Reply With QuoteYour budget seems a little low for that kind of watch even as a used proposition....
As for JLC in general I would like one but have been put off by the horror stories about their poor service.
Four years in and really thinking the collection needs a review and beginning to really feel the lov for a JLC.
The master calendars are really appealing as is the controller to a lesser degree. So is there anything to be aware of or big model/movement considerations to be made prior to jumping in, baring in mind budget will be mid £3k'ish once I have moved on maybe my PO and Mark XVII.
Pic's, thoughts and knowledge would be as always much appreciated.
Ta
Paul
Your budget seems a little low for that kind of watch even as a used proposition....
As for JLC in general I would like one but have been put off by the horror stories about their poor service.
Genuinely didn't find them any more appealing than the usual suspects.
If you really want one, crack on, but if you just want to try the brand, be prepared for a slow sale and less in your pocket if flipped.
I really love some JLC models and if you pick right and buy second hand you shouldn't get too hurt. There have been and currently are some good pieces on SC around your budget range. Good luck
Originally Posted by learningtofly
Agreed. One of the truly special houses that flies under the radar on the wrist. You can be sure you're wearing a thoroughly tried and tested and innovative piece of horology on your wrist.
I care little for residuals but the good thing about JLC is that they can be incredible value used (don't be unrealistic though). Even new, they are reasonable for what you are getting.
I think the reason for this is they make all their watches available in stainless steel where as most other highend brands Patek,VC, etc are all in precious metals.
I love the looks of the Master Calendar and have considered buying one (twice! one 2nd hand and one on sale). However the following concerns have put me off:
The high service costs (around £700 for a chrono, probably more for the Master Calendar)
The long service time (several months)
Stories about bad customer service and poor build quality, although these may be exaggerated by the Interweb.
Last edited by Rocket Man; 21st November 2014 at 17:22.
Have to agree with this - i'm lucky enough to have had two JLC's now and whilst i can't comment of customer service i've have had no issue with quality at all.
Love mine...
It is fitted with the relatively newer manufacture JLC 975H movement (Autotractor) a 29 jewels, ceramic ball bearing fitted, 28800 vph, unidirectional winding rotor with a 22 carat gold weight (riveted to the rotor) and I believe a balance spring newly designed and supplied by sister Co. A. Lange & Söhne, exclusively for the JLC 975 movement.
Excellent and very detailed review of the JLC 975 movement can be found at the Purist site (link below)
http://www.thepurists.net/Patrons/Me...c975finweb.htm
I like their reverso and master calendar, not that I am biased. However servicing cost is an issue and I have yet to sample their servicing ability.
My favourite watchmaker, always has been and always will be.
Gorgeous, iconic models, said goodbye to one today but have 2 left which hopefully aren't going anywhere.
Reverso is probably the most distinctive model line they make but most of the models have their own charm and are usually very distinctive, nothing looks like the Compressor range really and you need to go for Patek to compete with the beauty of the Master Controls.
Movements completely and utterly in house, in fact almost everything is made inhouse there. They are a very special company.
My favourite brand... As far as dressy watches go, I think JLC are one of the best around, with some truly beautiful designs in the 'Master' collection and equally pretty watches from the historic 'Reverso' range.
I've yet to experience their customer service, but it doesn't worry me based on the fact it's only going to be every few years that I would have to deal with them.
In the hypothetical lottery win situation, I imagine most would be off to try on a few Patek's. Me, I'd be off down to the JLC boutique.
I wish I had more opportunities to wear dress watches, but for now, this is the only one I need.
Their moonphase is an all time classic I think. Their heritage is also beyond doubt. They have some more affordable (in relative terms) alternatives to VC and PP simple and beautiful designs - though you can see the difference, perhaps that's why I've never quite made the leap, but I've certainly been tempted.
One of my favorite brands. Great tradition and value. I recently picked up a Master Chronograph and couldn't be happier.
Stunning. What model is that?
It certainly is!
Is that yours?
Hmmmm. I don't know...
where else you can get the quality of a Patek for the price of an Omega.
Massive JLC fan. The moonphase and chrono on this thread are just gorgeous!
Out of interest, what age is the chrono?
It sure is.
Love this watch. Really want to try a JLC (as well as a GO) and being a chrono fan this one tick all the right boxes for me. I'm guessing the cost of servicing would scare me a bit though.One of my favorite brands. Great tradition and value. I recently picked up a Master Chronograph and couldn't be happier.
I have a soft spot for JLC esp Ultra Thin model with small seconds and Duometre, than again with the latter one we are in PP, L&S and other high end money.. A couple of snaps from boutique tray
That is gorgeous - great photography too btw! I didn't realise you had your own website, just had a look - it's now bookmarked on my browser - must have a proper look tomorrow.
Do you mind me asking what size your wrists are? Mine are 7", that JLC seems to fit yours perfectly, just wondering at 39mm would it be too large for me?
Well wear by the way, fantastic watch!
Next on my list. Hopefully by the middle of next year. Patience is a virtue!Porn time.
They stand alone in their relentless dedication to horology. There are many a manufacture thought of more highly, who stand so high only because they stand on the firm shoulders of JLC grace of the movements they have provided.
This is possibly the most beautiful column wheel retrograde chrono in existence;
+1....got to agree with Burnsey (rare, but it happens!)
Don`t forget the service costs. Very few people will touch them, it's back to JLC if it needs work...and they certainly know how to charge.
Paul
The chronograph is a current model. I bought it new from an AD a couple of months ago.
In a big GO fan too. Love my Senator Observer.
I shall be picking up a shiny new gold Geophysic next week, my first JLC.
Great choice! I didn't realize they were shipping yet.
It's sat in the shop waiting for me to pick it up, I just can't get to it yet! Sob!
Get your priorities straight! ;)
Please post pics once you get it.
The Navy Seals Auto is by far the greatest JLC to ever be created. Shame there's not many around for sale? ;-)
I'm a bit scruffy for dress watches, but if I were to ever buy one, this would be it I think;
Why the non compressor models are they much more sort after Tony? Gen question from someone more used to KFC than JLC!
So would a master control geographic be a safer bet than a master comp chrono...if I have a low boredom threshold?
Thanks
Ah ok I see, thanks Tony. Can I ask you a question about your name that I have oft contemplated...?
Is it a PPL or a Floyd thing?
I really wish you'd stop posting this pic Tony, it only makes me think of what might have been (sniff).Porn time.
I'm off to play Edith Piaf's "Je ne regrette rien" now...
Ha ha not at all! Thanks for satisfying my curiosity!
Some interesting comments and many thanks gents for taking the time.
I am pretty sure a Master Calendar is at the top of my list, but that Hometime looks lovely on Watchfinder also...
Ta
Paul
Had a few JLCs in my time, highlights being the old Hometime model, Titanium Amvox and although I never got it sitting quite right on the wrist the Compressor Memovox.
Great watches.
I consider myself very lucky to have purchased my Master Control SS 40mm here this year. Even more so that my dear wife paid for it as a belated wedding gift. I have to force myself to rotate it with others so I don't lose that special feeling I get when I take it out of its box. If I had to go down to 1 watch it would be the last out the door.
..I know this will be out of my league for the moment, but could someone please advise the model name so I can do some research? ThanksLove mine...
It is fitted with the relatively newer manufacture JLC 975H movement (Autotractor) a 29 jewels, ceramic ball bearing fitted, 28800 vph, unidirectional winding rotor with a 22 carat gold weight (riveted to the rotor) and I believe a balance spring newly designed and supplied by sister Co. A. Lange & Söhne, exclusively for the JLC 975 movement.
Excellent and very detailed review of the JLC 975 movement can be found at the Purist site (link below)
http://www.thepurists.net/Patrons/Me...c975finweb.htm
That's a Master Compressor GMT
Thanks. Not as bad as I had feared.....but it really does look like a watch to try before you buy....that crown may be a nuisance!
A very rough and ready iPhone pic of the new Geophysic
Edit: that didn't work very well, will try again later
Last edited by Space Traveller; 3rd December 2014 at 16:53.
Posting Permissions
