Jaeger-LeCoultre Elevates the Polaris Chronograph with Two New Lacquer Dials

 

Among watch enthusiasts, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Polaris holds an almost mythical status. With its 1960s diving watch roots, sporty aesthetic, and versatile appeal, the Polaris has become a modern icon of elegance that meets adventure. Now, Jaeger-LeCoultre is combining its chronograph mastery with rare lacquer artistry to unveil two captivating new Polaris Chronograph models. Featuring lavish lacquered deep blue and warm grey dials, the new models highlight the exceptional craftsmanship within Jaeger-LeCoultre's workshops.

The Polaris Chronograph in a blue lacquered dial

The Polaris Chronograph lacquer dials are produced through a complex multi-step process at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture in Le Sentier. It begins with applying a clear base coat on the central disc and hours ring.

Orange accents draw the eye to the key indications

This is followed by the colored lacquer layer, with artisans manually controlling the gradient from light to dark. After this comes 35 layers of translucent lacquer to create visual depth and richness. Finally, the components are mirror-polished to a bright finish.

The dial is composed of a central disc, and a middle ring, to which the hour markers are applied

From a design perspective, the rich lacquered surfaces contrast beautifully with the opaline outer ring marked with a tachymeter scale. Skeletonized hands and trapezoid indexes offer clear legibility, while orange accents add a sporty flair. The dial layout is intuitive, with the small seconds relocated to 9 o'clock, balanced by the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock.

The Polaris Chronograph in a grey lacquered dial

The in-house automatic Calibre 761 powering the watch features a column wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch. The integrated chronograph movement has a 65-hour power reserve and is embellished with Côtes de Genève, blue screws, and an openworked 22k gold rotor.

Automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 761

Encased in a 42mm stainless steel case with curving lugs, the Polaris Chronograph channels the aesthetic of Jaeger-LeCoultre's 1960s diving watches. The large crown and pushers add vintage appeal while remaining functional. An interchangeable strap system allows switching between a steel bracelet and sporty rubber straps.

The blue dial is complemented by a steel bracelet and a blue rubber strap textured with a ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern

Catherine Rénier, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, said, "We wanted to elevate the Polaris Chronograph by highlighting our rare mastery of artistic crafts like lacquering. The new dials showcase both aesthetic beauty and watchmaking virtuosity."

The Polaris Chronograph with lacquer dials reminds us why Jaeger-LeCoultre has earned the moniker “Watchmaker of Watchmakers”. Blending 180 manufacturing skills under one roof, Jaeger-LeCoultre continuously achieves the highest levels of horological excellence.