Trying to get a feel for Blancpain and JLC watches. No one ever seems to really 'tout' either brand. I'm curious as to the 'why'.

 

Both are great and a tad pricey.

 

Out of my price range but they are very handsome!

 

I owned this one.



I should have never sold it. I made an offer on one last week, but we were off a bit too much. I really want one with the bracelet. I think if I had the bracelet originally I would not have sold it.

As far as JLC, I have 3 vintage watches, but they rarely are worn, so I plan to sell them.

On the Blancpain, the fit and finish is awesome. About twice the price comparable to a similar Omega (used market, not sure about new).

 

Having owned both brands at various points in my watch collecting career, I can say both brands make nice watches. However, JLC is the better company IMO.

 

Give me a J, Give me a L, Give me a C. JLC,JLC,JLC,JLC,JLC,JLC...........GO JLC.

 

Well, they do get posted, but everything else is getting drowned out lately. We used to talk about a LOT of different watch manufacturers and models back in the day.

 

JLC offers excellent bang for the buck and is an extremely well respected maison by seasoned collectors. They have an amazing history of in-house calibre development. They have affordable entry-level watches such as the lovely black dial master control date and a clear watch icon in the Reverso and some wonderful high level complication efforts. Don't seem too confident in their sports watch line though.

Blancpain has been doing some beautiful dressy designs recently such as this:
http://www.ablogtowatch.com/blancpain-villeret-quantieme-annuel-gmt-watch/
So they are not a one-trick pony with the fifty fathoms

But if you are looking a dressy design with a style similar to Blancpain I would also take a look at Glashutte Original, I believe they are better value proposition and are making gorgeous, simply gorgeous watches such as this:

 

JLC is a "watchmaker's watch maker" with a rich history of innovation. Still on the cutting edge and in my opinion great "value for money". Their finish is great but not quite up to the level of PP,VC, and ALS. I own two, Master Calendar in RG and a Grand Reverso Duo in SS, bought new and they are worn regularly. Blancpain from what I read has had a few identity crisis moments over the past decades. JLC is the better company.

 

I'll second the GO motion.

 

The JLC is dressier...


And the Blancpain is great with a polo shirt and jeans...

 

I do not own modern watches, but I have a few vintage JLC. I like their elegance and their very nice movement.

To me, one important point is that every part is nicely done and finished, so no wire springs but real and beautifull pieces. And the construction of the movement is always simple but very nice - I am talking of 3 hands calibers such as the 450 or the 480 series, or of the firt powermatics with the 481 caliber.

 

JLC is not touted because it's not a touter's timepiece.
The style is devoutly understated and belies the rock solid engineering. If you haven't handled a Reverso, Memovox or a one of their calendar watches you're missing out.
Their vintage pieces retain value very well and IMHO are a bit undervalued.
The Polaris and DSA, the Geophysic and the Triple Date Moonphases are all cult watches.

Blancpain has the 50Fathoms.

The Villeret are nice too I just don't see them On the same footing as JLC.

 

Some Candy.

 

I think this is one of the beautiful things about JLC and a key strength. They are "accessible" at multiple price points. They do this even though it damages their snob appeal. Still their "nose bleed' offerings are right up there for the .25% ers. Agree on the sports models.

 

Ok slight touting was required in this case.