bill2016
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As a laboratory,
then yes, it doesn't get any better than being tied to the Navy Seals.
But my contention is that it really doesn't have a unique selling point. As a diving watch, there are plenty of others that do the job effectively, if not more effectively such as the Submariner or the Seiko Marine Master. It fails as a dress/casual watch because it lacks any form of elegance. I believe that the tie-up with the Navy Seals is JLC's effort in trying to give it that unique selling point and some sort of relevance in a market already full of high-quality and capable luxury diving watches.
But do let me make this clear. My criticism is not against the quality or of its capability. There is no question it is a superbly made watch and I am sure if you do actually purchase this piece you will not be disappointed. But as your original post asked about my take on this piece, I am simply not convinced. There isn't anything about the MCDA that presents to me a clear and unique alternative to such watches as the Submariner or the Fifty Fathoms.
With that said, it is merely my opinion. If you do pull the trigger, I'll be the first to congratulate you.
The Master Compressor Diving Automatic Navy Seals: The Perfect Diving Watch?
You still have in mind the Navy Seals Alarm which was introduced last year: It is a 44 mm titanium case, offering an Alarm into a Diving watch. Some Diving Watch Lovers wanted a simpler instrument, in a smaller case. The MC Diving Automatic Navy Seals is ...
A beautiful and strong watch
Hi Nicolas, Thanks for a good article with some historical perspectives. In my opinion it is the second-strongest watch of the Master Compressor Diving series - the first being the Navy Seals Alarm (NSA) due to its close link to the Polaris. Nevertheless,...
JLC has been really bad with me this year, indeed.
I really share your interest for the NS Auto, and to say all, I consider adding it in my collection. For the reasons you perfectly mentionned... A serious and good watch. As for my other reports, I hope to be able to post 3 of them next week... Best, my f...
Hardcore toolwatch without crownguard??
I'm sure that this high-end sportswatch from JLC has quite a following but I can't imagine this watch being used and/or endorsed by Navy SEAL units when JLC hasn't even taken the time to add a decent guard for the quite prominent, and thus vulnerable crow...
Love the looks of this watch...
...but being an owner of the MCDGMT I also worry (at times) about the lack of a strong crown guard. I find myself frequently checking the crown during stressful activity. It does not however detract from my love of the watch. Thank you Nicolas for this in...
2 cents, maybe but very valuable!
It's been a long time that the Army doens't use any mechanical watch, and the Manufacture has an agreement with the Navy SEALs to use this Elite Corps as a Laboratory. The watches are tested by the Navy SEALs, the watches aren't in dotation for the SEALs....
Thank you Nico....
Some real pics of a very nice piece indeed.....delicious trouble you say..!! Well I think your right on that score my friend... I look forward to seeing this in the flesh along with another very similar piece announced at SIHH but the price is also very i...
Nico - question and info for you.....
i have just got back from my dealer who like you said this is a great piece in the flesh and they have put in an order for the one on a leather strap which they think they will get ~May/June for me to see. How does the thickness compare to the Compressor ...
The Diving Compressor GMT is around 15 mm thick,
While the NS Auto is 14 mm... 1 mm is significative when both watches are seen in the flesh, side by side. As for the finish of the bezel, it is the same than on the NS Alarm, and much more different than on the Diving GMT, which is titanium for the Divin...
I must wait to see it in the metal, but
I think this may be my favorite Jaeger LeCoultre sports watch yet. The design and simple, functional bare necessities make this a perfect, rugged diver. Love the look on the leather strap. I am also a big fan of the new size. I find some 44 mm watches a l...
Hi, emcquillan.
The best is that you go and see it in the flesh, as it is even better in real than in pic, and nothing can beat a wrist test. You will immediately know if it is made for you. The only thing I can tell you is that it is very cool sport watch, and that the ...
Well....
It is a beautiful watch for sure..... I like the design and the size....... But..... The crown is too big, at least in my opinion..... I fear that it might bother my wrist.... as the GO Sport Impact Evo...... I would like to see it in metal but from the p...
I too agree with PP
the crown looks too big but i would have to see it in the real as it looks like a real nice piece good review nico thanks again
Yep, you'll need to try it, my friend.
You'll be surprised by its comfort... NB: I only try the watch with the moulded rubber strap. Best, Nicolas
Certainly....
I will try it.... Besides photos, as said, do not always "represent" the watch..... You can only really judge when you try it on.... Cheers
Thumbs up for sports and elegance
Wasn't that a Tag Heuer series; sports and elegance. Well anyway I think it is applicable to this watch. It is a sports watch allright, but it doesn't scream and shout. I am quite fond of three hand watches; small second is nice but a sweeping central sec...
It is even a better bargain as I was wrong..;Its price tag is 6250 Euros.
My problem is that I love both the NS Auto and the NS Alarm... One or 2 crowns, it doesn't matter, even if the 2d crown is the promise of the Alarm, and gives a nice look to the watch. But a single crown at 3 is not disturbing me at all, and its big size ...
Perfection? May be as close as you can get?
Thanks for the informative post. I'm glad to see the dial is not glossy. From what I've seen, this look like one of the best looking diving watches I've seen for a long time. And I'm sure it looks as good, if not better, in the flesh. I thought the MC GMT...
Yep, we are in the same case.
But I wonder if I'm not gonna get the duo NS Alarm and Auto... Can't decide which one of these 2 I prefer. Keep us updated! Best, Nicolas
Great review Nicolas!
I like this variant from the JLC SEALs line very much, thanks for the review! -MW
It could well be.
That was a great review, Nicolas. Thanks for sharing. I really love the look of that watch.
Beautiful...
First off, thank you so much for taking the time to post these wonderful, real life pics of this beauty. I am now presented with a dilemma -- a rather nice one, actually -- in that I don't know if I should go for the Diving Alarm, or perhaps save a few pe...
Well, Adam
A Water Resistance of 100 meters should have been enough, truely. I don't get watches with a super water resistance of 1000, 3 000 or 10 000 meters. When I knew that JLC introduced this 42 mm diving watch, I was a bit dubitative, because I thought it woul...
Will probably take the plunge...
Again, thank you so much for your informed post. I agree, 300M is more than enough, and is certainly much deeper than I have an intention of going (unless someone's tied a rock to my ankle and tossed me overboard). And you're probably right about the lugs...
I see, Adam...
You're a Diving watch Lover... As I am, but my madness pushes me very deep, heeerm....far, on this collecting thema. Keep us updated, my friend. Best, Nicolas
I guess you could say I'm in "deep"...
Yup, I'm pretty focused when it comes to my collection, but that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate other genres within this oddball hobby of ours. My latest -- the Eterna KonTiki Diver "Concept" -- is quite extreme in appearance, so a more sedate piece...
Out of topic, but you could you post pics of your Eterna in our HoMe Forum?
I totally see what you mean when you speak of a more sedate piece... But this Eterna is such a Beast! Best, Nicolas
Your wish...
...is my command. ;-) It's no JLC, but it is a very interesting piece, nonetheless. Regards, Adam
Oh Nicolas, I WANT one!
I love this watch my friend, can you tell me the Reference Nr? I will definitely sell my Aquatimer Cousteau for this piece. The only thing I do not like is the faliure to use the red tipped seconds hand from the Navy Seals GMT. Please Nicolas, I need you ...
LOL, Richard.
I will try to get God's phone number... As for the reference number, if you want it, it is not difficult, as you just have to say that you want the less expensive of the NS Auto. Your AD will understand. But I will communicate it to you as soon as I have ...
Good one
This version is very clean, a very cool watch for sure, and the minutes hand now looks properly like an arrow and not a ........ Thanks Nicolas!!!
Nice pics as always N!
My take is that its a well balanced watch. And I would say it looks the best with the articulated rubber bracelet. JMHO. B well my friend, Matrix.
I will have to see it with the articulated rubber bracelet, Matrix,
But what I saw in the flesh, with the rubber moulded strap is really great. Tempted? Best, Nicolas
Tempted? Yes. But...
Since I already own a diving watch, I will have to shift gears a bit... B well Nicolas, Matrix.
Very handsome dive watch...
...but for me the "perfect" diver would have an internal rotating bezel. I do like the watch very much. It has a strong visual presence and I love the dark, sporty case and dial. Legibility is excellent, as well. I think a lot of people will benefit from ...
You're sold to the Super Compressor cases, Sister.
And I can easily understand why, as I share the same passion than you for them. But sometimes, diversification is good! Try it at the BH Boutique when it comes, which will be soon... Best, Nicolas
I am certainly excited...
...to experience the watch in the metal. It's attractive in pictures. However, my heartstrings are already being pulled by other models released at this year's SIHH! A great showing by JLC at SIHH 2010! Cheers, Daos
JLC vs Rolex
Nicolas, thanks a lot for your article about this watch. I really think you are true, this is a credible and interesting alternative to the Submariner. My only concern is that I find it less homogeneous than the Rolex which can be worn, even if it is not ...
Let's see how the new Sub will look like, in a few weeks.
But if it receives the same treatment than the Deep Dea, I'm not sure that it will be more easily wearable in any circumstances... Best, my friend. Nicolas
Definitely.....
it would be interesting to see the new submariner..... few more weeks.... Cheers
Amen to that
I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that Rolex doesn't put a 'War And Peace' rivaling essay on the dial of the new Submariner as they did the DSSD.
JLC vs Rolex vs Omega vs Blancpain vs Doxa vs...
and the list goes on, eh? They all have their merits, when you think about it. No one watch manufacture can claim first place. I think it's great that the US Navy SEALs (spell it right!) have a watch like JLC, but even they are more apt to use the latest ...
Well, Chaser
JLC is in relation with the Navy SEALs ( thanks for the reminder about the correct spelling! ) to ask them to test their watches. So, the SEALs are a Laboratory for JLC, and JLC doesn't make watches which would be in dotation, which should be ridiculous, ...
OK, my take...
I think it is a FABULOUS looking watch, and the steel 42mm will probably feel like the titanium 44mm, which, I imagine, is wider bracelet, lugs, case, bezel, etc., to make the package harmonious. JLC has proven, once again, that besides the astronomical, ...
I also think that the price is fair
For a watch of this quality and appeal. I'm also very happy to see that you don't have to sell your house ( well, not always ... ) to buy an exciting watch. As you, I'm really happy, and ...Excited. Best, Nicolas
Great post as usual but I am not really convinced about this piece
The Navy Seals link is a nice marketing feature but I simply don't see how practical this watch is for use in an actual mission - it is large, shiny (I know it is titanium and not as shiny as SS but still shiny) and too mega priced - if I were a navy seal...
Interesting input, Bill
I didn't compare the NS Auto with the Deep Sea, as they don't play, IMO, in the same category. I compared it to the Rolex Sub, which is its closest competitor. What you say about a Military use is indeed true, but it is true for any good mechanical watch....
New opinion
IMO a more suitable movement should be a new version of calibre 975 with central seconds.This could make the watch the new benchmark even compare with the expected Submariner. Thanks.
As a laboratory,
then yes, it doesn't get any better than being tied to the Navy Seals. But my contention is that it really doesn't have a unique selling point. As a diving watch, there are plenty of others that do the job effectively, if not more effectively such as the ...
We agree, Bill
The Rolex Sub and the FF are two very nice watch, and I see the JLC NS Auto as an excellent alternative, not more, not less. After, this is a matter of taste: Some will prefer the FF, others the Rolex Sub, and some will go on the JLC. And, of course, nobo...
Thanks Nicolas,
for another great review. You showed the powerful look and a nice historical perspective. And a very interesting price setting... If I needed to choose I'd go for the NSA, I must admit. Cheers my friend! Rik
Both are very interesting, IMO.
And the choice won't be that easy between this Auto and its Sister, the Alarm... What a nice trouble! Best, Nicolas
A nice diving watch
With all the essence that is essential. The only thing is, why doesnt more watch manufacturers do it like Panerai? That is having hand-wound divers? To the original! Stephen
Because automatic movements and diving watches are strongly linked, Stephen
Historically, you had 2 kind of movements which were considered as an improvement for water resistance: 1/ Automatic: Which avoided to wind the watch everyday, and to ruin the water resistance at the crown ( joint in french, ring in english? ) 2/ 8 Days: ...
looks great, really makes me think
I really like the looks of this watch, but I'm suprised at JLC's choice of the caliber 899 rather than the Autotractor. For years I've read opinions that JLC calibers are more delicate, more "dressy", than many others, and the inclusion of the 899 here is...
Well, Scott, it is difficult to compare the Master Control and the NS Auto
Even if they share the same caliber, the 899, and the same metal for the case ( SS ). The construction of the case is not the same, as well as the ceramic bezel, the new dial, hands, glass case back, et caetera. Moreover, I think that we should compare wa...
Thanks Nicolas
Thanks Nicolas! looking forward to hearing JLC's thoughts on placing the 899 caliber in a SEALS diving watch, which also makes me look on the Master Control with more appreciation. Thanks for your very interesting review as well...
JLC has provided an excellent complement to round out the Diving range
I think JLC made a perfect decision to release a simple, time-only and smaller profile watch to round out the Diving series. I had been feeling that such a watch was missing. I think some divers would argue that the simple, easy-to-read approach is best f...
I think this is an excellent watch, Respo.
And testing it on the wrist was a real pleasure, as well as seeing it in the flesh. I agree on what you said about everyone's taste on wearing diving watches with a suit. I have to admit that it doesn't disturb me at all to play the bad boy wi th such a w...
Like the design, but I am sure about the movement
Thanks for your great report, Nicolas. I really like the uncluttered and sober design of the new diver. Hands and dial are almost perfect for me and I highly appreciate the slimmer case. IMHO most discussions on watch size are focussed too much on diamete...
Hi, Christoph.
Please see my answer to Scott, just above your post... You and him had the same wonders about the 899. Basically, I will ask to JLC what are the reasons of this choice. It is an interesting point, indeed. Thanks for your valuable input! Best, Nicolas
Thanks
Thanks for your answer, Nicolas. You are faster than lightning and your commitment to the forum is second to none! Cheers, Christoph
I don´t know if it´s the perfect diving watch, But...
I must admit that this one is to be really considered. I love a lot this new creation by JLC, no so much impressive like the DNS, but it´s "simplicity" is a point (and it´s price too ). Modern Blancpain FF, Rolex sub and this one are the best options for ...
Aaah, Emilio
Here you are, my friend. I was waiting for your answer on this one! Agreed, Hermano, it may be one of the most interesting offer among the modern Diving watches... Best, my dear friend. Nicolas
A smaller, lower, less complicated dive watch?
...Most DEFINITELY a step in the right direction from JLC. Another superb post Nico.
when is the estimated release date?
....or is it a special order through boutique/ AD only?
If I remember correctly, September.
It will be available at any JLC Boutique or JLC AD. Best, Nicolas