Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris

Polaris is the sports line from Jaeger-LeCoultre, the manufacture from Le Sentier in the Vallée de Joux. The Polaris collection arrived in 2018, replacing the Master Compressor. It inherited its look from the 1968 Memovox Polaris diving watch: an internal rotating bezel instead of an external one, and several crowns on the side of the case.

The stainless steel case alternates satin-brushed surfaces and polished bevels. On the date models the dial is divided into three zones with different finishes: sunray, grained texture and an opaline or matte ring; which zone has which texture depends on the version. On gradient dials the colour darkens from the centre to the edge. The markers glow in the dark: the chronograph and the steel date model use Super-LumiNova. The crystal is sapphire. The sapphire caseback reveals the in-house self-winding movement.

The line includes three versions: the Polaris Date, the Polaris Chronograph and the Polaris Perpetual Calendar. The case is 42 mm in steel; the perpetual calendar also comes in 18-carat rose gold. Dial colours are blue, black or a deep green named Olive. The watch comes on rubber or a steel bracelet. The models date from 2023 to 2026.

Within the line it is easiest to choose by function. The date model is the most versatile everyday option. The chronograph is for those who time things. The perpetual calendar suits those who want a grand complication in a sports case. After that comes metal, dial colour and strap.