Comments:
Quality Control Issues?
After waiting all year to see this model in person, I recently purchased a JLC Master Control Chronograph Calendar.
I really like the looks and features of the watch. It reminds me of vintage triple date calendar watches from the 50's.
Unfortunately, after testing the watch for a few minutes, I found that the chronograph was not working. The minute register
was not incrementing at all. It just twitched at one minute intervals.
I retuned the watch and the AD requested that another be sent out as soon as possible.
Well, the second watch came in and I picked it up, only to find that it too had a problem with the chronograph function!
Each time I stopped the chronograph, it caused the continuous seconds register to jump forward by several seconds.
The amount of jumping varied between 0 and 5 seconds and caused the watch to gain time.
Fortunately, the AD was very understanding and helpful and addressed the issue. In conversation, I also heard
that another instance of the same watch had been returned with issues.
This really makes me question JLC's claim of 1000 hour testing. It only took me a few minutes to find these issues.
I thought the group should hear about my experience, in case anyone is considering this model.
1000 hours ? or 1000 jokes? Sorry to hear that! Good to know: always buy new from ad when chosing JLC. thanks for sharing!
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Appalling.
Very very helpful post, and sorry to hear about your troubles. I’m becoming more and more skeptical of internal QC certifications (like the 1000 hour of JLC or superlative chronometer of Rolex), especially when compared to companies that go the extra mile for external QC certificates like METAS or Qualite Fleurier.
I’d been waiting to hear a real world review of this piece, especially as several watch journalists had mentioned that this particular model had not included the novel lubricants that had been introduced in the new ‘date’ and ‘annual calendar’ editions. And the large number of components in an automatic annual calendar chrono makes it an easy target for mechanical faults.
Unfortunately, reports of JLC QC issues have become common these days
Well I believe the Rolex chronometer certification (COSC) is still based on 3rd party certification
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QC externals
My METAS tested Omega is not accurate anymore.
Not that it runs bad, my Omega is still between the METAS tolerances.
When winding the crown, it have a resistance i do not mentioned when i had the watch 5 months ago.
The idea that a watch can be serviced is calming me, and as it comes back it is like new.
At this moment i feel no need to bring my Omega to a certified watch maker.
My watch is not that bad as the JLC chrono ac. But let’s hope JLC can improve QC.
Not that it runs bad, my Omega is still between the METAS tolerances.
When winding the crown, it have a resistance i do not mentioned when i had the watch 5 months ago.
The idea that a watch can be serviced is calming me, and as it comes back it is like new.
At this moment i feel no need to bring my Omega to a certified watch maker.
My watch is not that bad as the JLC chrono ac. But let’s hope JLC can improve QC.
Thanks for reporting your issues here. Very sad to hear that. Hope that a final solution will be found.
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.
Thank you. I hope JLC can resolve the issues with the new caliber 759, because it's a beautiful watch. Maybe down the road it will be ready for another look.
I think the watchmakers still haven't sobered up since their last festive evening with Amanico ;-)))
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BOTH my Extreme Lab 2 and Duometre went back to JLC last week for chronos not resetting properly
This is the 4th time going back to service for the Duometre and 2nd time for the EL2. Neither watch had issues with the chrono before I sent them in. On return they both worked fine for a day or two, long enough to check them at the boutique and confirm function, and then both quickly developed issues where the chrono seconds hands wouldn't reset.
This is really not okay at any level and sadly, there's no one to raise this issue with at JLC. The ADs and boutiques do what they can but ultimately the issue lies with the Manufacture and they hide behind a webform. Good luck finding a customer service email address or phone number. The brand is basically non existent to the end customer. Great watches but this isn't how brands that hope to propser tomorrow operate today.
Counter example - a couple months ago I decided to get a pair of sunglasses adjusted. I had them a few years, way beyond the warranty period, and they never quite fit right but they are awesome, so I reached out to the brand and right away got an email from a real person in the service dept. He told me I could probably make the adjustments myself but if I wanted to send them in they'd be happy to take care of it. The day after they received them I actually got a call from the same guy who emailed me since he was also the one working on my sunglasses and wanted to clarify a few things as well as let me know he managed to break the titanium stems while making the adjustments so I would be getting all new hardware. All the work, parts, and shipping were gratis and turnaround was a week. I got better customer service on a $600 pair of sunglasses than a $60k watch. Go figure.
In summary, IMHO great watches but something is wrong at the Maison. My hope / hypothesis is the quality issues are temporary and possibly covid related. As my Duometre has been in and out of service since before covid started, I've noticed service times have kept up surprisingly well while other brands have suffered longer lead times, Patek is up to a year now for service last I heard. My guess is that JLC is trying to keep cranking out watches despite not having their full staff on hand due to covid and quality is suffering badly.
Hopefully the quality issues are temporary. The longer term issues that need to be addressed are if the decision was made to prioritize production at the expense of quality and if JLC will ever start to engage with customers directly. Both need to be righted imo for the brand to remain relevant in the years to come. I still respect the watches but the brand is just a concept at this point, the wizard behind a curtain of ADs and boutiques.
This is really not okay at any level and sadly, there's no one to raise this issue with at JLC. The ADs and boutiques do what they can but ultimately the issue lies with the Manufacture and they hide behind a webform. Good luck finding a customer service email address or phone number. The brand is basically non existent to the end customer. Great watches but this isn't how brands that hope to propser tomorrow operate today.
Counter example - a couple months ago I decided to get a pair of sunglasses adjusted. I had them a few years, way beyond the warranty period, and they never quite fit right but they are awesome, so I reached out to the brand and right away got an email from a real person in the service dept. He told me I could probably make the adjustments myself but if I wanted to send them in they'd be happy to take care of it. The day after they received them I actually got a call from the same guy who emailed me since he was also the one working on my sunglasses and wanted to clarify a few things as well as let me know he managed to break the titanium stems while making the adjustments so I would be getting all new hardware. All the work, parts, and shipping were gratis and turnaround was a week. I got better customer service on a $600 pair of sunglasses than a $60k watch. Go figure.
In summary, IMHO great watches but something is wrong at the Maison. My hope / hypothesis is the quality issues are temporary and possibly covid related. As my Duometre has been in and out of service since before covid started, I've noticed service times have kept up surprisingly well while other brands have suffered longer lead times, Patek is up to a year now for service last I heard. My guess is that JLC is trying to keep cranking out watches despite not having their full staff on hand due to covid and quality is suffering badly.
Hopefully the quality issues are temporary. The longer term issues that need to be addressed are if the decision was made to prioritize production at the expense of quality and if JLC will ever start to engage with customers directly. Both need to be righted imo for the brand to remain relevant in the years to come. I still respect the watches but the brand is just a concept at this point, the wizard behind a curtain of ADs and boutiques.
I definitely agree with your assessment. Personalized customer service from the manufacture should be part of the experience. Sorry to hear about your troubles.
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Same to you! The base 751 chrono movement is tried and true
So I'm not inclined to believe there is an issue with the movement design or architecture but in the assembly and qc.
It's good to hear the AD is taking care of things, but JLC really needs to step up to make sure they deliver you a working watch. Only they can create the confidence in the product and the brand to keep you as a fan. The AD will just help you into another brand to keep you as a customer 😉
It's good to hear the AD is taking care of things, but JLC really needs to step up to make sure they deliver you a working watch. Only they can create the confidence in the product and the brand to keep you as a fan. The AD will just help you into another brand to keep you as a customer 😉
Sorry to hear your unpleasant experience.
Perhaps the 1000 hours is more just on the accuracy of the time piece, complications are somehow overlooked.
I hope it will be resolved to your satisfaction soon.
Thanks, I think you are correct. Maybe it's the testing of the Calendar and Chronograph functions that is lacking. Thanks to the AD, the problem was resolved for me.
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I am truly sorry to hear that, I am thankful none of the JLCs I had, had any issues, I think I had 8...
Either way, this sucks, to get a watch and have it not work properly, I hope it gets sorted out.
Thank you. I have been a fan of JLC for a long time. I have another model, which works perfectly, so this was a surprise to me.
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Am embarrassment for JLC and much appreciate your sharing
It happens that I’ve been eyeing this watch for possible purchase, I now reconsider
Seriously beautiful watch
My AD had one in and I almost pulled the trigger a couple of weeks ago. Ultimately I decided against it as I am liking greater simplicity in my watches. Ive owned about 10 chronographs and never used that function. I hope it gets worked out as it is gorgeous.
I have always liked and used chronographs, but have never had a calendar chrono with moon phase. I must say that I am now a bit nervous about higher complication watches.
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Sorry to tell you all mine does the same but max 2 seconds forward at stopping the chronograph. Does not happen all the time though.
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Hi ardbig - PM me - I'd like to compare notes with you about your watch
I have been connecting with owners of this watch offline and happy to share what we know.
Too bad from JLC
Sorry to learn about this bad experience. My «old» Gran’Sport Chronographie runs perfect, but not the same dial of course.
However I am also very happy with my Zenith 410 LE - same face...
I really like that 410! The white and blue dials are also great. It’s too bad they don’t make them anymore.
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It's a pity, as this reference is so beautiful. Wish your AD and JLC will sort things out very soon. Best, Henry
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Similar issue with mine
In my case, it happens only occasionally. Perhaps 1 out of every 4 times I stop the chronograph, the running seconds will jump 1-2 seconds, and pause before continuing. Trying to get a video or two. I have not contacted my AD yet as it is very sporadic. Sounds like it is less severe that you are experiencing.
Yes, It looks like you have the same issue, but the jump is slightly less.
I saw a jump forward ranging from 0-5 seconds. The amount of the jump seemed to be related to where the chronograph was stopped. After about 15-20 seconds, i saw a large jump.