The Swiss watchmaking landscape is about to get a stunning new addition that perfectly captures the essence of adventure and elegance. Jaeger-LeCoultre has unveiled the latest iteration of their beloved Polaris collection—a chronograph featuring an extraordinary Ocean Grey lacquer dial that redefines what a modern sports watch can be.
A Dial That Tells a Story
At first glance, the Ocean Grey dial commands attention, but look closer and you'll discover a masterpiece of technical artistry. This isn't simply a colored surface—it's the result of an intricate 35-layer lacquering process that transforms raw materials into something truly mesmerizing. The biggest difference between this new dial and the previous grey dial iteration is that there’s somewhat of a greenish hue to the new dial.
The dial construction reveals Jaeger-LeCoultre's commitment to detail: a central disc with sunray brushing creates a subtle contrast against the smooth gloss of the hours’ ring, while both sections feature graduated lacquer that shifts from light to dark, creating remarkable visual depth. The painstaking process begins with a clear varnish base, followed by four-color layers, then a black gradient layer, and finally 30 translucent lacquer coats that add the signature richness we see in the finished piece.
What makes this particularly compelling is how the orange chronograph accents pierce through the grey canvas like a sunset breaking through storm clouds—a perfect metaphor for the watch's dual nature as both an elegant timepiece and adventure companion.
The 42 mm stainless steel case strikes an ideal balance between presence and wearability. Jaeger-LeCoultre has masterfully incorporated design elements from their iconic 1960s diving watches—the generous crown, robust pushers, and distinctive case profile—while ensuring contemporary comfort and functionality.
The chronograph layout is refreshingly intuitive: central seconds hand for precise timing, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, and running seconds at 9 o'clock. The skeletonized hands aren't just aesthetically pleasing – they maximize dial visibility, while the trapezoid-shaped indexes provide bold contrast against the intricate sub-dial textures.
Engineering Excellence at Its Core
Beneath the captivating dial lies the automatic Calibre 761, a movement that exemplifies Jaeger-LeCoultre's "Watchmaker of Watchmakers" reputation. This fully integrated chronograph mechanism features a column wheel with a vertical clutch—a configuration that ensures smooth operation and precise timekeeping across its 65-hour power reserve. The technical sophistication extends to the finishing details: blued screws catch the light beautifully against the Côtes de Genève decoration, while the open-worked rotor bearing the 'JL' motif adds a signature flourish visible through the sapphire case back. It's these touches that separate manufacture movements from mass-produced alternatives.
Versatility Redefined
Perhaps most impressively, this Polaris Chronograph comes with two interchangeable straps—blue-grey canvas and textured black rubber—allowing owners to transform the watch's character instantly. It's a practical solution that acknowledges how modern collectors live: boardroom to beach, city to summit, all with a simple strap change.
The Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey reference Q9028651 represents Jaeger-LeCoultre at its most confident. It's a watch that doesn't apologize for being both beautiful and capable, elegant and robust. With 100-meter water resistance and that stunning lacquer work, it's equally at home timing laps at the track or accompanying you to dinner. In an era where many luxury sports watches feel derivative, the Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey stands apart. It's a reminder that when nearly two centuries of watchmaking expertise meets genuine innovation, the results can be truly extraordinary.
Sticker Price USD 14,900. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
