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Need help deciding between two lovely, blue dial sport watches: JLC Polaris & Panerai Mare Nostrum?

  1. pnwyankee May 19, 2022

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    I have been tempted by both of these high-end, beautiful ( I think ), blue dialed watches for some time
    Either represents a significant watch investment for me, as good pre-owned examples of either will cost over $7,000, a difficult purchase to rationalize for somebody whose wrist will never see the inside of any office again, and whose typical outside the house attire is either shorts or pants with an elastic waist band
    Fortunately I own some watches I can sell or trade to get me over that hump.

    I think both are appealing choices. Both can be had in a case size that represents my personal upper limit on my 71/2" wrist ( 42mm ), and I think both look great with a blue dial.

    Any facts or opinions from anybody willing to chime in are greatly appreciated.

    Thanks.



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    Edited May 19, 2022
  2. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. May 19, 2022

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    No contest…The JLC wins.
     
  3. blufinz52 Hears dead people, not watch rotors. May 19, 2022

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    JLC, not even close for me.
     
  4. bmpennington May 19, 2022

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    I love Panerai but would not buy that one. It is not one of the popular models if you ever want to resell.
     
  5. Enzo May 19, 2022

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    The Panerai would be my choice, and I don't mind the fact it is manual wind. JLC dial just does not do it for me.
     
    pnwyankee likes this.
  6. Eve May 19, 2022

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    I would definitely go for the JLC Polaris. But i am biased.

    My one says hi ;)

    20220519_234038.jpg 20220519_234019.jpg

    i wish my one had a steel bracelet though. It is very expensive to purchase one afterwords. But i enjoy it on ruber very much anyways.
    I think you can order additional blue matching rubber strap for the no-date version which also looks cool.

    Edit:
    By the way i wore my one for the past month almost nonstop day and night, sweeming, cycling, hicking, flying, its very comfortable and very accurate peace.
     
    Edited May 19, 2022
    blufinz52 and pnwyankee like this.
  7. CJpickup57 May 19, 2022

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    JLC for sure
     
  8. Cadillac May 27, 2022

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    JLC, I've owned the Polaris Date and currently have the Polaris Memovox, they're rock solid go anywhere pieces.
     
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  9. gbesq May 27, 2022

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    Panerai is not in JLC’s league. Polaris for the easy win.
     
    MtnMarine, Syrte and Larry S like this.
  10. Jantar May 27, 2022

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    JLC
     
  11. NYCwatchgal May 27, 2022

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    JLC for sure.
     
  12. NGO1 May 27, 2022

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    Mare over Polaris.
    And better looking too.

    This Polaris release is the weaker of JLC; while Mare is the better of Panerai.

    JLC > Panerai
    Polaris < Mare
     
    Edited May 28, 2022
  13. Screwbacks May 27, 2022

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    chrono vs. matic = ?
     
  14. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept May 28, 2022

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    It’s very personal but the JLC to my eyes is incredibly more elegant despite also being sporty. It’s got clean lines, modern while hinting at its vintage heritage, and can adapt to many more situations.
    It will be timeless and will not age with passing fashions if you want to keep it for a long time- and will resell more easily if you need to let it go and recoup costs.

    The second watch (to my eyes) looks coarse and clunky, the dial print very basic, it can indeed be worn with the shorts and tee shirt but why would you want such an expensive watch if it cannot adapt to various settings or style of dress.

    To me those watches look and feel as different as the suits below.
     
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    Edited May 28, 2022
  15. Watch my Whisky May 28, 2022

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    If you’re going to get a Panerai get a Panerai.

    JLC for sure.
     
  16. stevec14 May 28, 2022

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    No real contest for me - JLC for sure
     
  17. MtnMarine May 28, 2022

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    One more vote for JLC
     
  18. o.m.e.g.a May 28, 2022

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    Definitely JLC.
     
  19. Twocats Married... with children May 28, 2022

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    JLC here.
     
  20. Rodentman May 29, 2022

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    I have several Panerai, but faced with the choice you present, I'd go with the JLC...

    JLC-6.jpg JLC-7.jpg