Hi all, I've always really admired JLC, and always loved the dress-chronograph look, particularly with the rectangular pushers (ALS Datograph, zenith equivalents, Patek, etc.) In terms of mid-term grail goals, I was looking at JLC recently, and looking at the usual suspects... UT moon, geophysic, etc., but was surprised to see the affordability of the JLC Master Chronograph on the second hand market! many examples could be found at around $5.5k USD for a decent example with full set! So now a mid-term grail could be very much more short term.... I've had my eye on a Rolex Datejust 116200 36mm smooth bezel, but for just a little bit more I could have this watch so that throws a spanner in the works... 40mm, ~12mm thick, outstanding heritage and movement, versatility (could be dress or casual, although leans more towards dress)... I very much like the pulsograph too and the heritage behind that (used to check heart bpm by doctors back in the day), a little bit more unique than the standard tachometer that I would never ever use in practice. While I try to find an AD in Sydney or Melbourne to try one on, any thoughts from current owners/others considering this watch? I'm torn also over whether I would prefer the silver or white dials... I think in the end, the silver is more versatile and would look better on a multitude of straps.. the black however looks so so so cool on the black alligator strap! the silver (white gold maybe?) indices and hands really pop on the black dial - but the blue hands on the silver version also are nice. Also - any alternative options around this pricepoint second hand that people can suggest? the zenith el primero classic is an obvious one, however the simplicity of the dial doesn't really do it for me... also there are Glashutte Original options out there that I haven't investigated in depth!
Agreed! There have been sales of this watch as low as $4500usd in decent condition full set, which is cheaper than new gen datejusts second hand lol... Would you go the silver or black dial? Having not tried either on IRL yet, I'm leaning slightly towards the silver... more understated and versatile than the black perhaps. The black on the black leather tho is pretty amazing in photos.
And in general, I'm shocked at how much some JLC's depreciate! For a watch brand that is universally lauded, losing 40% or more value for a mint/excellent condition second hand piece seems odd. While at the same time, people pay bucket loads for Rolex. I also love Rolex, but the value is only found in the older 90-00's pieces it seems, and the clasps are terrible for a $5k watch
Personallly I like the black. JLC is the real deal. Real heritage, innovation, in house movements, above average finishing. I think their marketing sucks on these chronos and that is why it's better to buy used. Also to be honest the date window is off putting. These were value priced to begin with though.
Yes, I confess to liking dress chronographs too. Haven't quite been able to afford a Dato yet, but I'm working on it! The Master Chronograph is a watch I've admired for some time, though I've never pulled the trigger despite fairly compelling prices, as you've noticed. I'm a big JLC fan, and the reasons why I like this watch are similar to what you've elucidated - 40mm size, vintage feel, rectangular pushers, in house movement. A few observations though: 1. There are 4 dial variants - 2 black, 2 white. Of the 4, I prefer the black Aston Martin version best cos of the black date window, and the splashes of red on the dial 2. Some might find date windows annoying on chronos, so the regular black version with the white date window can be rather noticeable 3. It wears bigger than the 40mm, feels more like a 41mm watch, esp for the white dial versions (i've tried it) 4. As for alternatives, the recent Seiko 60th Anniversary chronograph with the urushi dial is pretty cool. Much cheaper, in-house movt, and it wears well, though much thicker at 15mm, and slightly bigger at 42mm.
Jaeger-LeCoultre makes an immensely attractive, satisfying watch. I doubt you'll regret it if you were to buy it.
Personally I think the Seiko is a completely different price and quality proposition. Still a fantastic watch but not of the caliber of JLC.
Hi @hrobi[emoji137] Plan a trip to Malaysia coz it's cheaper here in the Swiss Watch Gallery ( SWG ) since the Ringgit is weak against the greenback & the fall in Oil prices. The Immigration Officers are seriously quite lenient with foreign tourists coz it's Visit Malaysia Yr( every Yr) with the Tourism industry the 6th largest contributor to the economy / GDP Hey [emoji3] i know this one That costs ~US 6200 The other JLC is[emoji41] Paul Walker's Deep Sea Diver the alternative to Moonwatch & retails for~ US7400
Roughly £650 for a basic movement - the chrono will probably run to £800. I suppose yes, when you look at Daytona servicing it's a little more but not that different.
I like the JLC. I'm much prefer vintage pieces, but I think JLC is making some really good looking watches. Classic looks.