Jaeger-LeCoultre

I'm a big fan of the Master Compressor range, and my dilemma is based around the fact my local AD has 4 models to choose from and I'm not sure which way to jump.  I'm looking for a casual week-end use as I have the Mon-Fri base nicely covered.

- So what do you think generally about how the Navy SEAL's compare with the Diving models;

- comparison of Navy SEAL Alarm to the SEAL Chrono GMT;

- comparison of Diving Chrono to GMT.

I've ranked them myself in this order;

- SEAL Alarm is a nice clean dial but I'm not sure about whether the single Alarm Function is a significant complication to price this model above the rest

- SEAL Chrono GMT is awesome, but I'm not sure about the legibility of the GMT second time hand (is it too obvious ?)

- Diving Chrono has dynamic dial just like the SEAL, but lacks a GMT function and the extra size, value for money though

- Diving GMT also has a clean dial, but lacks the dynamism of a Chrono function and the GMT sub-dial is too small IMHO 

Am I missing anything here ? what is the general consensus on how these models might compare ? appreciate any comments/feedback.

Thanks in advance

Michael

As everyone will have his favourite and defend it...

So, I will just give you my opinion, here.

I value a lot the NSA, because of its historical connotation:

it is an Alarm, a Diving watch, such as the Deep Sea Alarm and the Polaris.

So, I would confess a certain weakness for this one.

BUT the Diving GMT is not a bad choice, less expensive, with a friendly complication, it is certainly not a second choice, and a nice one, too.

Same for the Chronos...Aesthetically speaking, I slightly prefer the Navy SEALs...

Trying them in real conditions will help you in your final decision, I think.

Keep us updated, please!

Best,

Nicolas

Hi Michael,

Welcome in this warm communitee.

I can only agree with Nicolas, you won't find your answer here. But you fill find some additional insights to base your choice on.

Personally I like the NSA very much. A really usefull complication and a stunning looking watch. That would be my choice of the four you suggest.

Greets, Rik

Of course, we all have our favorites. Maybe we should all post wrist shots of our MC Divers and Navy SEALs to help a guy out.  Her's mine.

Seriously, I do not think you can go wrong with any one that you choose.  Just figure out which one looks best on YOUR wrist and which functions you will find most useful.  And then post a few pics of your MC when you decide.

Cheers,

respo

 

Looks really great on you...

Damn, I shouldn't have looked at it, my wish list is really too long!



Best,

Nicolas

You are always very kind.

Now I just need to find some water to dive into.

Best,

respo

You would be buying only the watch, not the muscles  

Respo: Nice shot! I have previously not been so convinced about this design, but on your wrist it look very good! It's a great idea to post wrist shots of the various MC models to help our friend out. I wish I could contribute...

Nikolaj

 

No message body

...for your kind words.

I have much to say about this watch, and one of these days I will do a post.  One of the amazing things about JLC is that they can produce such watches as your gorgeous and refined Reverso Chronographe and this massive, innovative Diving Pro Geo -- and I love them both (as well as many others...). 

I really do hope others will post photos of their MC Divers and Navy SEALs -- it would be great to see a thread full of such wrist shots, no?

Nice to hear from you as always.

respo

This message has been edited by respo on 2010-02-25 08:47:44

...I think I recall you asking about divers watches. This is the one you ended up with? Congratulations.

I had been obsessing about this one for while, and I finally dove in. 

respo

Sorry, Respo, I re-read my post and it could be contrued as sarcastic.

I don't know how you finally decided, too many choices. Looks good. You've got the wrists for it. Have you had a chance to get the depth needle to move?

No worries, I did not take your comments as anything less than congratulatory.  And thank you.

Well, I have only gotten the depth meter to move by gently pressing on it with my finger.  And it may be the only way for quite some time.  I am not a diver (he said sheepishly).  But this watch is all about the romance and adventure.  One of these days I will write down some thoughts about the Pro Geo.  I actually had no trouble deciding on this particular one -- actually I had more difficulty affording it and rationalizing to myself why I had to have it for non-diving purposes.  LOL.

Best,

respo

I think that the GMT hand is legible yet subtle (and totally hidden in this photo!).

No, not a diver.  And no, I don't have the wrists for a 44mm behemoth.  But still in the family, no?  Best, Ken in NYC

Appreciate those that took the time to get back to me.

I know enough about watches to know there can be some issues with movements, and some models just aren't considered collectable for various reasons.  The Navy SEALS have attracted some cynical posts about the practicality of a high-end watch in the theatre of war - I don't want to consider something that practically is considered a folly by all and only loved by some.  the NSA Alarm is singing to me tho ;-)

Here comes a NSA wrist shot.  

 

 

Respo - what a beast! Looks great!

 

Best

 

Blomman

Yours is fierce as well.  These JLC divers are just awesome.

respo

I really love the compressor series! I was very close to pick up the MC Diving GMT, luckily I hold of for a while, and then the NSA came. As you might seen in my post “Ten years since I got… ” the NSA falls right into “my cup of tea“!

 

But ever since I saw the MC Diving PG I have been intrigued by its look, size and function. Maybe you could write us your thoughts about this beast?! J

 

Best

 

Blomman

Suffice to say for now, it is a truly amazing diver and it wears surprisingly well and comfortably for sucha beast.

respo

Best

 

Blomman

I don't think that the majority would think of any of these divers as folly, but  there will always be some who do not like any given piece for whatever reasons.  But who cares?

I don't think there is any question about the movements in any of these JLC divers -- they all house exceptional movements. 

Yes, if you do a search, as it seems like you already have, you will see some discussion about the NS divers and the association between the SEALs and the JLC brand, but you have to decide if this is an important issue for you or not.  Whether or not these watches would ever seriously be used in the theater of war is interesting to think about.  Almost as interesting to consider as whether many of these watches (mine for one) will ever be used for diving.  Yes, I believe my JLC diver could perform as desired and as designed, but am I really going to put such a luxury item through the rigors of getting on and off a boat and through the risks of diving that may scratch and mar it?  In my case, probably not, although I will take it for a swim now and then -- albeit, a careful swim. That does not undermine the integrity of what these diving watches have been so excellently designed for.  Nevermind the fact that none of these diving watches is at all even necessary for diving in this age of diving computers.  So, it might be considered folly to wear any mechanical diving watch. But necessity and practicality are not really the reasons we wear these beauties, are they? 

As for collectability -- it is way too soon to tell if any of these watches will be collectable.  Check back in twenty years or so and we'll see.  It is just too difficult to predict which watches will be collectable and which ones will not. 

But I think what you are really wondering is if the NS divers in particular  have been poorly received by most people, right?  Granted, the members of this forum are far more knowledgable about watches than the average consumer, and probably only we are concerned about such issues as the association of JLC with the SEALs. In general, though, I think the NS divers are pretty well received by the less than statistically significant sample of watch buyers on this forum.

I hope you will get the one that sings to you, regardless of what the market tells you.  It sounds like the NSA is the one for you. And it is an awesome watch.

Best,

respo

Your read my thoughts well, and thanks for responding.

Having slept on it for a couple of nights I think I'll lock the NSA in as a real option to pursue. 

 

I know this won't help your decision but I'm toying with
the idea of buying this watch a close relative - the SEAL
Chrono GMT. To me it's the perfect combination!
N

Best,

Nicolas

The NS Alarm is a great piece. I had one on the other week at an AD and somehow I escaped with my wallet intact. However, when I encounter the NS Automatic, which will hopefully be sooner rather than later, I am quite certain that I will be compelled to pick it up.

Nicolas had a great post on the NS Automatic here: jlc.watchprosite.com

Best of luck!

Val

Thanks for finding this one for me

that its difficult to find consensus regarding the right choice
Well I think you are wrong

Cheers

Rob.

;-)

Just placed a Depost for the NSA Beverly Hills PVD Ti incursion Edition !!! Giddy-up

 

thanks everyone for your help

Nice choice.

Well, the watch will be delivered in June, so remember to post some pics when you get yours!

Best,

Nicolas