Another week and another tyre kicking exercise. This time in Leeds, the new Mecca of watch buying outside of London, and one certainly worth the trip up from the Midlands.
We’re going on a watch hunt
This was a planned trip up with my wife to see no.1 son, currently studing at Leeds University. I had warned her ahead that we would need to go and look at a few watches, but I only planned to check out the new Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC boutiques. Both JV’s between Signet and Richmont Group.
These boutiques are situated on Commerical Street and now nestle amongst other mono brand stores including Vacheron Constantin, Panerai and a soon to be opened TAG Heuer store. You can find both Omega and Breitling within the Berry’s Jewellers store opposite and futher up Grand Seiko, Zenith, Blancpain, Breguet and A.Lange & Sohne situated in Berry’s branded Owen & Robinson store. There’s the usual multi brand stores such as Goldsmiths with a wide Tudor offering and opposite a Chisholm Hunter with amongst others Parmigiani.
Commercial Street provides a vibrant watch shopping experience, with a mix of mono brand boutiques and multi-brand retailers. Whether you’re seeking a specific watch or simply looking to indulge in horological delights, you’ll find plenty of options to explore.
Not a bad little street to get lost down, although the council must do something about the pavement. It’s like a mini Bond Street in London, but with gravy.
JLC Polaris Date
So, what’s with the picture of the JLC Polaris all about I hear you ask. Well, back in April I had the opportunity to try this one on in the Bond Street boutique and was very taken by the design, the fit, how it made me feel. A real pleasure to look at, showcasing JLC’s masterful dial work with the multiple layers of gradient green laquer and the perfectly toned ‘vanilla’ lume plots.
Here we are, many months later. Having already picked up the Grand Seiko Quartz GMT this year, I’m in no rush. But it’s good to have a laser focus on the next piece to guage how much to put aside and align to the right milestone, in this instance an early birthday.
And it was with great pleasure that I re-aquainted myself with this beautiful watch at the Leeds boutique. Not only was this a great opportunity to have a second viewing and remind myself that this 42mm watch isn’t too big or too thick – don’t believe the numbers. But also that the warm feeling I had back in April wasn’t just the Champange taking affect.
Boutique service
The manager in the store asked what it was that drew me back, why this watch? I explained it was just the pure pleasure of reading the time. This watch says a lot about me in a way. Contemporary and vintage at the same time. A good traditional upbringing complementd with layers of modern technology. That and the fact I just loved it. Andy, the salesman who I spent most of the time with, not only made me a rather nice Gin and Tonic, but also showed how versatile the watch was with the quick release hardware with interchangable leather straps and a very nice bracelet.
I was also indulged with a few gold pieces, most notibly the new gold master ultra thin moon with the midnight blue dial. This is a stunner, and the gold gives the watch that little extra mass over my steel version. Definiately at grail level that one, and as Andy said, a perfect night and day pairing with my steel silver dial. One day.
Attention to detail
Just to finish this love letter to JLC off. While we were in the boutique they whisked my watch away to give it a health check. Mostly good news after 13 months in service, with chronometry and magnetism well in spec. But the machine they use flagged an issue with the water resistance and they recommend I have it looked at under warranty. Now this isn’t something I’m immediately concerned about, but will take it into the London boutqie this week. You never know, I may get a freebie for the inconvenience.
In closing. Don’t overlook Jaeger-LeCoultre. They’re a super brand with real pedagree in the watch world, supplying the likes of AP and Patek Phillipe with movements over the years. There’s none of the snooty arrogance you get from Rolex, just real passion and engagement from a brand that wants your business. On that note, I also understand there’s to be one more price ‘movement’ as the brand starts to ascend to it’s rightful position as a top tier manufacturer.
JLC Polaris Date Specification
POLARIS DATE
Dimensions: 42mm x 13.92mm
Calibre: automatic mechanical Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 899AB Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, rotating inner bezel
Power reserve: 70 hours
Frequency: 28,800
Dial: gradient green lacquer with opaline, grained and sunrayed finishes Case: stainless steel
Case-back: open
Water resistance: 200m
Strap: interchangeable green rubber strap
Reference: Q906863J – Boutique Edition
