Okay, so I was messing around with watches the other day, specifically trying to get a decent knockoff of the Jaeger-LeCoultre JLC Polaris World Time Chronograph, the one they only sell in their fancy boutiques. It is a limited edition, making it difficult to find.
First, I started looking around online to get an idea of the real deal. The original Polaris Chronograph is a pretty slick watch, 42mm wide, made of steel, and it’s not too thick, about 13.5mm. The lug-to-lug is around 48.5mm. They’ve got it in blue and grey, and you can choose between a bracelet or a textile strap, both of which also come with a rubber strap. I focused on finding something similar because copping the original is way out of my budget.
The main thing that bugged me about some replicas was the internal rotating bezel. Many of them don’t have a screw-down crown or any kind of ratcheting mechanism, which is a bummer.
Here’s What I Did:
-
Searched online marketplaces: I hit up a bunch of online spots where you can find used stuff. Places like Taobao and some forums where people sell second-hand items. I was looking for keywords like “Polaris Chronograph replica” or “JLC homage.”
-
Compared listings: I found a few listings that looked promising. I made sure to check out the photos really closely. I compared the size, the dial color, the strap options, and, most importantly, that internal bezel.
-
Contacted sellers: For the ones that seemed like a good match, I reached out to the sellers. I asked them specifically about the bezel mechanism, whether it had a screw-down crown or not. I also asked for more pictures, especially of the crown and the case back, to make sure they matched the original’s design.
-
Looked for deals: I was on a budget, so I also checked out some budget-friendly options. I even found some that were pretty close to the original’s design, even if they didn’t have the exact same movement or materials.
After a lot of digging and comparing, I finally found one that looked pretty darn close to the real Polaris Chronograph. It had the right size, the dial was the right color, and the seller confirmed that the internal bezel had a screw-down crown, just like the original. It wasn’t perfect, but for the price, it was a steal.
I pulled the trigger and ordered it. When it arrived, I was pretty stoked. It looked even better in person than in the pictures. It is compact enough to fit most. The weight was right, the bezel felt solid, and the screw-down crown was a nice touch. Sure, it’s not a genuine Jaeger-LeCoultre, but it definitely scratches that itch for a stylish world time chronograph without breaking the bank.
So, yeah, that’s my little adventure in finding a good imitation of the JLC Polaris World Time Chronograph. It took some effort, but it was worth it in the end. Now I’ve got a cool watch that looks the part, and I didn’t have to sell a kidney to get it.
Click to consult