JAEGER-LECOULTRE – Top 5 New Models, inc. Polaris Memovox and More

Time+Tide

JAEGER-LECOULTRE – Top 5 New Models, inc. Polaris Memovox and More

If you’re a regular reader, I’m willing to bet that your views around quartz timekeeping will be pretty negative. After all, this is a technology that was (almost) responsible for the downfall of mechanical watches. But, as you’re about to find out, not all quartz watches were created equal. Sure, there’s the cheap and cheerful plastic contraptions that consist of battery, circuit board and a very big spacer. And then there’s the the 9F.

One of the strongest, all-round collections of SIHH was, without a doubt, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris. Coming off a strong 2017 lineup, JLC hit all the right notes with their brand new Polaris family. While this five-strong collection of watches is clearly influenced by the Polaris of yore (for more on that, check out Andy’s look at the origins of the model), this is more interpretation than pure homage. Sure, there’s the Polaris Memovox, which is the closest the collection gets to a one-for-one reissue, but there are also relatively simple automatic and date models. The Polaris DNA is strong in these models, thanks to the dial, as well as the dual crown layout, but it also works wonderfully in the more complex Chronograph and Chronograph WT options.

AUSTRALIAN PRICING

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox, $18,400 AUD (indicative)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic from $9,600 AUD (indicative)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date from $10,900 AUD (indicative)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph from $14,000 AUD (indicative)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph WT from $20,200 AUD (indicative)