Jaeger-LeCoultre

I am sure at least some of  you good people must miss the slim cases, elegant dauphine hands, classic domed crystals and dials of just about a decade or less ago.

I used to think of those JLCs as some of the most elegant and classy Swiss watches.  All I see now are thick cases, larger than large crowns, snub nosed scissors like hands that remind me of some gardening tools.  Where is the delicacy of design and the rightness of proportion, where is the purity of simple and true beauty and why has this garrishness taken over the designs of one of the finest watch manufactures?

And perhaps most disturbing, where is the howling protest that must make JLC realize their erroneous ways?

it is difficult to reconcile your observations with the extent of JLC's offerings in this year alone. Of all the brands who exhibited at Basel/SIHH, JLC perhaps more than any other gave us a large range of offerings that could only be described as elegant, respectful of horological tradition and respectful of classic JLC 'DNA'. Additionally, the re-editions of the '65 and '68 Polaris models and the modest updating of the MUT demonstrate that JLC is listening to, and responding to the preferences of, its customers. That is not to say that all models will be 'retro-influenced', or to the liking of all consumers, but when has that ever been the case? Perhaps re-visit the postings of this year's releases and last year's releases on the Basel/SIHH forum or the archives and consider whether you may be persuaded to agree, at least in part, that JLC has not in fact abandoned tradition, elegance or finesse.

 

Cheers,

pplater.

I think pplater lined it up quite well. I believe the watches you are referring to a the ones in the master compressor line. They are a line of sportswatches, and really nice ones too. JLC didnt do sportswatches 10 years ago.  Being sportswatches they naturally wouldnt have dauphine hands and the cases would be bigger. Some of the cases (like extreme world chronograph) are very big becuse of a special shock protection system integrated.

JLC are still guardians of beautiful classical wrist watches. both in the reverso line and in the master control line.

You are of course right that the cases in the master control line are slightly bigger than 10 years ago but I guess almost all brands agree on this trend, for several reasons. People get bigger for every generation so the watches need to grow as well. And perhaps in the old days there used to be a "trend" to make watches as small and thin AS possible because this used to be considered elegant and a measure of quality. Perhaps some of these watches where even "too small" ´because of this trend.

A little more radical example: when I see my grandads 32mm ultrathin gold omega from the 50ties it was really too small for his wrist - but that was the trend. After quarts I guess we no longer appreciate the accomplishment to make a movement small and compact so perhaps we have a little more "free view" of case size,I actually think many dress watches of today are better proportioned for the average size wrist.

kind regards

COD

This message has been edited by ChristianOfDenmark on 2008-07-29 00:25:13

I respectfully disagree with you, as I don't have the same vision, here.

Till in a recent past, ( a bit after 2000 ), JLC made the Reverso Art Deco, which is, hence, not a Vintage Watch:





You will say that even if recent, this is past.?..

Not really, as you still have in the catalogue some very nice, appealing, not to say sexy Reversos, in the pure tradition...Like the GT case, which is difficult to call a bodybuilding watch, in Rose gold or SS...

In the world of round watches, this is the same:

Is this reasonnable to pretend that the Master RDM, The Master Perpetual, and some others are ugly, big and thick watches?



Have a look at the beautiful Marcelo's pics of the RDM, too, please.

The actual production is not less appealing, my friend.

Have a look at the new MUTs, for example...





The Duo Metre A Chronographe, an ugly, very badly designed watch?





Really?

And what to say about these ones?









These are a few examples of the JLC know how , and demonstrative examples, IMO.

You think JLC doesn't listen to critics, or to their clients willings?

They, this year, released a new version of the Master Home Time, they improved the lugs and the bezel, to make this model more beautiful, more to the Old School Guy's Tastes...



You loved the Polaris?

JLC did a re issue for you!



And not one, but 2, as one comes with metal indexes, and the other with painted indexes...And both come

with a ...Domed Plexy, like in the good old time...

Now, I may agree with you on the fact that you can't be pleased with all the watches JLC releases...

There are some I consider not for me, not my taste, my hopes, etc...

But, honestly, this is the same with all the brands, like PP, JLC, AP, VC and so on...

A brand can't only release watches for only a part of their clients, they have to have a wider offer, IMHO.

But to say that JLC is not inspired, or doesn't take in consideration critics, .....

As for JLC vintage watches, I can tell you that I love them, not all of them, but too many of them...LOL

As the Memovox, the Geophysic, the Divers, the Pilot Watches, the Geomatic, the Future Matic to speak of a few of them.

But this love allows me to love some of the new JLC watches, this is not exclusive...

Best.

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-07-29 00:50:11

Thanks for the kind reference, my friend! It really made me proud

 

Here’s my humble collaboration:

 

 An elegant 37mm diameter case which is incredibly thin for housing a 273 parts movement.

 

All the best!

Marcelo

This message has been edited by marcelo on 2008-07-29 19:12:41 This message has been edited by marcelo on 2008-07-29 19:18:09

Azim.f - I agree with you about deviations (for better or worse depending) that had taken place in the JLC design.  I love the classic (conservative??) JLC design very much.  My purchase of JLC actually stopped (other than the Atmos) when the change started to move towards the "big and assertive".  I am not a fan of the Compressor nor the Amvox and the new Master Control size is right on the edge of being "a little conspicious" to my liking.   Like you, I also lament the loss of the elegant 36 to 38mm domed crystal with discrete case thickness.  Maybe that is why I started to look at PP and FPJ more in recent years.  But I have not given up on JLC yet,  for I believe they will mend their ways and get it right again.

that beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder.   However, no one can argue with the stunningly elegant  MUT 1833, especially the manual wind in 38mm.  That is almost as thin as a pp Ellipse but in addition shows off its beautiful movement through the case back in addition to having a very thin bezel that makes it appear much larger.

I do miss the elegant and clean designs of the Master Reveil, the Master Memovox , the Master GT. 

In the name of increasing water resistance, JLC chose to develop  the ungainly Compressor lock which just baffles my mind. 

Nevertheless,  JLC must follow the trends if they are to continue to sell their watches and it seems that for the most part they have gone with the bigger and thicker is better concept.  It is however reassuring to see that some of the people within JLC are still in favor of exquisitely proportioned watches like the Master Ultra Thin.

Best Regards to all.

but of all houses on market now

I can say with great confidence that

they are holding the "classic ground"

most of all

OK from the top of my head one more house

and that is Blancpain IMHO

 

Best

Blancpain?

What do you mean, Padre?

Best.

Nicolas

when I look at the watch

at first glance their pieces look to me

most classic in that vintage sense

of course not speaking here of murky Blancpain history

since 1735

Ok one more Breguet

So on the begining of thread

JLC, Blancpain & Breguet for me are those

which keep the classic lines whatsoever they have also

I know PP & VC but dont know why I never dig them completely

but I'm sure that love for PP & VC comes whit age and wisdom

Damian

P.S. If all of this sounds like mumbling then K...c as we say in Hrvatska LOL

LOL
Damian, you're as crazy as me, I'm afraid!
K...c too! LOL
Best.
Nicolas
PS: Agree now that I got it about Breguet and Blancpain.

I will admit that I'm a fairly new soul to the world of high end watches that have lots of history. I was always admired to it via my father. He always wore his classic Omegas, Rolexes, etc... But when I was ready to enter this amazing historic world, I was not very much drawn to his likings in a similar fashion. I'm a single young professional. About two years ago, after putting myself through post graduate school and opening up my practices, I was finally ready to purchase my new watch. I started by reading and reviewing lots of watch magazines at Bookstores/Coffee shops and came across a few brands that I truly was attracted to. The first was Panerai. It had a contemporary/trendy style to it, but yet lots of history. I happen to be always drawn to new trends and style in my life, so I purchased a PAM 90 which is their power reserve. I enjoyed its sporty look and the fact that you could either dress it up or down. Wearing a small/thin watch with jeans and shorts just isnt right for me (only my take). After having enjoyed the PAM for a while, I extended my research for my second purchase. JLC as a brand was one of the best I could find. I learned that it became famous for its Reverso line, but honestly, I'm not a big fan of its style (for me). When I came across its Master Compressor series, I knew that I was in love. After trying different styles on several times, I decided to go with the Chrono. Dive (which I can tell is Azim's least fav. lol).
My point here is that like Nicolas said, not everyone wants the ultra thin/small look for their wrist. We are in 2008 and things change. And a strong company like JLC is smart enough to notice that and cope with the demand of the new breeds like me.
All the best to everyone in this wonderful forum as I learn new things everyday!
Matrix.

You found YOUR watch, and that you're very happy with it, my friend.

I think there is enough place for every taste, here, old, new, young...

To each his own, that's the most beautiful thing in this world, isn't it?

I can love both, vintage, modern, thick, thin watches, and for me, personnaly, this is not a problem.

Wear this MCDC well, my friend.

Best.

Nicolas

Well said again my friend,
Best,
Matrix.

a toolwatch!
For a moment I believed that you would write " From an old Watch lover"...LOL
You better not! LOL
Best.
nicolas

and this chrono/diver with the monumental pushers and locks is just the kind of watch I cannot associate with JLC.

In fact, you could remove the name of the watch from the dial, and substitue   Seiko or  Citizen or any number of European watch makers and no one would raise an eye brow.

The argument that it is a sports watch does not hold water.  JLC is an elite watchmaker.  Its products are competitive with the best from anywhere in the world.  AP, PP, Rolex, all make sports watches.   The Royal Oak, the Nautilus and the Submariner are all quality products and all manage to look "dignified" and still follow the basic principles of what an elegant "sprots watch" for a gentleman should be. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, true, but the necessary condition in that phrase is that the beholder must not have imparied vision.   A look at a watch like this and all I can think of is ..........I rest my case.

You like/love your watch, and more power to you.  That a  watch that looks [I am talking about design/dimension....not the movement]  like it could be made by any watchmaker in the world  is not necessarily a bad thing.  Seiko makes some of the sturdiest and most admired sports watches in the world.   But please, do not argue against an obvious fact, that watches like this do little to show that it was designed and conceived by the same company that has developed some of the most stunningly beautiful watches in the world.

Best.

 

He just said that he was new in the horology world and that he's happy with his watch...

As some are with the EWC, the Memovox Compressor, and some others...

That's a reality, and even in the history of JLC, you had a stunning diversity of watches, from the diving to the Pilots, and the Geophysic, Geomatic, Future Matic, Memovoxes ( don't forget the series from the seventies with this very big and weird case, not far from this Diving Chrono in terms of size ), etc...

So you gave your opinion, Matrix, very humble, gave his, nothing bad to this...

This is a fact that in the JLC history, you had this diversity, you still have nowadays...

You love or don't love, to each his own, with tolerance.

Best.

Nicolas

nt

my point was not to dismiss the particular watch but to simply use it as an example of how different it is in appearance from what, at least in the mind of some of us, is the "traditional look" of a JLC.  But as you pointed out, there have always been watches that have looked different........I suspect that those watches likely got a similar reaction from some who were the "traditionalists" at that time as well.   But, difference makes life more fun.  It should also make a forum more interesting.

In any event, I hope I have not hurt any one's feelings and if so I do apologize.

Best Regards to all.

... what most of we real JLC fans don't understand is how you now find it acceptable to have the crown at 3:00 and not at 12:00; you go for tiny cases (under 60mm), don't have a decent cover over the dials (not even half hunter cases) and then you go for this modern fad of putting your watches onto straps and displaying them on your wrists as if they were a piece of jewellery, instead of keeping them on a chain in your pocket where they belong. And none of you use keys anymore!!! Just what is the world coming to?!?"

[Meant in good spirit, of course  ;-)]

 

Cheers,

pplater.

passing fad, a mere fashion statement that the modern man  has invented to make things too complicated.  Nah, these trinkets that you constantly take out of your pockets, flip open, flip close god only knows how many times a day are a sure sign of the age of girly men.

True and manly men still utilize the real and most easily legible dials ever invented.  It has a limitless source of energy, needs no winding or shaking and is tough as a rock!  And talk about size, you think 60mm is big!  Not for this gorilla it ain't.  I am talking 16 in diameter [ and we are not talking lug to lug] , 3 in thick, 12 inches thick  if you consider the majestic height of the single "hand", single hand convenience, none of that shabby business of all those little hands moving all over the tiny dials confusing the manly man to no end and leading to all sorts of worries about whether his watch is a few seconds too fast or too slow.  And brother, you do not carry this clock in your pocket and certainly not on your dainty wrist, this here mother of all clocks you gotta LUG.  Yessir, you gotta carry this son of a granite rock with your two good hands whereever you happen to be going even if it breaks your back or falls on your toes and crushes a couple every now and then.  And don't you worry about the time after sun down.  All you gotta know is this....it's night time!  So you can have a restful sleep mate.  No worries about whether it is midnght or 2 in the morning or what.  It is night time and still not time to get up.  And if by chance a burglar comes a stealin' at night, guess what , that's right, this here son of a rock  is a bonafied  weapon, enough to stun a would be burglar.

JLC's been making these for quite a  while now.   Mine's even got the JL still easily readible on it.  Now that is a real clock

" target="_blank"> " border="0" alt="Photobucket">

.... and in the spirit of Purist diplomacy,  the following piece is tendered as an honourable compromise:

[photo credit: j-walkblogdotcom]

 

Cheers,

pplater.

No message body

And for me at first I was not very keen on the "Compressor" line when it first appeared and never imagined I would own one.  But when it came time to buy something in memory of my mother, that is exactly what I did.

Of course I still like the traditional styles, and this is another "keeper"

I don't mind that they have diveristy in their offerings.

Cheers, Al

That was a good one!
Even if this dark, intrigant pic has its own interest and beauty.
Agree with the diversity, my friend.
best.
Nicolas

No message body

nt.

Thank you all for keeping this forum on a professional and open minded level. One of the main rules that I had noticed about OUR forum here was the fact that all posts need to be based on RESPECT. Its OK to disagree on things, but in a classy and a professional approach. Putting peoples likes and passion down by indirect insults and then saying that "it was not meant to hurt ones feelings or as disrespect" is purely sad! It is well noticed that ones class (or lack of) is given via the way they post. Comparing JLC to Seiko and Citizen watches by that individual does not come to me as a surprise. One can't expect too much from individuals that address their opinions in their childish manner.If we should take the JLC off of their MCD series and replace them by the other 2 mentioned brands, then lets take the Ferrari symbol off and replace it with the Acura (NSX) since they both look similar. People that value what a true workmanship and attention to minute detail is all about would clearly see the difference in things that are offered in life. I'm not posting this to become confrontational towards anyone, but after reading what was posted, it left me with no choice to point a few things out that I'm sure you moderators have already noticed. My goal is to only keep this forum on its professional and respectful level that it has always been in.
I had chosen at once to remain silent here and not post this since 'silence' is normally the best treatment for ignorance, but we need to put a stop to these types of posts here in our friendly, respectful and professional community.
With all do respect to EVERYONE here on our forum,
Matrix.

This is an excellent thread with heartfelt responses; thankyou to all who expressed their views so eloquently, and of course for the photographic ‘arguments’ put forward.

 

I think that JLC has been one of the standout companies in the last few years in regards to their range of products and their responsiveness to trends. Few companies are able to introduce as many watches as JLC does each year; a real horological hothouse.

 

Like many of you, I respond more to the traditional elegant designs, but I recognise the importance of other watches/lines and know that this variety will stand the Company in good stead in the future. We therefore should continue to see the evolution of JLC for many decades to come.

 

Regards

 

Andrew