Jaeger-LeCoultre

I have been lucky enough to be bought a "special" watch from my parents. I was asked to do my own research for the watch within a specific budget. I considered the following options and criteria.

Vintage or Modern - I was looking for a tough watch suitable for everyday wear and so decided that more modern post 1990 watches were probably more suitable. 

Size of Case - As I am young I have quite small wrists and so I limited the size of watch to between 36-40mm.

In choosing a make I wanted to keep an open mind and try and find something unusual so I did not limit my options to 'Traditional' or 'Modern' makes.

In Rolex, I eliminated the Submariners, Sea-dwellers, GMT, and Turnograph as I believe they look very 'Rolex-y', and many of them are also quite large. I like the Explorer 1 and 2 for having such different styles, however my Father has a modern Explorer 1 so that was eliminated.

I then looked at Omega and loved the Speedmaster, however that too was on the large side. The IWC Pilot's watch mark XV also really appealed and made it into the final 5. I ruled out Fortis, although I like their 'space - age' styling because again their watches are very large. 

And of course JLC, the Master Control 1408420 and 147842A - I find them both beautiful watches. However, much as though I think they are both stunning to look at, I was looking more for a sporty rather than elegant look.

So in the Final 5:

1. JLC Reverso Gran'Sport Chronograph. A manual winding watch (this appealed as I have never worn one daily before). A case size of 43 x 26 x 10 mm it is comfortably within the size limits I am constrained by. With 50m water resistance it is also nice not to have to worry about submerging it. With a couple of nice complications as well I think it is a very interesting watch to look at - but more than anything I think it is truly beautiful.

2. Longines L2.631.4.70.6 . At 38.5mm diameter it is also in my size range. It is Automatic, with a 38 hour power reserve. I like the simplicity of the colour scheme, and the world time complication. It is also 30m water resistant. 

3. IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XV. I originally considered the Mark XVI, however the mark XV is slightly smaller and I also prefer the dial. It is also automatic with 42 hours power reserve, and 60 meters water resistance. Compared to some of the others I considered this is a more simple style of watch and it is the 'calmer' dial that I like about the watch.

4. Bremont BCS1 . Automatic too with 100m water resistance and 38 hours power reserve. However it is amazingly tough, I would describe it a real 'utility' watch that is up for almost anything, and it is only 39mm case.

5. Ball Ohio 38mm . Another really tough watch, that is automatic and as the name suggests 38mm case diameter. 100m water resistant, 5000g shock resistant, and the stand-out feature to me is the 15 Micro Gas tubes to provide the luminescence. 

So which was it? Was it a tough decision?

In truth, there was a distinct winner above the other 4 - the Reverso. Although I think all 5 were a fabulous selection of watches, the Reverso just seemed to stand out. It is just so different in look and style, and also there is some family history with Jaeger LeCoultre. My grandfather started collecting Jaeger LeCoultre and now my father also collects them too. So it also seemed a nice family connection to continue. I hope you like my selection.

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