Jaeger-LeCoultre

hs111
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Trying with a different twist ...

Been following this a bit - now just a personal chip in,
- but with another perspective maybe:

A) The Watch - side:
1// the JLC Geographic itself : old vs new ; for me, it is NOT ( only) the issue of "value"
maybe more of significance, of heritage, a bit of importance:

- - the classical ( old) model you are referring, and also shown here, IMO is a wonderful watch,
was a new JLC indication: the power reserve, the little night- and day ( which is a nice treat,and the cities,
The - well, impression about the world - the names of the cities, the turn of the wheel, taking you to another time- zone
in a turn, with ease..

- Personally I own this one for many years ( since the 80ies) and it has been with me all over the world, I still love
it, still like to look at her face, has such a nice one
-- for ME (!) , which does not necessarily mean for someone else maybe

Now, I always , when travelling, have been a little disappointed, that it does not have enough lume
( when you sit in a plane, when yoy wake up in a different tine- zone etc).
- But I have got used to it, although I tend to use it less on long, time-zone crossing trips,
I rather use another JLC - GMT model - but that's another story..

SO, depite all, what I said, for me it's more a symbol of travelling, than a UTILITY watch, but a very nice one;
Having said that, the new 2011 Geographic ( for me in SS) with the Summertime indications ( the 'S' on the dial),
[feature was introduced already in a model before ( which I liked less, because of lack of 'sonething')]
but - again a pity for me a bit - the new night/ day, more a function 'button' than a nice indication,
- all with a modern movement, is definitely a beautiful and nice piece.
- Definitely a great present, and something to keep and cherish..

Value ? - Honestly said, if I really like something, if it 'sings' to me, I don't really care..
I care much more, what the piece MEANS to me ..

- For the genese and significance we or others maybe could say much more - just enter the 'Geographic' term into
the search field and read the reviews - or your husband might, maybe print it out, if you go for it
- or let HIM explore the world and time related to this piece.. -- How nice !? ..

2// A Rolex - whatever model of these ( Submariner, Explorer but also simpler Oyster Dates) - these are GREAT watches,
ALL of them - from the utility standpoint, some from the collector's point, but THAT's totally different ..

[Maybe don't forget the Rolex bracelets are metal and therefore more robust, whereas the JLC Geographic, although you can get
a bracelet, to use a nice croc strap ( mid - brown maybe) makes a convincing combo..]

Personally I prefer the simpler, classical models, a nice Oyster Date or the Explorer Series,
( especially the earlier ones, but here the collector speaks- forget..)
-- the Submariners being more 'in- pieces' , IMO.
--- SO:
very reliable, robust, tools, appealing in their face, much more 'sportivo', no- nonsense, task - and- tool..

-- but still - keepers, as also these have their watch significance, their stories, their turns
( for Rolex and it's model/ reference related importance, there would be pages, but for you:
- don't even bother, a non- issue almost) ..

There are blogs, twists and tweets on rarety & significance, depending on how deep one wants to dive in, especially if someone is NOT a watch - buff.

- Personally I do own several, actually my daily beater is .. A Rolex Date , Oyster type but with a quite special
bezel and a black dial in ss and a ( light) Jubilee bracelet).
She has been my first higher end watch many years ago, in the late 70ies,
- simply said, I absolutely still love her - Why, she is always there, reliable, on time, a companion..

I have been carrying her, day and night, from Asia to US from skiing in the Alps to sailing in the Mediterranean
she has seen the desert, the heat, the cold. - All from the height of a balloon, of many planes , big and small to sailboats and cars,
from professional encounters to relaxed parties and GTG's. -- From mountains to the extreme heat.
But I have also worn her to festivals, in the theater and, and ..
- I meanwhile always take along ( nuts , isn't it) several watches for travelling, mostly three,
but she is always one of them.

Strange it may sound, but although I am an adamant and convinced JLC aficionado, this Rolex IS my life watch..

IMHO, you cannot compare a Rolex with a JLC Geographique ( the old writing, BTW).
The latter being a more refined piece, some horological finesses, but MUCH less robust, I would assume.
If you would look for robustesse within JLC, then maybe other models , great models from JLC come first into mind.

B// The thoughts behind, some reasoning - A very personal bias:

So your Q, about JLC vs Rolex - sorry to say, I cannot answer that way : if you really get a decent Double Red submariner,
in a good shape ( maybe even box and papers) - beware the Source,and 'Buy the Seller", as lots f things going on there
- and IF it should be more a utility, one- for-all choice, I would go for it,
You and your husband cannot go wrong, I am convinced.. - Good luck, BTW !!

- if it's more with some depth, finesse a bit more fragility maybe, but a GREAT piece - either of the two mentioned
Geographic watches make wonderful presents, the classic one a tad more finesse, the novelty a bit
more utility maybe, but these are nuances...

I, definitely, would be happy with either of them !
And hej - think what you already have inquired for your husband, have communicated here with some of us
- your time- travels, your journeys have in fact begun, whether you continue and where it will go,

- YOU and your husband will write your own story !

BTW, Welcome here - let us know, what and how you may decide

THE JOURNEY is the reward,

Best, hs

PS:
Apologies, has been a lot of '2-cents' - so you might be still confused,
- but hopefully on a higher level..