Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner

Jaeger-LeCoultre has a rich history of tool watch innovation.

The Reverso? Actually a tool watch. (No, seriously — the whole reversible schtick was so that polo players wouldn’t crack their glass watch crystals mid-game.) The Memovox Polaris? A water-resistant alarm watch that would let you know, audibly, when it was time to begin your ascent. 

The contemporary Polaris Date pays homage to the latter watch but does away with the alarm bit — which, let’s face it, your iPhone can handle just fine, thank you very much. Retaining the compressor-style case of its namesake as well as the cool, internal bezel, it adds a thoroughly modern, in-house movement to the mix for a watch rich in details and heritage.

This particular Polaris Date, a Reference Q9068670, dates to circa 2019. Housed in a 42mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, dual, signed crowns, and a polished bezel, it features a sunburst and matte black dial with applied luminous ‘Arabic’ and ‘wedge’ indices, an inner, fully graduated timing bezel, a lumed ‘sword’ handset, and a handy date wheel at 3:00. 

Powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture calibre 899/1 with a 38-hour power reserve, it comes paired to a signed, black rubber strap with a signed, stainless steel pin buckle deployant clasp. Accompanied by some of its factory goodies, it’s both an excellent tool watch, and a fine timepiece from one of Switzerland’s most storied houses.

Don’t let this one slip through your fingers!

Few watchmaking concerns are as storied as Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though the maison is not technically a member of the “Holy Trinity” of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, one could easily make the argument that it should be: After all, it was JLC that supplied movements to Patek from the beginning of the 20th century through the early 30s.

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.

But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.

From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.