There’s something undeniably attractive about a well-made watch that doesn’t need to scream out about itself. Perhaps it’s just Australian tall poppy syndrome, but there’s something almost innately off-putting about anything (or anyone) who feels the need to constantly justify themselves, which in turn makes the quiet achiever so much more compelling. All of this leads me to the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date, now executed in a modest green that’s implicitly understated, going about its business without fanfare and with exacting precision.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date In Green: What Is It?
For several years now, the Polaris has formed a key part of the Jaeger-LeCoultre catalogue, as the brand’s go-anywhere, do-anything sports watch. However, while we’ve seen all manner of greys, blues and black, this is the first time in recent decades the Polaris has been executed in green, giving it a military utilitarianism that we quite like.
Like an ex-SAS man sitting silently in the corner of the pub enjoying his pint, the visual impression the green gives off is one of quiet confidence, with the faintest pop of contrasting orange against the drab hue. Sure, it’s not a revolutionary new design or movement inside, but it’s a fresh direction for the Polaris that is sure to win further fans.
RELATED: Jaeger-LeCoultre Takes The Plunge With The New Polaris Perpetual Calendar
Case
In line with the rest of the collection, the stainless steel case of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date in green measures 42mm in diameter and 13.92mm thick. It’s not a small watch, but it’s not uncomfortable or oversized by any means.
The impression of the dial is kept large thanks to the narrow satin-brushed lugs, while you’ll find the twin crowns at 2 and 4 o’clock, with one for time setting and winding, while the other is to activate the internal rotating dive bezel. With a sapphire crystal caseback that shows off the movement nicely, it’s guaranteed 200m of water resistance.
Dial
The dial is one of the main drawcards of the entire watch, as its surface is made of several coats of lacquer that not only create an impressive visual depth, but also build the gradient of colours as you move from the bezel inward. Separated into a central disc that has been radially brushed, as well as a matte-finished outer ring for the hour markers, there’s definite complexity to its relatively unadorned expanse.
Movement
Beneath the dial, this latest version of the Polaris is powered by the new generation Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899, which is expertly finished and offers 70 hours of power reserve.
Strap
In line with the colour scheme of the rest of the watch, this Polaris arrives on a drab green rubber strap. Jaeger-LeCoultre is well known for the comfort of its rubber straps, as well as for equipping them with a quick-change mechanism to swap the strap without tools simply and easily. Secured with a folding clasp, it’s the ideal strap for making the Polaris a great summer watch.
Verdict & Price
While this isn’t an entirely new release, it’s a good looking one from Jaeger-LeCoultre as they continue to expand the Polaris collection in the right direction. If you had blue-dial fatigue, or the black dial was a little too severe for your taste, this new green version could very well be your next great everyday dive watch. Arriving with an RRP of $13,800, it’s currently only in Australia online at the link below.
