Which would you pick? Why? I know the JLC is a different price point but if you’re factoring in “value” as well. Looking for a versatile watch that works both in the office and on the weekend. Thanks!
AT, love JLC but not for sports watches
The AT is an excellent watch.
The Polaris is in another league.
They are both great but very different. The Polaris line is somewhat new, and it’s hard to say how it will age or if it will be unceremoniously cut from the product line like their previous sports watch offerings. They are very sharp and modern, and have the fit+finish to prove that. The case shape is angular and masculine. The subtly textured rubber strap is pure class, and JLC’s bracelets are excellent too. I’m a big JLC fan and while I haven’t acquired a Polaris, I have a couple of their other pieces.
The AT is later in its product cycle, and while the overall design is relatively timeless, the details on this watch are starting to look ever so slightly dated, specifically the “teak” dial, the faux braided strap, and the somewhat chunky deployant hardware. I own this watch in a different colorway and I wear it all the time, but looking at it fresh today, it definitely feels like a snapshot of where things were 5 years ago. I do love the slightly vintage-ish case shape.
Try them both in person. I found that the Polaris really out-performed my expectations once it was on my wrist, but it’s also a lot in some ways that make it less suitable for formal occasions.