Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hello, Just wanted your opinion on the new master geographic jlc. I'm looking to buy one for my husband for a wedding present and am choosing between a very well kept (papers/ box etc) older version and the new version about $2000 more. are there pro/cons of either? do you think the newer version is worth the extra money? which would you pic?

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until these changes applied on the last Master geographic (from an aesthetics standpoint). I must say I like it a lot.

However I can't help you concerning the mechanics side.

Cordially,

Mark

Thanks boreale! what is it you didnt like about the older model that you do about the newer one?

The red color and the design of many marks don't fit with the classic aspect of the watch. I think the dial is not harmonious.

The new one knows how to combine classic and modern (especially the sharp angles).

Furthermore, I don't like the Font of the indexes (escpecially the Power reserve part)

In fact there are many aesthetics elements I really don't find balanced in the old one.

I think that many of the new aspects of the last Master Geographic come from the Duometre à chronographe, which I like very much.

To conclude, the new one is much more elegant, from my point of view of course.

Voilà ^^

Cordially,

Mark

This message has been edited by Boréale on 2011-07-27 02:22:31

But, I prefer the older model. I simply prefer it's proportion and the feeling it exudes. I find the new master geo to be a bit on the sterile side (as though it has lost it's soul).

None of this probably makes much sense, but there it is. By the way, I was very excited after seeing pictures of the new master geo; it was only after seeing it at my local AD that I came to the above-mentioned conclusions.

--Sancerre

.... for its size (my wrist is smallish at 6.45" or 164mm), but may look and handle "cheapy" (but well made inside, mind you).  But this years new Master Geo is very well made that can be seen from outside and the size may be okay even for my wrist.  With $2000 difference, I would go for the newer one.  May depend on your husband's wrist size.

Ken

Thanks guys! My husband has a medium sized wrist, although he's a big guy. so perhaps the newer version will look good... although i think there is only 1mm difference in diameter.  Am now also contemplating the Rolex 1680 red submariner as an old friend said JLC's dont keep their value? is this true? Not that i would want him to sell! I found one that is manufactured in the same quarter and year as he was born in and is in pretty good condition. price is more out of my range though... about 10k, but i think that they seem to be good values? price keeps going up it seems. what are your thoughts on like a vintage rolex vs a jlc? this is his first "nice" watch, so i know he would want something special. he kept going on about the titantic romain jerome watch but that's just such a novelty item that you cant wear it every day. plus... titantic watch for a wedding present is a little morbid. What are your thoughts?

.... we do NOT talk about "value" here on PuristSPro.  That is the attitude here.  But your "concern" is well understood.  Having said that, all I can say is, do the search for the past model "value" elsewhere on the net.  For the specific new model, no one knows and the biggest factor should be whether he will love and wear it with pride and comfort.  I suggest you ask him which he really wants - I would reply, "whatever you choose and present me will be my treasure"!  How I wish I could say that (meaning, I do not have wife)!

If anyone would like to help her with "value" of specific pieces, please reply to her via PM.

Ken

Hi Ken! thanks! it's not neccessarily value im too concerned about. but really which watch you might think is better and why? Jlc Master Geographic 1428421, Jlc Master geographic (new version) or the Rolex red submariner that was made in his year of birth.  noted he is british.... so i'm not sure how he might feel about a "flashy" rolex, although the 1680 isnt that flashy per se.

some things about him otherwise:

he's a consultant so travels ALOT

he's a big history buff.

he's a "classic" conservative kind of guy

to be honest, not sure i should ask as dont want him berating me before i even purchase something! plus he knows virtually nothing about watches, so definitely want to get you guy's opinions as you are all so knowledgable and this way when i present him the watch i can tell him all the professonal tidbits that will make it impressive.

I do not own Rolex - have owned one long time ago.  So, I am biased.  The new Geo may be good among the three, provided that I know next to nothing about Rolex as a brand and models or vintages.

FWIW, I own an Omega Speedmaster Professional made close to my birth year - pre-moon, but exact the same model that went to the moon AFTER my example was made.  It IS very special in my collection as it carries certain significance as a part of VERY big event in the history.  I am wearing it as I type it in the office.  BUT, I am not a "patina" fan, so mine has been totally restored by the Omega service center with all original dial and hands and other parts, so looks minty.  But this is JLC forum, so this is irrelevant.  Again, among the three, I would pick the new Geo - very well made, not too big (for your husband's wrist), and (almost) practical for traveler (but you have to know that these world time or travel time watch generally do not care summer time and such, so the time of each city is not always accurate.....).

Please, other proficients, chime in to help her.

Ken

Thanks ken! i thnk that the new JLC actually has day light savings, so that would be really helpful... although he mostly travels in the us right now. so i'm a little confused... a watch with special meaning is more important than practicality? would birthdays be special meaning or something like a historical event? i am not very familiar with watches that have historical meaning.... know of any? i know he's a huge second world war buff.

thanks so much!

... so I cannot answer.  The trait about such things should be rather universal, not only for watches, IMHO.

Good luck!

Ken

However I have to say that this latest model above is very nice now.  The last one of two variations were not great in my opinion. 

Here is my own Master Geo.  I love this one.

 

Happy Watching

justindependent

 

that's the same model exactly! i like it too! but now confused over the rolex red submariner or this one! the rolex is like double the price what do you guys think of JLCs ... do they hold value in general? no pricing talk, just what's a better investment?

 

From what I remember, the new one allows for day light saving whereas the old one does not. There is now a s next to certain countries.

that's what i thought!!! Thanks!

Please bare in mind that if you keep thinking about investment vs value it will ruin your buying experience and clouded your judgement on getting something special for your wedding.  I'm sure that is not what you want.

Ask yourself this

Am I buying it to sell later to make a profit? (Bad idea for a wedding present, isn't it? How would you feel if he did it to you? See what I mean?)

Am I overstretching(hint: taking on huge debt) myself just to buy the other watch?

Which one is harder to come by if I decide to buy it later, maybe 3~8 years?

Then you will have a clear head

Regards
Tyler

yes i will take on more debt... but not so much that it will be too crippling. i'm trying to negotiate with the dealer for a better price. if i can get it down 2k or so i'll be happy. then it wont be too much different then a new jlc. but you are right, i wont be able to find this watch again... and the whole point is the year of manufacture. in fact, i originally wanted to get this same watch last year but didnt have the funds and got scared as my husband said a passing comment on how rolex's were too flashy (he's british) but i dont think this watch is very flashy... it's not gold or diamond encrusted or anything. what do you think?

i dont think i would get this watch if it wasnt made in the same year same quarter. at least now that i know that one of these exists. value is important to me not because of resell, but to know that its value is going up... its the asian in me what can i say! (kind of like how i wanted to get a good quality diamond, so i know that when i give it to my children, it will be more valuable market wise than when i bought it) - does that make sense?

with that in mind... do jlc's or rolex's keep better? or is it just about rarity?

 

JLC or Rolex ... let say 99% of the watches don't keep their value in monetary terms.

Value in memory or legacy of passing down a family heirloom ... you only need to read this

wristscan.watchprosite.com

Best
Tyler

As mentioned by someone else, most watches do NOT keep value.  If you read posts in here, the kinds of watches that people own are a very small minority of what's actaully purchased outside in the real non WIS world.   Certainly a watch at this price level I would never expect to keep value (just my opinion) and even if you bought a Richard Mille whatever model, I would bet that you are down on this  "investment" (sorry I dont mean to be picking on RM since there are multiple brands that are like this).  People buy them coz they like them.

For me its no contest.  I would pick the JLC Master Geo ay day, any year, any model, any variation over the Rolex.  Buts thats me and I really like JLC even though this is the only one I have.

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Been following this a bit - now just a personal chip in,
- but with another perspective maybe:

A) The Watch - side:
1// the JLC Geographic itself : old vs new ; for me, it is NOT ( only) the issue of "value"
maybe more of significance, of heritage, a bit of importance:

- - the classical ( old) model you are referring, and also shown here, IMO is a wonderful watch,
was a new JLC indication: the power reserve, the little night- and day ( which is a nice treat,and the cities,
The - well, impression about the world - the names of the cities, the turn of the wheel, taking you to another time- zone
in a turn, with ease..

- Personally I own this one for many years ( since the 80ies) and it has been with me all over the world, I still love
it, still like to look at her face, has such a nice one
-- for ME (!) , which does not necessarily mean for someone else maybe

Now, I always , when travelling, have been a little disappointed, that it does not have enough lume
( when you sit in a plane, when yoy wake up in a different tine- zone etc).
- But I have got used to it, although I tend to use it less on long, time-zone crossing trips,
I rather use another JLC - GMT model - but that's another story..

SO, depite all, what I said, for me it's more a symbol of travelling, than a UTILITY watch, but a very nice one;
Having said that, the new 2011 Geographic ( for me in SS) with the Summertime indications ( the 'S' on the dial),
[feature was introduced already in a model before ( which I liked less, because of lack of 'sonething')]
but - again a pity for me a bit - the new night/ day, more a function 'button' than a nice indication,
- all with a modern movement, is definitely a beautiful and nice piece.
- Definitely a great present, and something to keep and cherish..

Value ? - Honestly said, if I really like something, if it 'sings' to me, I don't really care..
I care much more, what the piece MEANS to me ..

- For the genese and significance we or others maybe could say much more - just enter the 'Geographic' term into
the search field and read the reviews - or your husband might, maybe print it out, if you go for it
- or let HIM explore the world and time related to this piece.. -- How nice !? ..

2// A Rolex - whatever model of these ( Submariner, Explorer but also simpler Oyster Dates) - these are GREAT watches,
ALL of them - from the utility standpoint, some from the collector's point, but THAT's totally different ..

[Maybe don't forget the Rolex bracelets are metal and therefore more robust, whereas the JLC Geographic, although you can get
a bracelet, to use a nice croc strap ( mid - brown maybe) makes a convincing combo..]

Personally I prefer the simpler, classical models, a nice Oyster Date or the Explorer Series,
( especially the earlier ones, but here the collector speaks- forget..)
-- the Submariners being more 'in- pieces' , IMO.
--- SO:
very reliable, robust, tools, appealing in their face, much more 'sportivo', no- nonsense, task - and- tool..

-- but still - keepers, as also these have their watch significance, their stories, their turns
( for Rolex and it's model/ reference related importance, there would be pages, but for you:
- don't even bother, a non- issue almost) ..

There are blogs, twists and tweets on rarety & significance, depending on how deep one wants to dive in, especially if someone is NOT a watch - buff.

- Personally I do own several, actually my daily beater is .. A Rolex Date , Oyster type but with a quite special
bezel and a black dial in ss and a ( light) Jubilee bracelet).
She has been my first higher end watch many years ago, in the late 70ies,
- simply said, I absolutely still love her - Why, she is always there, reliable, on time, a companion..

I have been carrying her, day and night, from Asia to US from skiing in the Alps to sailing in the Mediterranean
she has seen the desert, the heat, the cold. - All from the height of a balloon, of many planes , big and small to sailboats and cars,
from professional encounters to relaxed parties and GTG's. -- From mountains to the extreme heat.
But I have also worn her to festivals, in the theater and, and ..
- I meanwhile always take along ( nuts , isn't it) several watches for travelling, mostly three,
but she is always one of them.

Strange it may sound, but although I am an adamant and convinced JLC aficionado, this Rolex IS my life watch..

IMHO, you cannot compare a Rolex with a JLC Geographique ( the old writing, BTW).
The latter being a more refined piece, some horological finesses, but MUCH less robust, I would assume.
If you would look for robustesse within JLC, then maybe other models , great models from JLC come first into mind.

B// The thoughts behind, some reasoning - A very personal bias:

So your Q, about JLC vs Rolex - sorry to say, I cannot answer that way : if you really get a decent Double Red submariner,
in a good shape ( maybe even box and papers) - beware the Source,and 'Buy the Seller", as lots f things going on there
- and IF it should be more a utility, one- for-all choice, I would go for it,
You and your husband cannot go wrong, I am convinced.. - Good luck, BTW !!

- if it's more with some depth, finesse a bit more fragility maybe, but a GREAT piece - either of the two mentioned
Geographic watches make wonderful presents, the classic one a tad more finesse, the novelty a bit
more utility maybe, but these are nuances...

I, definitely, would be happy with either of them !
And hej - think what you already have inquired for your husband, have communicated here with some of us
- your time- travels, your journeys have in fact begun, whether you continue and where it will go,

- YOU and your husband will write your own story !

BTW, Welcome here - let us know, what and how you may decide

THE JOURNEY is the reward,

Best, hs

PS:
Apologies, has been a lot of '2-cents' - so you might be still confused,
- but hopefully on a higher level..

Wow that really broke it down thank you! I can see what you are saying, robustness of the red sub vs finese.  I'm concerned about the red sub as some people might think the rolex is a little too "common" and jaeger is more "elite" for lack of a better word since its a smaller line. i'm also torn with the new version of the JLC as its got this daylight saving feature which seems really unique. has anyone tried it? does the older version allow for manual adjustment?

i honestly wish i could get two watches at this point. the JLC new version and the rolex. I know that it would be hard to find the rolex again with that same serial number indicating its manufacture date with my husband's birth year and period, but the JLC is just so cool.

ahh money does solve all problems!

 

.. Well, how shall I put it:
- you go for the Rolex Sub ( Double Red !) FIRST,
- and maybe next year or 2013 you consider the JLC Geographic ( the 2011 model),
Simply because it will be still available ( the new one for sure),
even the older might be findable ..

Limiting factor -- funds ..

Again:
1/ my add'l advice: do NOT approach it what other (!?) people think,
choose what YOU ( for your husband ) feel is right
- maybe consider some sort of return policy ( if you go for the new JLC)
- Further to that: the Rolex Sub/ dbl Red is NOT a 'common' watch,
and even more so, if it carries the number of your beloved one's 'magic date'..

And again, IMHO it's irrelevant what others think ..
It's simply a truly great utility watch, and a significant one,
with all, that Rolex stands for ..

2/ on a very personal note I would go for this Rolex Sub Dbl Red
( given your choice) AND consider my point 1)
3/ if you read my dwellings , about the JLC - YES, more finesse,
- if you want, more noblesse,
- but less tool, but nifty, elegant - more rafinesse type watch for the insider
- and yes, in terms of appeal, something for the 'cogniscenti' maybe

A very special piece, but NOT a real robust tool watch, IMHO..

a) in regard to old vs new: I love (really) mine from the mid 80ies
- the date has a red date for '31', the variable dial, and the power reserve indicator ( upper left
also has a little 'red zone' when the watch runs down.
- little twists for the aficionado, but I like it
- of course you can adjust the One Hour manually
- what I forgot , of course, there is also naturally the 2nd time Zone
( lower sub-dial) and remember - it moves ( the hour hand) by turn of the crown at 10,
- which also moves the cities - great play ..

b)
- but of course, by a different position you can move the hour by itself WITHOUT moving
the Cities dial ( you have to first put it on the home city, which is Paris - NOT London, BTW !!)
- Finally , the 'S' : nobody really 'needs' it,
but what does that mean, anyway for objects of desire ..

To end my biased advice - go by your heart,
You cannot go wrong, I trust..

Again, enjoy the pleasure and pain of choice :
Both - Rolex Sub AND JLC are great pieces,

Just don't compare apples with oranges,

Happy choosing and all the best,
Hs

PS:
- if I / you are wrong, just let's try to be 'consistently wrong'
- AND stand by it !!
)

I think i'm leaning towards the rolex red sub as it's so hard to find because of the date etc. only thing is i found this INCREDIBLE deal on the JLC older version. nearly new and about 5k or so... I wish i could buy both! What do you do when you are choosing between two watches and 1 of them is unique but the other is less expensive and a great deal and practical? do you just get the unique one and then look for the other one later?

My principle ( I learned from good friends and also experts here)
- go for the unique AND rare first
- better than to be sorry ..

Worry later ( the likelihood to find the other - in that case one of the JLC 's
is pretty high)

BUT pls realize:
- you aleays gain some, loose others ..
-/ part of the game, pleasure and pain is
also making choices .. as in life ..

Good luck, I guess that's about it,
- what I can humbly advise to you

Best again,
hs

do you have a sister..?

I'm astounded by the effort you are going to to find a nice present for you future husband on your wedding day..!!  To be honest all the pieces your looking at will make your husband a very happy and lucky man and I wouldn't pay much attention to future value as who would sell the gift bought for such an occasion.?  This is something that would be handed down to children with the story of how and why it was bought...this is way beyond 'money' value..!!

If I get married and she buy's me even a Swatch I'd be over the moon and cherish it forever

To find a lady like you is rare so I hope you both have a very happy future together and do tell us what you bought in the end.

Yours,

Andy.

To be honest, i'm a little bit obsessed at this point now. i think i have officially fed up all of his friends with questions about watches and so had to come and post questions on this forum! I just really want something he loves, and the fact he hasnt ever had a watch yet, makes it more difficult. I wish i could spend more and get him something that will make his friends terribly jealous, but funds are tight and well... hence my obsession for the best with what i have! to be honest, he's given me alot already and that's why i'm trying so hard to match him.

you should find a lucky woman! marriage is more about knowing the other person has your back no matter what than the contemporary "she's the best looking, smartest, richest, blah blah" chick i could find idea.

cheers!

danna