Jaeger LeCoultre - opinions

MtnMarine · Sep 21, 2025

Eve
The value of the black Polaris Date on the secondary market is incredible. They go for like 1/3 of a list price and price-wise not far away from Omega Seamaster. I really dont understand why people dont like these models. This is by far one of the most comfortable watches i own. Some reviewers (e.g. Fratello) stated in the past that they wear larger than the 42mm which is total BS. They probably mean visually the dial seem large due to small bezel.

The position of the crowns makes wearing better as they integrate into the case and dont dig into your arm. Short lugs also make the watch sit comfortable on the wrist.

Some people lack the screw down crowns. I feel for the daily use more practical not to have to unscrew the bezel crown to set the timer. Lack of threads also means cheaper servising. As one can just replace the crown without the need of replacing the threaded crown tube.
And i had no problems going into water for the past 4 years.

Thanks for letting me know! That's great to hear. I've heard nothing but good things about them from people who own them.

I am actually looking at the No-date version, (I should have specified), but it's a touch smaller at 41mm and almost 2mm thinner than the date version. That is right about my sweet spot. I tried them on a few years back and loved them, but could never pay MSRP for more than what I could get an Explorer 1 for (I think they are in about the same category). Now on the secondary market the Polaris is considerably lower than the same year Exp 1. I also don't really like polished bracelet links on my watches, so I'll probably buy on a strap and that cuts down the price a bit more.

I have always considered JLC to be as close to Holy Trinity as possible without actually belonging. I recently tried on a 42mm Chrono version at the AD and it is an amazing watch but I want something cleaner, less busy. The finishing was excellent and the way it hugged my wrist was very surprising and comfortable.

I have my Speedmaster for a Chrono and my Gen 1 PO for daily wear. I think the Polaris would make a good 3rd option, especially as a vacation/holiday watch that doesn't have a crown on it.

Here's the 42mm Chrono on my wrist:

Annapolis · Sep 21, 2025

MtnMarine
I have always considered JLC to be as close to Holy Trinity as possible without actually belonging.

The Holy Trinity idea shouldn’t be taken seriously, IMO. Audemars is a one-trick pony these days, and VC doesn’t seem to know what it is. (Both houses make beautiful watches but lack the coherence of Patek.) If there a ‘Trinity’ now, certainly Lange would be alongside Patek. Not even sure who else would be there. It’s silly. JLC movements have been inside Trinity watches—their cases and dials may not be as hand finished and special, but they’re as elite as it gets.

WatchClarity · Sep 21, 2025

For me, they're like the 'Omega' of the higher-end watch market, or in other words 'the watch makers, watch maker'.

Ean50 · Sat. 6:09pm

Hi,
I'm new here and I will start with a statement a heard: "JLC has the quality of a Patek for the price of a Rolex".
Not totally true but gives the idea.
Anyway... I love my Master Control!

Annapolis · Sat. 9:32pm

Yeah, I don’t know about the quality of a Patek—though it’s certainly closer to Patek quality than Rolex (or Omega) is.

Honestly, I don’t believe most people would be able to tell the difference in quality between a Patek and a JLC without using a loupe. …And then you look at a Lange and you realize how ludicrously overpriced Pateks are.

Eve · 2025-11-23T03:06:56-0600

The more i wear my JLC Polaris Date the more i enjoy owning it. If en exit watch was a real thing, i think this one would be for me the perfect candidate.

Now that my Blancpain Bathyscaphe and Seamster 2254 are back from service, i still tend to grab the Polaris most of the time.

sah · 2025-11-23T12:43:35-0600

Eve
The more i wear my JLC Polaris Date the more i enjoy owning it. If en exit watch was a real thing, i think this one would be for me the perfect candidate.

I agree. My Polaris has stopped my search for the next one, although it has only been 6 months. I have perhaps 100 watches with only 5 in regular rotation. The rotation could close with only the Polaris as my one and only.

Eve · 2025-11-23T13:02:54-0600

sah

Ok this one is even a step above the polaris date. Maybe i am not done yet after all 🫣