Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic

In the heart of Switzerland's Vallée de Joux, a region renowned for its horological heritage, lies the birthplace of Jaeger-LeCoultre, a watchmaker with a legacy of over 190 years. Since its inception in 1833, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, crafting timepieces that are both technically impressive and aesthetically captivating. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues this tradition with the release of the new Polaris Geographic, a watch that embodies the spirit of adventure and the art of watchmaking.

Jaeger-LeCoultre's journey began with the invention of the millionometer, the first instrument capable of measuring a micron, by Antoine LeCoultre in 1844. This early innovation set the stage for a series of groundbreaking achievements, including the creation of the Calibre 145, the world's thinnest mechanical movement, in 1907. The company's commitment to innovation has led to the development of over 1,200 calibres and the registration of over 400 patents, solidifying its position as a leader in the watchmaking industry.



In 1968, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Memovox Polaris, a diving watch with an alarm function that quickly became an icon. This timepiece marked the beginning of the Polaris collection, a series of watches designed for those with a thirst for adventure. The Polaris line has since evolved, incorporating new technologies and designs while staying true to its roots in exploration and discovery. The new Polaris Geographic is the latest addition to this esteemed collection, offering a modern interpretation of a classic design.

The Polaris Geographic is a watch that speaks to the modern explorer, the individual who values both style and functionality. Its design is a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary elements, with a 42mm stainless steel case that exudes a sense of robustness and refinement. The off-centered crowns, a hallmark of the Polaris collection, add a touch of asymmetry that is both visually appealing and practical. The watch's narrow bezel and glass-box crystal create a sense of depth, while the mix of brushed and polished surfaces adds a touch of sophistication.



The dial of the Polaris Geographic is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The ocean-grey lacquer, applied in a double gradient finish, creates a mesmerizing effect that evokes the depths of the sea. This intricate process involves almost 40 steps, including 35 layers of lacquer, resulting in a dial that is both visually stunning and highly legible. The luminescent numerals and hour markers, along with the orange accents, ensure optimal visibility in any lighting condition. The displays are arranged in an asymmetric layout, with the second time zone in a sub-dial at 6 o'clock and the power reserve indicator in the upper left sector of the dial. This unique arrangement not only adds visual interest but also enhances the watch's functionality.

The heart of the Polaris Geographic is the in-house Calibre 939, a self-winding movement that boasts a 70-hour power reserve. This impressive power reserve is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's commitment to technical excellence. The movement's intricate workings are visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, showcasing the brand's meticulous attention to detail. The Calibre 939 not only ensures accurate timekeeping but also powers the watch's Geographic complication, a feature that allows the wearer to easily track the time in two different time zones.

The Polaris Geographic is not just a watch; it's a companion for your adventures. It comes with two interchangeable straps – a textured black rubber strap and a blue-grey canvas strap – allowing you to switch up your style to match your mood or activity. The watch is also water-resistant to 10 bar, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Whether you're exploring a new city or diving into the depths of the ocean, the Polaris Geographic is ready to accompany you on your journey.



The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic isn't just a pretty face; it's a tool designed for the modern globetrotter. Its most distinguishing feature is the Geographic complication, a function that allows for easy tracking of two time zones. This is achieved through a 24-hour disc located at the bottom of the dial, featuring the names of 24 major cities, each representing a different time zone. A small aperture at 6 o'clock displays the currently selected city, and a corresponding hand on the sub-dial indicates the time in that location.

To adjust the second time zone, a dedicated crown at 10 o'clock allows for quick and intuitive selection of the desired city. This mechanism is remarkably user-friendly, making it a breeze to switch between time zones as you traverse the globe. For frequent travelers, this complication is invaluable, eliminating the need for mental calculations and ensuring you're always in sync with your destination.

The Polaris Geographic is a watch that rewards close inspection. Its dial is a multi-layered masterpiece, showcasing a triple finish of opaline, grained, and sunrayed surfaces. This intricate interplay of textures creates a dynamic and captivating visual experience. The opaline finish, with its milky translucence, adds a touch of softness to the dial, while the grained finish provides a subtle texture that plays with the light. The sunray finish, radiating from the center of the dial, adds a sense of depth and dynamism.



The hour markers and numerals are coated with a luminescent material, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions. Orange accents, a signature element of the Polaris collection, punctuate the dial, drawing the eye to key information points and adding a sporty touch to the otherwise refined aesthetic. The hands, crafted in a simple stick style, are also coated with luminescent material, further enhancing the watch's readability.

The Polaris Geographic's 42mm stainless steel case strikes a balance between robustness and wearability. Its dimensions are well-proportioned, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The case features a mix of brushed and polished finishes, with the bezel and crowns receiving a high-polish treatment, while the case middle and lugs are vertically brushed. This interplay of finishes adds visual interest and highlights the case's architectural lines.

The watch is water-resistant to 10 bar (100 meters), making it a suitable companion for aquatic adventures. Whether you're swimming in a pool or snorkeling in the ocean, the Polaris Geographic is built to withstand the elements. The screw-down case back, secured with six screws, ensures that the movement remains protected from moisture and dust.



The Polaris Geographic comes with two interchangeable straps, offering versatility and allowing you to tailor the watch to your personal style. The first strap is crafted from textured black rubber, providing a sporty and casual look. The second strap is made from blue-grey canvas, offering a more refined and elegant aesthetic. Both straps are equipped with an interchangeable folding buckle, making it easy to switch between them without the need for tools.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. It's a watch that combines technical prowess with aesthetic appeal, resulting in a timepiece that is both functional and beautiful. With its impressive power reserve, user-friendly complications, and versatile design, the Polaris Geographic is a watch that is sure to appeal to discerning collectors and avid travelers alike. It is available for $16,100 USD.