Jaeger-LeCoultre Opinions: Reverso, Master Control & More

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The value of the black Polaris Date on the secondary market is incredible. They go for like 1/3 of a list price and price-wise not far away from Omega Seamaster. I really dont understand why people dont like these models. This is by far one of the most comfortable watches i own. Some reviewers (e.g. Fratello) stated in the past that they wear larger than the 42mm which is total BS. They probably mean visually the dial seem large due to small bezel.

The position of the crowns makes wearing better as they integrate into the case and dont dig into your arm. Short lugs also make the watch sit comfortable on the wrist.

Some people lack the screw down crowns. I feel for the daily use more practical not to have to unscrew the bezel crown to set the timer. Lack of threads also means cheaper servising. As one can just replace the crown without the need of replacing the threaded crown tube.
And i had no problems going into water for the past 4 years.
Thanks for letting me know! That's great to hear. I've heard nothing but good things about them from people who own them.

I am actually looking at the No-date version, (I should have specified), but it's a touch smaller at 41mm and almost 2mm thinner than the date version. That is right about my sweet spot. I tried them on a few years back and loved them, but could never pay MSRP for more than what I could get an Explorer 1 for (I think they are in about the same category). Now on the secondary market the Polaris is considerably lower than the same year Exp 1. I also don't really like polished bracelet links on my watches, so I'll probably buy on a strap and that cuts down the price a bit more.

I have always considered JLC to be as close to Holy Trinity as possible without actually belonging. I recently tried on a 42mm Chrono version at the AD and it is an amazing watch but I want something cleaner, less busy. The finishing was excellent and the way it hugged my wrist was very surprising and comfortable.

I have my Speedmaster for a Chrono and my Gen 1 PO for daily wear. I think the Polaris would make a good 3rd option, especially as a vacation/holiday watch that doesn't have a crown on it.


Here's the 42mm Chrono on my wrist:
 
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I have always considered JLC to be as close to Holy Trinity as possible without actually belonging.
The Holy Trinity idea shouldn’t be taken seriously, IMO. Audemars is a one-trick pony these days, and VC doesn’t seem to know what it is. (Both houses make beautiful watches but lack the coherence of Patek.) If there a ‘Trinity’ now, certainly Lange would be alongside Patek. Not even sure who else would be there. It’s silly. JLC movements have been inside Trinity watches—their cases and dials may not be as hand finished and special, but they’re as elite as it gets.
 
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For me, they're like the 'Omega' of the higher-end watch market, or in other words 'the watch makers, watch maker'.
 
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Hi,
I'm new here and I will start with a statement a heard: "JLC has the quality of a Patek for the price of a Rolex".
Not totally true but gives the idea.
Anyway... I love my Master Control!
 
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Yeah, I don’t know about the quality of a Patek—though it’s certainly closer to Patek quality than Rolex (or Omega) is.

Honestly, I don’t believe most people would be able to tell the difference in quality between a Patek and a JLC without using a loupe. …And then you look at a Lange and you realize how ludicrously overpriced Pateks are.
 
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The more i wear my JLC Polaris Date the more i enjoy owning it. If en exit watch was a real thing, i think this one would be for me the perfect candidate.

Now that my Blancpain Bathyscaphe and Seamster 2254 are back from service, i still tend to grab the Polaris most of the time.
 
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The more i wear my JLC Polaris Date the more i enjoy owning it. If en exit watch was a real thing, i think this one would be for me the perfect candidate.

I agree. My Polaris has stopped my search for the next one, although it has only been 6 months. I have perhaps 100 watches with only 5 in regular rotation. The rotation could close with only the Polaris as my one and only.

 
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Ok this one is even a step above the polaris date. Maybe i am not done yet after all 🫣
 
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It’s the most comfortable watch that I own. And now it looks great on its new leather band, thanks to @Eve !!! Happy holidays to everyone!
 
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My JLC perpetual calendar keeps amazing time and is beautifully crafted. I’m impressed by JLC’s quality and have become a huge fan of JCL watches.
 
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love jlc, except they are very dressy. I own two reversos but sadly never have the chance to wear them. Still considering the perpetual calendar as a future purchase
 
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Just digged into the new JLC catalog and it seems they finally reduced the size of polaris date by 2mm, slimmed down the midcase. And reduced the price 😉 looks like a step in the right direction.
Few othe watches announced at Watches and Wonders. But no words on new Polaris yet.
I still not like the skeletonized hands. So just keep on enjoying my black polaris date for now 😉

Edited:
 
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I never thought I would wear a Reverso. But this has been my "other daily" for the past few months. A great combo of size, uniqueness, finishing, and class. And it's gold! I have actually been asked about this watch more than any other watch, especially from "younger" people. Art Deco 2.0...I guess...

 
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I'm not generally a bracelet guy, but this is just fantastic...



So clean, great size, and the bracelet details are really nice...the price, not so much. I miss the days of sub $10k nice watches like this...
 
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I'm not generally a bracelet guy, but this is just fantastic...



So clean, great size, and the bracelet details are really nice...the price, not so much. I miss the days of sub $10k nice watches like this...
Even though i am not an integrated bracelet person, i think the whole line up is really good looking. i am also a big fan of lume, so wish a bit they had left the lume as it was. but yeah this date version is a really great release.