ReviewPerpetually Polaris: Presenting The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s recent Polaris releases have astounded beyond expectations, as they bring the perpetual calendar to the Polaris line for the first time.
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It is a well-known fact that the perpetual calendar is one of the horological world’s most complex, valuable and prized complications. Keeping this in mind, Jaeger-LeCoultre have given their iconic Polaris collection a massive upgrade by introducing the first-of-its-kind Polaris Perpetual Calendar watch. What makes this timepiece increasingly attractive is its modern aesthetics is that it is deeply inspired by the sporty-elegant style of the Polaris Mariner Memovox. The edition embodies the adventurous spirit of the Polaris collection with robust capabilities, practical functions and a distinctive aesthetic.
Available in a 42mm steel or pink gold, the watch houses signature Polaris design codes. These include taut lines, fine bezels, raised glass and an excellent combination of polished and brushed surfaces. The transparent sapphire crystal casebook offers an immaculate view of the movement running within.
Polaris Perpetual: Perfection In Display
The dial comes in a gradient deep blue and takes up after the design codes of the Polaris Mariner Memovox. The visually rich dial is home to a graduated blue canvas that embodies the transition from day to night. It signifies a subtle reminder of the brand’s dedication to the connection between celestial phenomena and time measurement. The calendar indications are displayed in three sub-dials, acknowledging the need for a balanced overall layout. The date, month and day indicators are placed at nine, 12 and three o’ clock, respectively, while the year indication is displayed in combination with the month indicator.
Further signifying the bond between time measurement and astronomical phenomena, the watch also features a moon phase indicator at six o’ clock with a retrograde display for the Southern Hemisphere framing a classical display for its Northern counterpart. At the centre of the dial, one can find a small security zone indicator. This space between 2000h and 0400h is marked in red to warn a user not to adjust the time or calendar indications. Meanwhile, the skeletonised hands and bold, trapezoid-shaped indexes aid in greater visibility and a contemporary look.
Polaris Perpetual: A Powerhouse Movement
Powering the Polaris Perpetual Calendar watch is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new Perpetual Calendar calibre 868AA. This movement is an evolved and upgraded version of the efficient in-house perpetual calendar movement that first appeared in 2013. It comes with an increased power reserve of 70 hours. Despite the complicated complication the watch features, the essential operation of the watch is relatively simple. The top crown rotates the inner bezel, while the lower crown enables the watch’s time-setting and winding. The calendar functions are adjusted via a single pusher.
While the steel one comes with a bracelet or rubber strap, the gold version has a strap in either blue rubber alligator leather. Thanks to the newly developed interchangeable strap system, each strap change is easy, quick and fuss-free. Practical, pretty, powerful and plentiful, this Perpetual has truly elevated the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris portfolio.