Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hey guys.  First time poster here…go easy on me.

 

I’m looking to acquire a new watch.  I have narrowed the filed down to a Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver, JCL Master Compressor Geographic, or Master Compressor Driver Chrono.

 

I know that each of these three watches are quality instruments and have different attributes.

 

I’ve worn a Rolex GMT Master 16750 for the past 26 years every single day.  Aside from the times I’ve had the watch serviced it has run flawlessly.  The patina is quite nice now but still looks relevant given the larger newer watches on the market.

 

The new watch I purchase will be taking the place of my old GMT.  I will be wearing this new one as my daily driver, and I’d like to know whether these potential purchases I have chosen are up to the task.

 

I’m particularly concerned that the polished case of the MCG will not stand up to the abuse a daily will be subjected to.  Any thoughts?

 

Also, I took a trip up to the nearest AD, Kansas City, and took a look at the MC Diver (GMT model).  I was unimpressed with the bezel.  It seemed like the bezel moved too freely and felt, for lack of a better word, cheap.  I’d appreciate any thoughts.

 

Thanks for your advice.

 

Tim

Firstly, let me welcome you here!

About your Rolex 16750, I guess that, given the years you wore it, it is the one which comes with painted indexes, non circled.

It gets old, but it has a lot of charm, due to its patina, and this is a thing you really have to consider before letting it go.

You won't find this with a new watch.

Will you regret it???

Now, about your question:

Both UN MMD or Master Compressor Geo, or Master Diving Chrono are good choices.

You can't go wrong with any of them.

Yes, you're right about the bezel of the Masrer Compressor Diving GMT, it is a bit too free, when you turn it, but I guess this is something you can ask to JLC to solve for you.

And if they can solve it ( I don't see why they can't ), it may be a very interesting option.

The difference between the MC Geo, and the MCDC is about a bit more than 2mm bigger ( for the MCDC ).

But if you have the wrist for it, I'd go on the MCDC.

The MCDC is maybe, ( at least for me ) a bit better balanced ( case + dial ), but it is a matter of taste, so, it is very subjective.

I guess that you will get the answer to your question when you'll be able to try them on your wrist.

The U.N MMD is a very nice one, but compared to the JLC Diving watches, I much prefer the JLCs.

Let's see what the others think!

Best.

Nicolas

... i think you should go for the one that made your heart beat faster 1st time you saw it. Personally, i wore an AP RO chrono for 10 years, every day, even if i had other watches i wore only on special occassions. I Don't know which bug bite me, but i went suddenly in a frenzy of buying watches.
I recently got the JLC Master compressor chrono RG. 1st JLC i ever got, and to tell u the truth, i've been loving it more n more each day. The geographic is nice, but the over busy dials tend to bore me after a while, even if i can like it in the beginning. If i were u, i would wait on that one, and come and go several times to ur AD to check it, before buying it.
The Nardin is nice, but i think its too focused on the sea concept to be an every day watch. Remember that with the rolex u had, there will always be in the back of ur mind the temptation to compare with ur Rolex.
If i were u, i'd go for the MCC. Here is a pics i took with my phone, sorry for the bad quality. Btw, the strap if really amazing, its the only watch i have that has an unscratchable strap
keep us posted

K.

Welcome Tim.
I've owned the MC Diver GMT for over six months now and have worn it at least three
days per week, every week, during that time. I really can't believe that I may be one of
the few who received a "good" one with a tight bezel.
Because of my occupation I'm oftentimes hard on a watch and I have used the bezel
frequently. Since I've owned the watch the bezel is still as tight as it was the day
I bought it. Perhaps the one you looked at had a problem.
I suggest you try another AD because it really is a beautiful and comfortable watch.
Good luck on your search.
N  

Is your bezel stay a bit loose when you NOT turn it? The bezel on my MCDC is a little bit loose when I not turn it.  But when I turn it it works perfectly with plenty of resistance. I have tried about 4-5 MCDC and GMTs at different ADs and they all like that. Are you sure your is not like this???

Also, on all MCDC & GMT I tried at AD (including mine)  you can turn the crown easily forward back while the compressor key is in lock possition. And the compressor key does not offer any good resistance when you lock it either compare the steel versions of master compressor watches...dont know why it is like this...

 

My bezel is also loose. At first this really bothered me to the point that I was very disappointed with my GMT diver and it spoiled the whole experience. Then it was explained to me that this was probably intentionally done on the part of JLC to give a bezel that is less likely to break and withstand much more abuse than the 120 click tight bezels.

Nowadays I don't give it a second thought and absolutely love wearing this watch.

Go with the JLC, imagine how proud you will feel with a JLC on your wrist.

regards
Bretta

The more I see it, the more I want it.

I will really have to add it in my Diving Collection, to have the pleasure to wear it, and to make a link between the present and the past of " La Grande Maison "!

Thanks for this very nice WS, Bretta.

Nicolas

Hello (Lam)bretta,

Is the crown PVD'd black or is it coated?

Hi BDLJ,

You've caught me out... vintage Lambrettas is another of my hobbies.

The crown is either rubber or rubber coated, not PVD.

regards
Bretta

I gambled a little on that one. Either you were going to be confused or you're a scooter fan.

I don't have any Lambrettas, but I do have one Italian Scooter - an Italjet Dragster.

 

Bit suspicious of the rubber coating, I'd be concerned about it de-gloving - how tight does it feel?

 

Good choice on the Dragster... they're very popular among the auto riding contingent. I considered getting one but opted for the Vespa GTS 250 in the end.

As for the rubber crown... it feels very solid, not soft rubber at all... certainly nothing to worry about.

regards
Bretta

Just be wary of getting any insect repellent on it!

What do you have in the way of Lambrettas? I got the Dragster off a mate who was a distributor at the time. I needed a commuter and that was the craziest looking bike around. He's been a Lam collector for years.

I think we've gone a bit off-topic, but never mind.

I've got a late 60s Jet 200 and an SX200 in bits. Also have a Vespa PX200 and a GTS. Soon to be building an auto Lambretta, basically a Lammy frame with a modern auto engine.

Suffice to say, I always take my nice watches off when riding two wheels. I don't think I could handle and broken watch as well as a broken scooter.

That photo makes me wish for one of my own -- even after seein gthe initial pictures of the new diver collection.  Really a beautiful shot of the MCD.  Thanks for sharing it.

respo

I recently came within a whisker of selling my JLC Diver GMT and I am glad I didn't. It fits much more comfortably than most 44 mm watches I've worn and the construction of the case and bezel are solid. My bezel has some wiggle, but the resistance between clicks is solid. In fact, it is much firmer than most bezels on other sports watches I have owned. I don't have experience comparing my bezel to other JLC MCDC or GMT's, but my model was late in the production of the limited 1500 series so I am not sure if something was corrected along the way, I got lucky or they all perform like this. It has taken me some time to warm up to my beauty, but I'm looking forward to a beach vacation to finally enjoy this prize. Good luck with your choice, but I think you will be happy with a JLC

This is my favourite combo!

Best.

nicolas