JLC Master Chronograph thoughts/feedback?? Any alternatives?

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!

Better value than the datejust. More Original, better brand....get the JLC

And i love Rolex.

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

Monards in Melbourne and Sydney as well I believe.

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

One thing to bear in mind is service costs. It'll run you a bit more than a Rolex.

How much are JLC service costs generally?

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.

My take is the following: with JLC, you can't go wrong!