Jaeger-LeCoultre recently announced the release of the Polaris Geographic WT, the first update to the Polaris collection that debuted at the SIHH earlier this year. While the Polaris lineup was well regarded when it was announced, there was a tinge of disappointment among a few enthusiasts I talked with about the amount of new watches within the collection. Some brands go overboard with color varieties and strap options when introducing a new line, but some felt that Jaeger-LeCoultre had gone in the opposite direction and was a tad too conservative in the development of its new collection.

 
The Polaris collection was made up of five distinct models: a three-hand automatic, a chronograph, a chronograph with world-time functionality, and two models that most closely channel the look and feel of the original 1968 progenitor piece, the Polaris Date and the Polaris Memovox. The new Geographic WT isn’t breaking into any new territory here, but what it does do successfully is simplify the Polaris Chronograph WT while still maintaining a bit of the model’s practicality with a second time zone indicator, a date calendar, and a power reserve. Just by glancing at the new model you can immediately tell that it’s an attractive introduction that channels the same old-school vibe the Polaris models have been appreciated for so far. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s choice to stick with the rich dark-and-smoky blue ? almost denim-like ? dial was a smart one as it offers a...