Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris II Restoration — WatchProSite Forum Digest

amanico · 2012-07-18T00:15:40Z

Follow amanico's 2-year quest to restore his Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris II with correct hands and alarm disc. A testament to patience in vintage watch collecting.

Amanico's journey to restore his Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris II highlights the profound satisfaction derived from achieving horological correctness. His detailed account of sourcing elusive original hands and an alarm disc underscores the dedication often required in vintage watch collecting. This post serves as a testament to the value of patience and meticulous attention to detail in preserving watchmaking heritage.

3 years ago, I bought this Polaris II:

If you pay attention to the hands, you will notice that they are not correct.

They are larger, with more luminous material, and they are not " tappered " on their axis, as the correct are.

It took me 2 years, two long years to find the correct minute and hour hands, but, at the end, this makes a big difference.

Not only the pleasure of owning an almost 100 % correct watch is, intellectualy immense, but the look gains, too.

I just have to hunt, now, the correct alarm disk to reach the 100 % perfection.

Here is the outcome:

A closer look on these " tappered " hands:

Even the mosquito seems to stick to the difference!

So, one advice: Don't desperate, all comes to those who wait ... Patiently.

Best,

Nicolas.

Key Points from the Discussion

The process of finding rare parts for a vintage watch is a significant part of the collecting journey, bringing immense satisfaction upon completion.
Sourcing correct vintage parts can involve both fortunate discoveries through watchmaker contacts and persistent engagement with the original manufacture, as exemplified by Jaeger-LeCoultre's eventual assistance with the alarm disc.
Even small details like correct hands can make a substantial visual and intellectual difference in the authenticity and appeal of a vintage timepiece.
The contributor 'amanico' is humorously referred to as 'The Devil in details' for his meticulous approach to watch restoration.
The patience required to find correct vintage parts is a virtue many collectors admire but find challenging to possess.
The significant impact of seemingly minor details on a watch's overall appearance and authenticity is a recurring theme.

The Discussion

Jul 18, 2012

good going Nicolas! another find. i don't know how you do it. [nt]

amanico

Jul 18, 2012

The hands were the find, the watch is much older. ;) Thanks, et.

But this is not all, I also found the alarm disc, recently, as this post is several months old. ;) Best, Nicolas

tom_hanx

Jul 18, 2012

Congrats on the achievement!

It is very encouraging to read stuff like this

amanico

Jul 18, 2012

Thank you, Tom. It may take time, but it brings you a lot of satisfaction. [nt]

nilomis

Jul 19, 2012

Great catch and a wonderful story ...

Nicolas, Congratulations for your "new" watch and more for your patience (that I don't have too much). Cheers, Nilo

amanico

Jul 19, 2012

Patience and a bit of luck, too. Thanks, Nilo. [nt]

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