collectors usually wear a watch once a month or even less & most of us are not diving to a 100 meters ever.
I am glad you made a video on this, as I find the JLC Polaris line generally under-appreciated. I like this model, with the only knock being the power reserve, much like the GO SeaQ which I feel it really competes with head to head. Likewise the Polaris Date is directly in competition with the SeaQ Panorama date, offering higher water resistance and power reserve, at the expense of a higher retail price and diameter / thickness. You could also lump the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms line in the same bracket of luxury dive watches as the Polaris / SeaQ. All are a solid notch up in craftsmanship and finishing compared to the large scale industrial watches produced by Rolex / Omega.
I agree. I love the Polaris but when It came to buying it. I ended up purchasing a Glashutte Original SeaQ Pano. JLC only sells it's watches in their Boutique, so new, you're limited to MSRP. I got the GO for about the same price. It's got better water resistance, silicon balance spring, 100 hour power reserve, 21K gold rotor weight on a beautiful movement, and a fantastic bracelet with the push button micro adjustment. I have big wrists (7 5/8")so the size wasn't a problem. I love JLC and have a Reverso Squadra and a Master Moon Calendar but this one falls somewhat short for me.
@@Madmanmarque I went for the SeaQ 39.5mm in reed green for myself. It doesn't have as nice a movement as the Pano version, but fits my average 7" wrist much better. And the color is sensational.
I love the look
I was very close to buy it.. got the OSM 300 instead, don't regret it but I wish I had the Polaris now.
Man you NAAAAILED this video! This is all absolutely and perfectly said! ❤️👏🏻 loving your content lately Teddy!
hey teddy ive been watching your videos for a bit and i enjoy them alot. Im new to watches and your videos are really helping me learn more i just ordered a tissot visodate 2019 with a white dial and ive been looking at your straps on your website for a bit now, it says that the ostrich leather straps in 20mm are out of stock is there any guess on when they are gonna be back in stock. I think that it would go great with the visodate
I'm with you on this one, Teddy, and we share our wrist size. I was very interested in this piece but found it that bit too big and the PR is disappointing even if the movement is gorgeous. I ended up purchasing a navy blue Black Bay 58 that ticked all the boxes at half the price and I love it. At 39mm with say 60 hours PR and now we're talking a watch that is worth its premium over the Tudor. To be the full multi-purpose watch it needs screw-down crown(s) so you can be comfortable with it as a general water sports watch. I don't dive and neither do most who buy a "diver" but I'd want that. That Longines is fine too but needs the intermediate size. Another well-considered video Teddy!
@r2l100 For me since I have a number of watches in rotation it might be a couple of days in between wearing any given watch. So I like 60 hours + so I can have 2 full days in between and they are still running the following morning. I also have a Grand Seiko Spring Drive and an Avigation Big Eye and they also have better than 60 hours and this works well for me. As for the screw down crown, it is just a peace of mind thing. If it's locked down and you are messing about in wet stuff, then a small knock can't pop the crown out and flood the movement. This matters with the Tudor as it is the watch I get wet with. We pay our money and we make our choices :)
@r2l100 I have plenty of faith in the Spring Drive. It checks consistently against the on-line atomic clock at a handful of seconds per month, not per day. The Tudor around 30 seconds + per month used this way. The Longines, not so well, but the Spring Drive is there to check it against. For more "rugged" water sports (kayak) I do tend to use my G Shock as that is what it is for.
I don’t know who thinks screws are better than pins and collars. Screws get loose and break, pin and collar are very secure and nothing wrong with them and high end seiko and grand seiko use them.
Agree, once sized you never need to do it again. Like you say, more can go wrong with a thread and screw. What is the big hang up with pins and collars? I much prefer them.
Great watch and solid value. Would like to see the coloured lume in the black dial from the 42mm watch. Size wise is good but could reduce to 40mm.
I loved LOVED this watch when I was seeing photos of it. I went to try it on and it was too big and it didn’t fit right. Very sad as I was ready to buy it and walked out disappointed. For reference, I love the size of my Tudor BB41 but for some reason, the Polaris felt larger.
I agree completely with RuffellTube, 39mm is too small. I consider 40mm the default size for a mens watch & JLC's tend to wear a bit smaller anyway. It's all about lug to lug, I really don't understand the young guys fascination with diminutive sport watch's. The only changes would be to increase the power reserve, slightly beefed up crowns with the winder being a screw down unit. Although the bracelet & clasp are a work of art, you could go wild with many strap options, how about a custom made sail cloth from Aaron at Combat bespoke watch straps who happens to make fantastic straps. And nothing makes a watch look smaller than going from a bracelet to a strap, food for thought.
If it wasn't for this video I would never have known about the Polaris line. I had no idea JL had this style and caliber of watch at this price point.
Finally a modern no date, unfortunately short on water resistance and power reserve, and agree a 39 or 40 would be perfect
Spot on teddy, reduce it to 39 mm and 12mm thick
Just a beautiful underrated sport watch
JLC is a great brand. Higher horology then Rolex and Omega who they compete with.
The Polaris, and the Polaris Chronograph are excellent watches.
These latest JLC Polaris’s have very handsome dials.
Great watch. If it weren’t for the non-screw down crowns, pins in the bracelet, and 40 hour power reserve, I would buy one.
Great watch and great video as always. I’m surprised about the 40-hr power reserve in this and the GO SeaQ. Technically, these two brands are on par with Blancpain who can squeeze 100-hr of power reserve in the smaller 38mm Bathyscaphe (which is also water resistant up to 30 bars).
Is there really a significant different between 40 and 70? It's 2 days versus 3. If you only wear this on the weekend, 70 is just as useless as 40. I'd much rather a slimmer watch than 70 hrs
This is a great substitute for a Longines compressor diver.
I've long been tempted by one of these but some things just keep me for buying one.
1. A bit too big, needs to shrink down to 39mm and lose >1 mm in height.
2. Bezel is free turning, easily knocked and changed.
3. Depth rating can handle a bath not a dive.
On the plus side the hands are the nicest of any watch.
10 bars is 100 meters. That's more than enough to go diving for most people, not just "a bath." ISO requires minimum 100 meters depth rating to be considered a dive watch.
Bezel may be free turning, but it's controlled by the second crown, which you won't be knocking.
I agree the case size can be made a bit smaller, not necessarily for any functional reasons, but purely for aesthetics. There is a lot of space on the dial. 39-40 mm will give it better proportions.
Very nice video on this watch. I like your inputs on the sizing. But I must say, the dial of the watch is built to fit in the size of 41. If it's a 39, the dial maybe too small. Nevertheless, what's stopping me to buy a jlc is because of the price and it's resale value. They just loose a ton of value in the resale market when comparing with rolex or even omega.
I love JLC and I honestly think they don't get the recognition and appreciation they deserve. That said, I agree with you on this watch; it's great but there's something missing! Increase the power reserve and reduce its size to 38-40mm and you have a winner
Hi Teddy,
I saw your request for question for your Q/A and had this one. As some people buy watches and put them in safes for investment purposes (not me), it had me thinking about a watch that has been stored and nor running. What will the condition of these watches be when they have been stored for 5-10 years and not having had the movements running? I wonder what a new old stock will be like at that point?
Thanks so much.
Stephen
I need that jacket!
What do
Rolex OP 36 116000 Blue dial / Bluplorer,
GS SBGA413(Spring) and
this JLC Polaris share in common..?
Each comes with a lugwidth that is extraordinarily wide relative to its case.
Rolex OP 36 : 36mm case - 20 mm lugwidth
GS SBGA413 : 40 mm case - 21 mm lugwidth
JLC Polaris : 41 mm case - 21 mm lugwidth.
This very attribute makes them really good looking from all angles. Btw, I’m hoping you can analyse this aspect (case size - lugwidth ratio) on future videos.
My key takeaways after watching this video :
1. Explorer 1 124270 is neither as good as OP 36 or this JLC
2. I may still buy it at retail of course. Perhaps, owning it will make me like it later.
At worst… If I don’t, I can resell it a sizable profit.
With all these said, none should pay $ 8.000 for Polaris. $4.500-5.000 sounds about right for it.
great review, tried it on and was sold...I agree that maybe 39-40 will be better and I think next year they will upgrade it to 70 hours power reserve. Could you also review de Polaris Mariner? (There is no review to find on You Tube)
I’m puzzled by the negative comments regarding its size. It’s size is appropriate for its diver pedigree and it’s quite thin at that. Add to that the JLC pedigree and finish…if ya’ll want to sleep on this piece I’ll gladly pick it up preowned next year on a discount. It’s a stunner and I’d rather have this than a Submariner.
I agree with you Eric. I have the black Polaris Date and it sits beautifully on my 7.25 inch wrist. More than anything else, it just depends on wrist size.
Don't forget 95% ppl here are keyboard divers, not the ones who actually dive in ocean.
I would buy one RIGHT NOW if offered in a tuxedo dial color scheme…
Awesome Jacket Teddy. Willing to share where you got it? Thanks!
I just ordered it…… it will be on my wrist soon.
Black dial…….
Nice jacket!
Unobtrusive luxury. It’s not something everyone has. I love it.
Would love to see this on a navy blue tropical, surprised its only rated to 100m
I sat down in 2019 with this very watch at my AD. It was going up against the CFB Heritage chronograph and a Moon Watch. I really want a JLC for my collection and I tried really hard to like this Polaris. But, the dial did not look like it was on a $8000 watch, which is a lot for a three hand watch for me, admittedly the JLC is a hand made thing. Overall it’s beautiful but I think that Omega offers more for less. I ended up with the CFB which gave me an annual calendar and chronograph for less money.
lol at least you didnt buy hublot
Add a GMT function and they have a winner.
On three hand w/date or no date....I just don't really care about power reserve
... It's a fun spec, but an automatic watch isn't going to die on my wrist....and I tend to swap watches every day or two anyway
Tried it in store. Bring it down to a 38mm and I would buy it.
These are nice but IMO the ultimate JLC sports watch is the Master Compressor Memovox. More sporty than this Polaris and three crowns and the gorgeous alarm. Great diver and dresses up for business as well.
This in 39mm and salmon dial would rock
I wonder why most internal bezels are noticeably smaller than those with external bezels even if we ignore the edges 🤔
For someone that has both the vintage Polaris Memovox and another one from a few years ago, the water resistant is a joke.
Theres also several warnings that comes from the box and packaging stating not to dive with the watch.
Honestly, if you want an actual sport piece from JLC, get the Deep Sea Chrono.
For these past few years, it has been my goto watch. From the dial, to the movement and of course its finishing it doesnt disappoint.
There hasnt been another watch that tempted me to replace it,.. until the new El Primero arrived with that faux patina.
More and more Im starting to feel like fighting a losing battle.
Should I succumb to this ever lasting hunger or should I keep postponing the inevitable?
It's a perfect watch. I like it because it reflects a time piece in the high end hierarchy, however, i disagree with you regarding the case diameter suggestion at 39mm. Even at a 42mm in case diameter, this watch is still small on my 19 cm circumference wrist. I actually wish they made this watch bigger, so it would compete more with the planet oceans and the deep sea divers.
Solid watch, but there’s something about it that simply doesn’t speak to me. Another great production Teddy 👏