Jaeger-LeCoultre

I currently have a TAG Heuer SEL (eta chronometre, automatic) which has served me well as a daily wearer for the last 12 years. It has performed exceptionally well and only been serviced twice. I am now looking for a replacement, and frankly speaking I have been all over the place in my search (which has been more or less active for the last 2-3 years).

Two years ago I bought a JLC MUT, and I absolutely love it. But it is only worn on special occations and mostly during winter (long sleeves and not too hot).

I will probably keep my TAG, as it was the first watch I bought for myself.

Now onto my requirements, problems and my conclusions so far

- My wrist is about 18 cm (a bit less), it seems that a 40 mm watch case will be the best fit (depending on lugs of course). The JLC site is lacking in information about case sizes, am I right? So I will probably have to see more models in person.

- I was originally thinking about something formal, maybe another model in the master series, but have also been looking at some master compressor models (like the new GMT, but I am not a fan of the compressor key ... it looks butt ugly). Also looked at the AMVOX 1 (titanium) and 2 (regular). Actually it seems like I have been all over the place, because I was also contemplating on the new NSA, but at 44 mm and being a divers watch it is probably too big.

- I have also been quite unfaithful in my current search . Lately I have been very tempted by the new Lange 1815 in WG (again, maybe not suitable as a daily wearer for me, but I am looking for something perhaps a bit more formal that my current TAG), the VC 1921 Historique America (also quite formal).

- It would be nice to have an 8 day power reserve or alternatively an automatic, that immediately excludes the Lange and VC. I can live without date.

- Do I contradict myself when I am considering something like the Lange or VC, when I already have a MUT. Seems like I need something in between the MUT and the TAG?? I will probably start to speak to myself soon

Insights and comments are appreciated.

Rick
This message has been edited by sw-rick on 2009-02-04 01:09:14

Hi Rick.

First of all, welcome here!

As for your question, the choice is very wide, indeed.

I have quite the same wrist than you, around 18 cm, and have no problem wearing 44mm watches.

The Amvox I is 42 mm big, so it may be a good option, and an interesting one, as it offers the Alarm, too.

The Amvox II is very appealing and original, too.

it is 44 mm big, but very comfortable to wear, with a nice presence on the wrist.

The new MUT ( 38mm ) or Grande U T ( 40 mm ) are some dressier options, but you already have the 34 mm MUT, so I wouldn't consider them, IMO.

THe N.S.A is another tempting watch...You wil get an alarm, and a diver watch at the same time!

44 mm big, but not that thick.

I'd say that for an every day watch, a dressyr watch may not be the best choice, but that is only my personal opinion.

The best for you is that you try all the watches you consider in your selection, and you will see what is the best for you.

Looking forward to read you more often here,

Best.

Nicolas

Nice to see I am not the only one with small wrists. I must admit though that I am a little concerned with a case size of 44 mm (is this including the lugs on the Amvox 2?). How about the durability and stamina of the Amvox 2, is it up to the task?

As for my MUT, I am sticking with it (I love the simple and sublime dial) and maybe this will automatically exclude the Lange and the VC ...

The NSA I gather has a bigger presence on the wrist than the Amvox 2, and as I noted before the compressor keys kill that watch (and the dial is a bit too dark for my taste as well, at least on the pictures I have seen).

I have also considered the Reverso line, but only the Grande range is interesting and unfortunately too big for my wrists.

Rick

This message has been edited by sw-rick on 2009-02-05 03:23:59

You might want to consider an IWC Portugesier Chrono. It's 42mm with a beautiful dial and a discreet complication. There are numerous permutations from ss to pg and wg, different dials. I think it's a pretty cool watch that can be dressed up with a black strap or dressed down with a tan strap and white stitching. Why not check out the IWC site for a view of the watch and the combinations available.

I have previously looked at IWC but the encounter was unfortunately not fruitful. Maybe I will take another look if I cannot make up my mind about the JLCs.

Rick

Sounds like money is not really an issue for you...Correct? AmvoxII from JLC would be my top choice as a daily wearer that is also more on the classy side. Followed by the new NSA as mentioned by Nicolas (our educator in our forum and more lol). If you want to step out of the JLC pieces, then my top recommendation would be a nice AP ROO (Safari being my fav.). Or, you could also add a PAM to your collection and never go wrong for a daily wearer that is very versatile at the same time...
Let us know your thoughts,
Be healthy,
Matrix.

Hehe, money is always an issue with me But for my next watch I have been saving up a nice little pile so I am willing to spend a bit. Especially since it will be my companion for the next 10 years or more.

It is interesting you mention AP ROO, I have had some encounters with this previously and I must say I am a bit perplexed by this watch. It exists in so many versions now that it is hard to say which is "the one". We finally got our very own AD here in Norway (you know, that little backwater village up north) last year for AP so I may pay them a visit.

PAM does nothing for me, sorry.

Kind regards,
Rick