Need help deciding between two lovely, blue dial sport watches: JLC Polaris & Panerai Mare Nostrum?

pnwyankee
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I have been tempted by both of these high-end, beautiful ( I think ), blue dialed watches for some time
Either represents a significant watch investment for me, as good pre-owned examples of either will cost over $7,000, a difficult purchase to rationalize for somebody whose wrist will never see the inside of any office again, and whose typical outside the house attire is either shorts or pants with an elastic waist band
Fortunately I own some watches I can sell or trade to get me over that hump.

I think both are appealing choices. Both can be had in a case size that represents my personal upper limit on my 71/2" wrist ( 42mm ), and I think both look great with a blue dial.

Any facts or opinions from anybody willing to chime in are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.



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Larry S
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No contest…The JLC wins.
 
bmpennington
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I love Panerai but would not buy that one. It is not one of the popular models if you ever want to resell.
 
Enzo
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The Panerai would be my choice, and I don't mind the fact it is manual wind. JLC dial just does not do it for me.
 
Eve
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I would definitely go for the JLC Polaris. But i am biased.

My one says hi 😉

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i wish my one had a steel bracelet though. It is very expensive to purchase one afterwords. But i enjoy it on ruber very much anyways.
I think you can order additional blue matching rubber strap for the no-date version which also looks cool.

Edit:
By the way i wore my one for the past month almost nonstop day and night, sweeming, cycling, hicking, flying, its very comfortable and very accurate peace.
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Cadillac
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JLC, I've owned the Polaris Date and currently have the Polaris Memovox, they're rock solid go anywhere pieces.
 
gbesq
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Panerai is not in JLC’s league. Polaris for the easy win.
 
NGO1
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Mare over Polaris.
And better looking too.

This Polaris release is the weaker of JLC; while Mare is the better of Panerai.

JLC > Panerai
Polaris < Mare
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Syrte
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It’s very personal but the JLC to my eyes is incredibly more elegant despite also being sporty. It’s got clean lines, modern while hinting at its vintage heritage, and can adapt to many more situations.
It will be timeless and will not age with passing fashions if you want to keep it for a long time- and will resell more easily if you need to let it go and recoup costs.

The second watch (to my eyes) looks coarse and clunky, the dial print very basic, it can indeed be worn with the shorts and tee shirt but why would you want such an expensive watch if it cannot adapt to various settings or style of dress.

To me those watches look and feel as different as the suits below.
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Rodentman
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I have several Panerai, but faced with the choice you present, I'd go with the JLC...

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