jaeger le coultre opinions please

[martin thomas]

I was at my local watch dealers looking to order a gold rolex daytona on a leather strap. The dealer then showed me a jaeger master compressor chrono on a dark brown strap,stainless steel. I did like the look of the watch but i know nothing about the marque. so please all comments would be apreciated.
The rrp was 4900 but he said 4k would be ok. Is it good value and do they hold much value second hand.

Martin

[cyberface]

IMO, JLC have better movements than Rolex - a step above in quality (hell, do a google search for the JLC Gyrotourbillon... Rolex make very tough, reliable movements, but nothing anywhere near JLC's creations)

Definitely one of the brands for those in the know compared to Rolex - which means you'll probably get better resale on the Rolex unfortunately. If that's a concern, that's probably your watch.

Incidentally I'd be interested in the dealers' here opinions on whether the gold / leather strap Daytona would hold value like the steel ones do - we all know about those, but the TT Daytonas seem to drop quite significantly, and that's with a full bracelet...

[CatMatt7]

Personally I would put JLC in different league to Rolex and not a lower one. Also they are a little more exclusive than Rolex.

I know which one i would choose if I had the option. But ultimately it's up to you to choose which one you prefer, but don't have any concerns about the heritage, quality or status of JLC.

Good luck in choosing your next watch.

[Winton]

I would never spend 4k on a Rolex if the competition was a JLC. They are, quite simply, some of the most carefully crafted and beautiful watches available. In terms of craftmanship and quality, Rolex are nowhere near.

However, if it is to be a 100% daily wearer, I'd be tempted to choose the Rolex as they are arguably the most rugged and robust watches on the market. JLCs are a touch more fragile.

[whoami]

Winton said:

JLCs are a touch more fragile.

In what way?

[Dominic H]

whoami said:

Winton said:

JLCs are a touch more fragile.

In what way?

They just are, in the same way as a Ferrari (JLC) is beautifully crafted, balanced but ultimately fragile. Where the Rolex (Land Rover) is bullet-proof, won't whinge if you miss a service. But both are loved in equal measure.....

[lowdrag]

From an aesthetic point of view there surely is no contest - JLC all the way. Without wishing to upset Rolex owners who suffer from this, Rolex is often associated with people with more money than sense even though it isn't true, whereas JLC owners are not viewed in the same way. Rolex's are great reliable watches but sadly a trifle tainted socially I feel. Or am I completely wrong.? I'm sure you'll all correct me anyway!

[martin thomas]

No bad comments at all then. I was actualy expecting that sort of response as i could tell the watch was of quality even with my novice eye. I have done a search and found a couple of internet dealers selling the same watch a few hundred pounds cheaper. I'm tempted to call my local dealer and chip the price a little more. If so i think a deal will be done.

Martin

[Asterix]

JLC are a legendary brand for their movements - lovely watches and perhaps one way to look at them is that they are to Patek Phillipe as Glashutte Original are to A. Lange & Sohne.

I agree with the Rolex comments as well - they are workhorse watches with workhorse movements - but... they are bloody good at doing what they do - My Sea Dweller is my casual and weekend watch and I never have to worry about it getting bashed about - not what you'd normally say with 3k on your wrist. Worth it? For those that actually appreciate it - hell yeah!

Edited by Asterix on Sunday 29th June 10:42

[tertius]

I have a JLC and a) it is absolutely lovely; and b) I would have no qualms about using it as a daily wearer to the office.

I wouldn't sugget you use it for gardening mind.

In overall quality I would say JLC are just a touch below PP, AP and VC, just a touch mind and there are some who argue that they are their equal. Certainly their designs are for me the most pleasing and elegant of the great manufactures.

[whoami]

Dominic H said:

whoami said:

Winton said:

JLCs are a touch more fragile.

In what way?

They just are, in the same way as a Ferrari (JLC) is beautifully crafted, balanced but ultimately fragile. Where the Rolex (Land Rover) is bullet-proof, won't whinge if you miss a service. But both are loved in equal measure.....

My wife wears hers virtually every day with no problem. I've never had any issues with the ones I have had either.

Having said that, the Big Pilot I tried recently certainly didn't have a particularly solid feel to it.

Edited by whoami on Sunday 29th June 19:43

[tertius]

whoami said:

Dominic H said:

whoami said:

Winton said:

JLCs are a touch more fragile.

In what way?

They just are, in the same way as a Ferrari (JLC) is beautifully crafted, balanced but ultimately fragile. Where the Rolex (Land Rover) is bullet-proof, won't whinge if you miss a service. But both are loved in equal measure.....

My wife wears hers virtually every day with no problem. I've never had any issues with the ones I have had either.

Having said that, the Big Pilot I tried recently certainly didn't have a particularly solid feel to it.

Though the Big Pilot is of course an IWC ...

[whoami]

tertius said:

whoami said:

Dominic H said:

whoami said:

Winton said:

JLCs are a touch more fragile.

In what way?

They just are, in the same way as a Ferrari (JLC) is beautifully crafted, balanced but ultimately fragile. Where the Rolex (Land Rover) is bullet-proof, won't whinge if you miss a service. But both are loved in equal measure.....

My wife wears hers virtually every day with no problem. I've never had any issues with the ones I have had either.

Having said that, the Big Pilot I tried recently certainly didn't have a particularly solid feel to it.

Though the Big Pilot is of course an IWC ...

Sorry - was reading the other thread (which was about the Big Pilot!) at the same time

[cyberface]

Asterix said:

JLC are a legendary brand for their movements - lovely watches and perhaps one way to look at them is that they are to Patek Phillipe as Glashutte Original are to A. Lange & Sohne.

I agree with the Rolex comments as well - they are workhorse watches with workhorse movements - but... they are bloody good at doing what they do - My Sea Dweller is my casual and weekend watch and I never have to worry about it getting bashed about - not what you'd normally say with 3k on your wrist. Worth it? For those that actually appreciate it - hell yeah!

Edited by Asterix on Sunday 29th June 10:42

I'd say this is possibly the best put comment on this thread.

[sparkyhx]

lowdrag said:

Rolex's are great reliable watches but sadly a trifle tainted socially I feel. Or am I completely wrong.? I'm sure you'll all correct me anyway!

Don't take this as a criticism but why is it that Rolex has this "shell suit" image problem but sells as many as they do and when it comes to second hand, hold their value probably better than any other watch out there with the exception of the equaly puzzlingly popular Panerai.

£4k is a damn good discount on £4900 from a proper dealer - is that with signed and stamped warranty?

[cyberface]

sparkyhx said:

lowdrag said:

Rolex's are great reliable watches but sadly a trifle tainted socially I feel. Or am I completely wrong.? I'm sure you'll all correct me anyway!

Don't take this as a criticism but why is it that Rolex has this "shell suit" image problem but sells as many as they do and when it comes to second hand, hold their value probably better than any other watch out there with the exception of the equaly puzzlingly popular Panerai.

£4k is a damn good discount on £4900 from a proper dealer - is that with signed and stamped warranty?

Very good marketing, and shoddy fake supply-restriction to create 'must-have' models amongst the sheep. That said, Rolex watches are tough as hell, and can take a hell of a kicking (both in terms of the cases and the movements), and will last a very long time. Rolex watches *are* good, their marketing presents them as 'excellent' which they are not, but they are so well-built that resale value should be good - they'll last a lifetime. It is their ubiquity that has led to the 'shell suit' image problem, because they are so popular and they don't tend to break! I'd not own one now as I think they are overpriced (the demand / supply thing has got out of hand) but would happily have a SD as a beater.

Panerai?? I reckon that's a complete fad and a flash in the pan. They don't have any history to speak of and just picked up on the fashion for oversized watches. Now they're making their own movements, they may be able to create a new, respected brand. Good for them if they achieve that, but Panerai are no Rolex.

[grumbledoak]

I think "Mr Face" has just said it very well, but...

Rolex are like BMW (or, cynically, Porsche). They gained a reputation for quality by genuinely being high quality. Then they discovered marketing and volume sales. And, now, you pay for 'excellence' when you are only really getting 'good' (or, maybe, 'very good'). It feels like you are paying too much for the badge, rather than the product.

[Asterix]

grumbledoak said:

I think "Mr Face" has just said it very well, but...

Rolex are like BMW (or, cynically, Porsche). They gained a reputation for quality by genuinely being high quality. Then they discovered marketing and volume sales. And, now, you pay for 'excellence' when you are only really getting 'good' (or, maybe, 'very good'). It feels like you are paying too much for the badge, rather than the product.

Haha! I drive a Porsche and it beats the competition hands down. Same as the Rolex (SD in my case - Cyber - nice to know that we have an understanding...)

Why is Porsche a cliché? Because they do what's on the tin... Go fast, with the minimum of fuss and do it everyday, day in... day out...

Here's a great example of what the brands mean nowadays...

You may know that I picked up a Glashütte Original recently.

I've had one specific comment from a female co-worker that said it was a beautiful, classic watch - she doesn't know a thing about watches.

Interviewed a guy last night that said, 'I know my watches' - the reason being that I needed someone that knew his top brands from a PR point. Never heard of GO.

What does that say?

Anyway - going back to 'good' or 'very good' - Rolex/Porsche - go for the 'tool' watches/cars and you end up with a bargain. They really are that good.

Edited for spelling and also that JLC are great watches.

Edited by Asterix on Monday 30th June 01:06

[dbroughton]

I have read that JLC are the brand that the watch makers themselves wear!

I think they are beautiful watches. The Master Comp range are some of the most masculine watches out there and really do tick the box for me.

I am not sure where the reliability thing is coming from. JLC are one of the most advanced movement makers on the planet. I am sure I just read about their new extreme movement which has no lubricants and never needs to be serviced (or near as damm it)

I would take on over a Daytona.

As for the little dig at Panerai (I own one!). They have been around even in current form for some decades now and if I had a quid for each time someone on this site said "flash in the pan" I would have been able to buy myself a new one! The also reinvented the large watch fashion rather than jumped on the bandwagon! Lets not be snobs and insist that a watch has to have 200 years history before the brand is worthwhile!

[BiggusLaddus]

cyberface said:

Now they're making their own movements, they may be able to create a new, respected brand. Good for them if they achieve that, but Panerai are no Rolex.

Used to be, ish.