Jaeger-LeCoultre

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JLC over Omega PO, GS, BP and AP

Finally after many discussions, questions and research I decided on the watch for me.  As many of you may recall, I started about 2 months ago asking questions about the Omega Planet Ocean chronograph liquidmetal.  I got many different comments from it’s a great watch, it’s too thick, too expensive for the brand and you should look at other brands. Well in turn, I did start looking at a few other brands that others kept on suggesting. The other brands were Glashutte Original Sport, Blancpain FF, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver and Jaeger LeCoultre Navy Seal Alarm or Chronograph.

Let me first start by saying that all these brands and styles are fantastic. Each one of them has their own special qualities. I ended up taking all the suggestions and comments that were given to me and then I looked at what I currently have in my collection and my lifestyle.  The GO was nice, but looked like just another sports watch that I don’t really need. The BP was very nice and the polished stainless steel makes it look somewhat classy.  The problem is that I already have something similar and don’t see the point of spending money on something that resembles something that I already have. The Omega actually looked very cool, but as others mentioned to me, it is very big and thick. Also, when compared to the other brands, side by side the quality just didn’t seem up to par. With that in mind the price was also a turn off.  The AP is wonderful, but since it’s all stainless steel it does weigh quite a bit. Also, it almost looks to nice to want to wear for diving or any kind of physical activity. I would hate to scratch it or have anything happen to it, especially since it cost the most from any of the other brands.  JLC is fantastic. Both the chronograph and alarm looked and felt nice on me.  The weight of the watches is perfect since they are made of titanium. This is great, especially if you plan on wearing the watch often or daily. The alarm one is very clean and sounds nice and loud. I did end up preferring the alarm over the chronograph version for a couple of reasons. One, I already have another chronograph in my collection. Two, the watch measures 46mm and even though I can probably wear it fine, I liked the size of the 44mm alarm more. Three, I don’t have another watch with an alarm complication. The JLC navy seal alarm watch seemed to be my best choice. It is well built, looks and wears very nice.  I was fortunate to see it with articulated strap and titanium bracelet.  Both look fantastic and each one gives the watch a different look and feel. 

One of the things that I am so glad I did and was advised about by many was to see the watches in person.  Everyone is absolutely right. There is nothing like going through the whole experience of seeing and trying on all these watches to see which one is the right one for you.  Another reason that I’m glad I got to see them in person is because I got some comments about small issues with some of these watches.  It gave me the chance to look for those small problems and sure enough I found a couple.  On the BP FF some complained that the bezel could at times be too hard to turn. I did notice that on one of them in comparison to another BP FF. On the JLC some stated that some of the bezels were too loose on the alarm version. Luckily for me they had a couple of them in stock. The first one I tried was too easy to turn, on the second one the bezel was perfect.  Also on the first one it seemed to have some kind of white dust underneath the sapphire crystal. The only way that was coming out was sending it back to the manufacturer.  The second alarm watch was perfect. I tried everything on it to make sure all was working as it should and it was.  I would have been very disappointed if I had just ordered the watch and I would have received the one with the issues that I mentioned. In any case, as you can tell I ended up going with the JLC Navy Seal Alarm. The JLC NS Chronograph was a close second as that is one beautiful watch as well and if it weren’t that I already have another chronograph watch and no alarm watches I probably would have gone with that one even at 46mm.  

I would like to thank everyone who commented and helped me in my decision and for making this a wonderful watch journey.

Below are some photos of my watch that I purchased and have included some from the JLC AD Display.

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