Several months back I sold off most of my collection with the intention of finding a great one-watch collection. I've cycled through a few watches over the past several months. I went from a Black Bay 58 to the GS Snowflake.
I've had the Snowflake for about three weeks now. There is a lot I love about the watch, the dial design and finishing are incredible. I don't care about the lack of lume. And Spring Drive is a thing of magic.
However, the GS just isn't comfortable on my wrist. I can't get a bracelet fit that feels comfortable.
So about a week ago, I had the opportunity to pick up a Polaris at a great price. I went ahead and made the purchase, knowing that I could sell the Snowflake or the Polaris for what I paid.
After a week with the Polaris, there are two things that I love, and several things that have me banging my head against the wall.
I really enjoy the versatility of the dial design. It looks classic without looking derivative. And JLCs are uncommon enough that I likely won't see another one on someone's wrist.
The Polaris is also incredibly comfortable. The micro adjust system on the bracelet is quick and easy to use. I usually forget the watch is on my wrist, more so than my Snowflake which is made of titanium.
That being said, there are so many little things wrong with the watch that I'm just going to list them below:
1) No screw down crowns. I don't need to be able to swim in this watch, so that isn't a big drawback for me. However, the crown that controls the internal bezel does turn throughout the day. It drives me crazy to look down and after an hour the bezel isn't aligned with the dial. This feels like such a cheap corner to cut.
2) The bracelet clasp. While incredibly comfortable, securing the clasp feels cheap. You have to push hard and it often gets caught on itself. I've owned many more affordable watches with nicer feeling clasps. Also, the edges of the clasp are sharp. Again, I haven't experienced anything like this on watches over $1000.
3) The movement. After coming from the Snowflake, my perspective is a bit skewed. It's only loosing about 2.5s/d, so not too bad there. However, it only has a 40hr power reserve and it's not anti-magnetic.
4)The finishing. This complaint is very minor. The finishing looks great in person and even under a 30x loupe. However, under the 60x loupe, there is foreign material everywhere. This isn't a huge issue for me. But coming from the Grand Seiko where there is none, it feels cheap.
After all of those complaints, I'm still seriously considering keeping the watch long-term. The comfort and dial design are a big deal for me.
I do have one concern that I'd love to hear the community's thoughts on.
I've never owned a JLC watch. But considering this will be a daily wear, I'd like the watch to last at least five years between servicing. I've been reading the forums lately and heard many horror stories from people with JLC movements. If the movement can't hold up to daily wear and tear, I'll likely be on the hunt again. What have people's experiences been with JLC movements in a daily watch?
Are there any daily watches that I'm missing under the 8k price range? I'd prefer something on a bracelet. No Rolex or Omega. Simple dial design.
I've had the Snowflake for about three weeks now. There is a lot I love about the watch, the dial design and finishing are incredible. I don't care about the lack of lume. And Spring Drive is a thing of magic.
However, the GS just isn't comfortable on my wrist. I can't get a bracelet fit that feels comfortable.
So about a week ago, I had the opportunity to pick up a Polaris at a great price. I went ahead and made the purchase, knowing that I could sell the Snowflake or the Polaris for what I paid.
After a week with the Polaris, there are two things that I love, and several things that have me banging my head against the wall.
I really enjoy the versatility of the dial design. It looks classic without looking derivative. And JLCs are uncommon enough that I likely won't see another one on someone's wrist.
The Polaris is also incredibly comfortable. The micro adjust system on the bracelet is quick and easy to use. I usually forget the watch is on my wrist, more so than my Snowflake which is made of titanium.
That being said, there are so many little things wrong with the watch that I'm just going to list them below:
1) No screw down crowns. I don't need to be able to swim in this watch, so that isn't a big drawback for me. However, the crown that controls the internal bezel does turn throughout the day. It drives me crazy to look down and after an hour the bezel isn't aligned with the dial. This feels like such a cheap corner to cut.
2) The bracelet clasp. While incredibly comfortable, securing the clasp feels cheap. You have to push hard and it often gets caught on itself. I've owned many more affordable watches with nicer feeling clasps. Also, the edges of the clasp are sharp. Again, I haven't experienced anything like this on watches over $1000.
3) The movement. After coming from the Snowflake, my perspective is a bit skewed. It's only loosing about 2.5s/d, so not too bad there. However, it only has a 40hr power reserve and it's not anti-magnetic.
4)The finishing. This complaint is very minor. The finishing looks great in person and even under a 30x loupe. However, under the 60x loupe, there is foreign material everywhere. This isn't a huge issue for me. But coming from the Grand Seiko where there is none, it feels cheap.
After all of those complaints, I'm still seriously considering keeping the watch long-term. The comfort and dial design are a big deal for me.
I do have one concern that I'd love to hear the community's thoughts on.
I've never owned a JLC watch. But considering this will be a daily wear, I'd like the watch to last at least five years between servicing. I've been reading the forums lately and heard many horror stories from people with JLC movements. If the movement can't hold up to daily wear and tear, I'll likely be on the hunt again. What have people's experiences been with JLC movements in a daily watch?
Are there any daily watches that I'm missing under the 8k price range? I'd prefer something on a bracelet. No Rolex or Omega. Simple dial design.