Jaeger-LeCoultre

In a recent thread a few weeks ago (it might have been on the TimeOut forum), I made a comment about the PAM372 kind of ruining me for other Panerai watches.  The 372 is such a terrific reference for the brand.  But since having it over a few years now, I find few other offerings from Panerai tempting. 

Maybe a more exciting version here with some complications:

Aah, such a beautiful manufacture chronograph.  I would likely go for a white metal, but I like the dial openings on this one:

What is it with this watch I find so alluring?  My tastes have evolved over years of collecting.  Where I used to drool over all sporty watches, I now find simpler and more refined pieces more seducing.  But this JLC - it encompasses so much in a single piece.  I find it amazing.

My selections are a bit all over the board I'm afraid.  Certainly this is a brand I hope to understand better in the coming years.

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Is not on a single watch but on the overall collection.

JLC has developed watches that go from very dressy to amazing sportive and this is what defines the brand.

For all tastes and all uses.

Ample spectrum. That is the essence.

Another factor is the JLC "feeling". I feel good wearing one.

Cheers,

Nilo

A credit to the brand, that there might not be a single definitive answer to this question.

That is spot on with JLC. There is no one watch that defines them. Certainly, the Reverso is perhaps their best known, but the true essence of JLC is probably their vision. It is fairly unique and spreads across their whole collection.

Several emblematic watches... The Reverso, the simpler one, is a classic, as well as some Memovoxes, or some more daring réalisations. Knowing you a bit, why not this one?

A syrong beast, and quite appealing, don't you think? Best, Nicolas

Something Polaris-related

You can't go wrong with these, or with the TT DSAs, as well...

Best,

Nicolas

If you wanted to go straight to the DNA, to the heart, it would be hard NOT to go Reverso. 

Definitely my preference.

But once you have one, you can't help thinking of the other one...

Best, Michael.

Nicolas

Perhaps a reason I have never been too active here.  But the brand is outstanding, one of the best in the world of course, and it is just a matter of time for me.

And yes, I am priviledged to have such a great JLC Community, Michael.

Come back as often as you want. My home is your home.

Best,

Nicolas

I know it would be a pleasing piece to own.

Hi,

I'd say that JLC is somewhat similar to Zenith in that their signature is the unique integrated manufacture status that they have maintained through the years.  The company has many watch styles and references that are revered by its enthusiasts but fall short of the total (i.e., beyond the fan base) icon status of the 15202, for instance.

Broadly, you can't go wrong with a Memovox or a Reverso.

I feel that the Reverso is a JLC icon but not a general industry icon in the mold of the Sub or Speedy Pro. Because there have been *so* many Reverso variations that it's hard to point to one and say "definitive Reverso." Even the originals from the 30's show quite a bit of variation, and there was also a period when the watch was not produced.

You're on the right track mentioning the signature complications of the marque, and if JLC has any distinctive tread of continuity, it is the fact that it combines complications and prices that beat expectations.  This has been true from the first Memovox to the Extreme Lab 2. 

Consider what the Lab 2 would cost if it had "Richard Mille" printed on it.  Today, the Duo, the Lab 2, the Amvox 7, the Ultra Thin Jubilee, any complete/perpetual calendar and all Reverso all embody an element of what makes JLC special, and I think any of them would bring warmth of heart and smile to a JLC fan.

-Tim

Offers from JLC.

They are Worth to be mentionned!

Best,

Nicolas

Maybe a good way to think about it.  The Reverso is most definitely an icon in the watch world and for JLC, but maybe not the true brand "essence".

...Michael, and with respect to several brands.  I came to nearly the same conclusion about AP as you:  that requires a Jumbo in some iteration, and after experiencing that, there is the chance it may spoil you for many other wonderful APS out there.

With respect to JLC, I have come to the same conclusion as others here.  A Reverso is iconic and necessary.  I don't think it matters which one, as long as it fits your wrist and you enjoy it.  My preference in terms of size, proportions and function are the simple Tributes to 1931:

A Memovox is also critical because it is another signature "complication" for JLC that has defined a good part of its history for more than 50 years.  Again, choose one that suits you. Nicolas' suggestion of the TTP68 is about as good as it gets.  It took me a little time to decide on the right one for me, and as Joe suggested earlier, if I were going down just one street...

Finally, for me, and this will be a more controversial suggestion, an AMVOX2 is important.  It represents JLC's innovative side while capturing some interesting bits of the brand's history.  It is simply a fun watch, unlike anything else out there, and it is fierce. Obviously, there are other mechanical wonders offered by JLC that are more technically interesting and at much higher prices, such as the Duometre, but the AMVOX2 still stands out and is attainable at a relatively reasonable cost.  I do think the AMVOX2 will emerge as an iconic watch for JLC in the coming decades.  Here again, pick your poison among the many AMVOX2 (or 7) variations, but for me it would ideally be a first generation (not the DBS pictured below).

Interesting to me after looking at this short list, all three are technically sports watches (as we know the Reverso was born on the polo fields). So, I guess that is where I see JLC residing most comfortably and definitively. These are also all on the lower end of complications and price within the JLC brand.  Among the Reverso, the Polaris and the AMVOX2, the Polaris would end up as my "only JLC." I could see selecting that one or all three and being pretty well satisfied in much the same way that the Jumbo satisfies me with respect to AP.  Yes, there are other models within both brands that I would like, but nothing that I absolutely need beyond these.

Thanks for starting this interesting post, Michael.

Best,

respo

Funnily, it has some elements of design whoch have been borrowed to the Polaris. The case, and the way the hour markers numbers are shaped.

But it has its own ( and strong personality, and like you, I think it is on to become a Classic, in its way.

Best,

Nicolas

It is one of the coolest JLC dials to my eyes.

Assuming you want something a mere mortal could actually consider buying (i.e. not a Hybris Mechanica model), here are my thoughts.

And the A Chronographe is a very tempting beast, too...

But for the rest, I cannot agree more with your words...

Best,

Nicolas.

I do see the Duo line as correct for my question.  Very original inside and out.  A true manufacture watch.

as the Master Control 8 Days, the Reverso Grande Date, the Master Ultra Thin Reserve de Marche.  All three have stunning asymmetry, several complications, but never do I find do the complications get in the way or detract from the elegance of the basic design.  In all cases I would say they complement the base design. I think this a quality in le coultre that spans several distinct styles.  It's also seen, for example in the master compressor geographique.  

And JLC has some beauties.  Like the Antoine LeCoultre I mention below.  I sure wish I grabbed that special model.

Hence, from what I feel from JLC, it's a very tough question.

I would say that the Hybris Mechanica collection is JLC's expression of its modernity.

But they are not as accessible as a popular model (15202, 372 etc...).

Maybe the Duometres à chrono shares a bit of all this ?

Interesting topic that could be developed for all brands.

Cheers, Mark

This topic is one to apply to all brands.

I want to reply in more detail to each of you and will.  Some great advice in this thread already!