Design Precision in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Iconic Watches
A new collection of watches draws inspiration from one of the brand’s milestone timepieces
From its heritage—and many records—to the proprietary components that beat in the heart of each handmade watch today, Jaeger-LeCoultre represents the best of the luxury watch world. There’s personality, history and a finesse that can only come from an item made with precise attention to detail. Visiting their manufacture (where watch parts are produced and assembled) in Le Sentier, Switzerland—as we have—underscores these facts. Here, watches like those in the brand’s new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection have been imagined and are artfully produced, each a bridge between their Swiss expertise, the past and the desires of a contemporary consumer. Lionel Favre, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Director of Product Design,
shares the process for creating a new watch at the Manufacture and the rebirth of the 1968 Memovox Polaris in our latest CH Video.
This Polaris line, unveiled at Geneva’s prestigious Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie this year, draws inspiration from a Jaeger-LeCoultre classic: the 1968 Memovox Polaris. A reimagined version, limited to only 1,000 pieces, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox serves as the muse for an entire collection of timepieces, including chronographs, a world timer and other elegant yet sporty styles. It wasn’t simply copied from its 50 year old namesake—it was rebuilt from the ground up, starting with its in-house Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956 automatic mechanical movement. Its bezel has been slimmed, horns shortened, case, case back, strap and nearly every other component revisited to match today’s design codes. From the automatic, self-winding movement inside to the powerful alarm that defines the Memovox, it’s an update with a purpose—stylish, functional and desirable. Amongst all pieces in new collection, it’s a visual icon that has the punch to steer it all.
One of our personal favorites, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph WT, makes for one of the most readable world timers—a traditionally complex timepiece. The brand placed an additional crown at 10 o’clock to control the rotating city disc. Inside, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 752 automatic movement powers it with accuracy. For all its elegance and aesthetic grandeur, this 44mm titanium timepiece is designed for usability. We’re also taken with the just-released, limited edition Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris Geographic WT, limited to just 250 pieces exclusively available this summer in Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques worldwide.
Explore the Polaris collection online, where prices start at $6,600 in the USA.
Video and imagery by Cool Hunting Studio
