Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey: 35 Layers of Lacquer Artistry
A New Colour in the Polaris Collection
Jaeger-LeCoultre has expanded its Polaris Chronograph line with a striking new Ocean Grey edition, featuring a dial crafted through an intricate lacquering process requiring 35 layers of lacquer and three distinct surface finishes. This latest addition follows the success of the light grey gradient edition introduced in 2023.
The Polaris Heritage
First released in 2018, the Polaris collection was designed to reintroduce a sports range alongside the brand's classical Reverso and Master lineups. Deeply inspired by the 1968 Memovox Polaris dive watch, the collection has evolved to include chronographs, world timers, and perpetual calendars — all sharing contemporary lines rooted in vintage DNA.
The Art of Lacquering
The Ocean Grey dial is a masterclass in traditional lacquering techniques. The process begins with a clear coat of varnish, followed by four layers of colour, and then 30 coats of translucent lacquer to add depth and richness. Three distinct surface finishes are employed:
- Sunray-brushed finish on the central dial disc
- Grained surface on the hour chapter ring
- Velvety/snailing finish on the tachymeter scale and counters
The result is a deep grey-blue tone with a gradient effect that shifts subtly under different lighting conditions, accented by bright orange chronograph elements.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 42mm x 13.39mm - stainless steel, polished and brushed |
| Dial | Ocean Grey lacquer with gradient effect, 35 layers |
| Movement | Calibre 761 - in-house integrated chronograph |
| Chronograph | Column wheel, vertical clutch, 30-min counter |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours (double barrels) |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Strap | Black rubber + blue-grey canvas (quick-release) |
| Reference | Q9028651 |
| Price | EUR 16,100 |
Inside the Calibre 761
The Polaris Chronograph is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre's in-house calibre 761, a fully integrated automatic chronograph movement. Unlike earlier editions with 12-hour and 30-minute counters, the current version respects the bi-compax layout but replaces the 12-hour totaliser at 9 o'clock with a running seconds function. The movement features a column wheel and vertical clutch for precise chronograph operation, along with a double-barrel architecture for a solid 65-hour power reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many layers of lacquer are on the Ocean Grey dial?
The dial features 35 layers of lacquer in total: a clear coat base, four layers of colour, and 30 coats of translucent lacquer that create the dial's remarkable depth and richness.
What makes the Polaris Chronograph different from a dive watch?
While inspired by the 1968 Memovox Polaris dive watch, the Polaris Chronograph has 100m water resistance (not the 300m typical of true dive watches) and is designed as a versatile sports chronograph rather than a professional diving instrument.
Can the straps be changed without tools?
Yes, the Polaris Chronograph features a quick-release system on both the black rubber and blue-grey canvas straps, as well as on the folding clasp, allowing easy strap changes without any tools.
According to Monochrome Watches, the Ocean Grey Polaris Chronograph represents "both darker and more uniform" than the 2023 light grey edition, with the deep grey-blue tone and complex lacquer work making it one of the most visually compelling chronographs in its price range.
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