Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hi All,

I am about to add a SS chrono to my small collection, and am torn between these two outstanding watches.   Although they are quite different animals, they share a few things in common regarding the movement, such as a vertical clutching system, free spring balance and a column wheel control.   Apart from this they differ a lot.   The Rolex is definately more prestigious, has stood the test of time, and is very reliable.  The JLC, on the other hand, has a more modern design, a more complicated movement, and is hand decorated and assembled. 

Please express your opinions and help me to decide.

Regards,

Gelfand

If you want to go to the most famous Chrono, you will go on the Daytona.

If you want to play a more original card, you will go on the JLC.

Mechanically speaking, both are interesting.

Aesthetically speaking, it is very subjective, as will all depend on you.

The JLC has a very discrete seconds hand, and it looks like a bi compass.

The Dayto is a classic 3 counters.

The JLC is bigger, and thicker, and the compressor crowns are less discrete, for the same water resistance.

Both are very nice, but it will depend on your tastes.

I know that this answer will not really help you, but I honestly think that it will depend on subjective themas, as aesthetics, or the preferrence ofr a famous or a less known Chrono.

Keep us updated, please!

Best,

Nicolas

I agree with the previous reply, all down to you as you're the one who will enjoy it. I've recently got the SS Daytona, white dial. For me, it was just perfect, size, weight, prestige, and the way people recognize it. My wrist is quite small and I've experimented with different size watch, finding Daytona's 40mm just perfect. It's very light, and relatively thin for a chrono. At the end of the day, other than the enjoyment of wearing it, is knowing that the watch is in such demand and that I will not lose too much money if I need to sell it, seals it as the ultimate watch in my collection.

I haven't tried JLC's chrono, but knowing the size of it I never bothered. I am a bit biased, but I am a happy owner afterall. I hope this helps a bit, let us know what you decide and good luck.

...as long as you really like it on the wrist. if not, then go for the Daytona.  I find the Master Compressor line from JLC far more compelling than the Rolex, even when we speak of the Daytona.  As Nicolas said, it is the more original choice to go with JLC here, but some people truly prefer the Rolex for many reasons including the design and size.  When I have tried on the Daytona, honestly, it has done nothing for me, and I realized that I was only thinking about getting one just to see what all the fuss is about and to have a Rolex in the collection.  At the end of the day, that is not enough reason for me to get a watch.  You have to truly love what you are wearing to send this kind of money (well, this is true for most of us anyway) and not care about thwwhat other people think or how much money you will lose if and when you try to sell the watch. If the passion is not there, don't buy the watch or you will only regret it later. 

So, I would just recommend what everyone else here is likely to say, by what YOU love and not what everyone else does.

Cheers and good luck with your decision,

respo

Buy what speaks to you aesthetically and technically and looks good on your wrist and forget about what other people think. I can speak from personal experience that I have made impulse purchases only to regret it later... or perhaps my taste has evolved. .. Or maybe I'm just fickle. lol. Good luck! Both watches are wonderful so it's a great dilemma to have.

First of all, these 2 gentlemen KNOW their time keepers and are always very fair in their guidance. Secondly, Rolex is a brand that is probably the most recognized. Why would you want to have something that most of the globe already either has or heard about? Stay original. Just my take, so plz do not bombard me with your comments .
Either way, you won't lose.
B well and keep us posted,
Matrix.

Hi Gelfand,

As a current owner of the JLC I would say I am biased, but when I was looking for a modern chrono, as you are now, I thought about the Daytona as well. When I finally chose, I picked the JLC due to it's more unique look, the fact that it had a date, it's more up to date proportions and also in my opinion, a JLC would attract less attention and would be less noticed as compared to a Rolex Daytona or any Rolex for that matter. I wanted a really nice and well made watch, but one that did not yell it out on my wrist. For me the JLC MC Chrono fits that bill and for those who do notice it, like me, are more watch enthusiasts who appreciate the fact that it is just a cool chronograph. This is not meant to be a knock against Rolex, it is just a personal preference for me.

I could not be happier with my decision of the JLC and have no regrets with the purchase or choice. Both watches are great pieces and I would bet you will choose the one that makes the most sense for you. Good luck choosing, that is always an exciting part of finding a new watch.

Take care,

Mark V

The JLC is actually easier to get hold of if you are purchasing brand new and tends to be cheaper than the Rolex in the after market. This may also be a consideration for you. I have to say, I would personally go for the JLC, mainly because of it's originality and the face it has a date complication. As always, each person has their own tastes in such matters.

Cheers & Enjoy the hunt

David

...for practical reasons. I owned a SS Daytona for nine years and enjoyed it for the first three or four -
until I needed reading glasses. I had the black dial and it became almost impossible to tell the time
without first putting on my glasses. I recently sold it to purchase a JLC that I have no trouble
telling the time with.
N

I owned a 16520 white dial, and honestly it did nothing for me.  It's a such plain chronograph watch that you will get bored of.  JLC has a more appearling dial and I'm sure it will keep you smile for a long time.  I just tried on the new Navy Seals Chrono today at my local AD....gotta say I love JLC chrono...

 

I tried it more than once, and I have to say that despite its size ( 46, 3 mm ), it is a SUPERB Chrono!

Well, I'ma already on the N.S.A, but if I weren't, I would go on this N.S.C!

Best,

Nicolas

.. comparing a brand such as JLC with Rolex. I find this somewhat strange because IMO there are huge differences between the two brands. Just look at the MCC and the Daytona they are both watches, with both in house movements with a chrono complication. For me this is all they have in common. So in this comparison just choose what you like most. I cannot imagine that you don't have a favorite. And don't  be influenced by those who dislike Rolex and therefor refuse to go for this brand. I think the Daytona is especially in SS with both white and black dial quite an understated watch, much more than the shiny JLC.

And for me I like both watches. I'd choose the Daytona for a real sturdy and reliable sports watch and the JLC for the more fashion reasons. I hope I never buy a watch just because it is JLC or Rolex or whatever. But then again you never know what these marketing stuff does to your mind. All just my opinion of course and no offence to anyone.

Best,

Starman

nt

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have mine, nice pick!

Cheers,

Mark V

No message body