Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hi guys, this is my first thread after having been reading for a while.

I have few questions and educational request please on JLC
.
I am wanting to add a leather strapped watch to my current work horse daytona.
I am currently in love with the master compressor chronograph in steel.
I just like the look of it. Not the geographic or the world extreme but the base chorono.
However, it seems that this is not the most popular model in the master compressor range.
Could someone please explain which is and why this is not etc?

What are the other popular, respected models in the JLC and their reasons?

What is that about JCL that appeals to you?

I have been thinking of going a lil cheaper and purchasing the IWC pilots chrono but i just can't fall in love with it.
Some friends around me expresses their opinion that the IWC is step ahead of JLC but don't see how.
Am i right in saying this? JLC have been manufacturing in house movements, but most of IWC (including the pilots chorono) is modified ETA?

Apologies for the multiple questions.
I would really like to learn more about JLC.
Many thanks.

Kind Regards
John

trust your inner voice.

though you may well see little mention of it on the boards, just remember that the forums that you peruse are only a small fraction of the watch loving population.  That small fraction may be VERY enthused by, say, the NSA or the Geopraphic, etc......but the silent majority may well like the Chronograph.......

You are right--JLC occupies an "insider's" position in the watch world.  Their movements are second to none (though I am sure a number are their equal)--are their movements at one point occupied Patek Phillip and Audemars Piguet cases......

With IWC, I would not be too concerned by the fact that the Chrono Pilot uses a movement that is not in-house.  IWC modifies such movements in such a manner that improves it.........

all I can say is try on both watches and see what speaks to you......

J

First of all, welcome here!

Yes, there are many questions here, but I feel they are all interesting as we have to go back to the fundamentals.

1/ Is the Master Compressor Chronograph the most or not the most popular watch in the MC family?

Sorry, but I will not answer to this question, as it is a matter of personal taste.

For those who are in the hunt for a sporty, reliable watch, the MC Chrono may be the solution, as all the other members of the " Compressor " family.

2/ Well respected JLC watches?

You will find them in all the budgets.

The Master Memovox, the NSA, the Polaris, the RDM, the Reversos, the Duometres, the Gyro I, the Gyro II, the Hibrys Mechanica may certainly be mentionned.

A lot of others, too, of course!

3/ IWC step ahead of JLC???

On what criteria?

If we are on an horological point of view, certainly not!

What are the in house movements coming from IWC?

Is the level of finish superior on IWC watches?

4 / Which leads me on your last question:  " What is that about JCL that appeals to you? ".

Tradition and Innovation, that is an easy answer, but a true one.

JLC, since 1833, is reputed to be a movement maker, which has provided ( still nowadays, but in a less important quantity ) movements to the most prestigious brands.

They indeed have a genuine Tradition, and they always DARE new things, and interesting ones ( see, for example the Amvox II, the Duometre and the Master Minute Repeater ).

It is a long topic, and we'll certainly have the opportunity to discuss it again and again, but I just wanted to give you this answer, for the moment.

Looking forward to hearing more from you,

Best.

Nicolas

 

 

Likes and dislikes of certain models across a collection are very subjective.  Just because folks aren't talking about the Master Compressor Chronograph or Chronograph 2 (not sure which model you are considering) on the boards, doesn't mean it doesn't have its fans.  I suggest you try on all the possible competitors to fulfill your desired niche in the watchbox.  IWC offers its own aesthetics and history and JLC, theirs.  Versus IWC, my feeling is that JLC offers better finishing and more compelling designs.

I am a JLC fan because I appreciate their forward-looking designs (without being outlandish and unwearable for the most part), and commitment to offering new and innovative models like the Duometre a Chronograph, Amvox II, Extreme Lab I and II, and the Hybris Mechanica collection amongst others.  I also admire their iconic alarm watches and Reversos.  JLC is a great brand that makes watches across the board, from simple to extremely complex; from more accessibly priced to astronomically so.

Cheers,
Daos

... I would say briefly on each that...

- The MC Chronograph is perhaps overshadowed by the larger and more functional Extreme World Chronograph in some markets.

- Among the reasons I like JLC are there history, mostly resolute designs and relative oblivion to the general, non-watch public.

- As a huge fan of both brand, I cannot see the logic of your friend or how I would rank IWC ahead of JLC, except for the basis of brand awareness/recognition.

I think it is best for you to hold your purchase for the time being, do some more research and see what pleases you eventually. I'm not saying that JLC is the only way to go. It's just that you should be the one to decide, not any of us here or your friends. Who knows, you will probably end up with a watch from a totally different brand, right?

Ruckdee

Listened to my inner voice as Playtime suggested. JLC indeed spoke to me more than the IWC.
I thought for a moment i had the first rank symptom of schizophrenia with these voices but it wasn't a real. It was just the attraction to JLC.

Amanico's reply was certainly enlightening, esp the history of JLC.
Indeed, which model appeals to people is matter of personal tast and yes, I like the master compressor chronograph.
IFor a moment I was concerned of it's reliability as one dealer recommended that i purchase the Panerai 321 as JLC is fragile and has high running costs. But it surely is comforting to hear that it is reliable sporty watch.

As dxboon suggested too, i did go and try on all the other brands. IWC, Tudor's heritage chrono, panerai, breitling (as recommended by the competing dealer).

And i am totally in agreence with Ruckdee of the fact that JLC is oblivion to the general, non-watch public. That's why i like JLC more so over the IWC as only the people who know knows. People who would appreciate it rather than be constructive about a person with a nice watch. Having said that, I just hope my consultant (attending in US terminology) doesn't recognise a JLC.

So here it is.....


my first JLC.

I'm pretty sure that it won't be your last.



Thanks for this great update, John.

Best,

Nicolas.

Congratulations on owning such a smart watch. I don't have a Master Compressor presently but I know I will in time. Right now I will just be happy with the brand new Reverso I got in time for Christmas.

Cheers,
Ruckdee