JLC vs Rolex

[breitlings]

Just read on the does rolex read trf thread that rolex is beneath JLC. While I know brands like JLC and Zenith have made their own movements after the swatch group move, and I respect JLC; I would not rank them above Rolex.

What is your take on Rolex vs JLC?

[AEC]

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[wach16]

Like any argument, it depends on the criteria. JLC makes ultra complicated watches and Rolex does not. Both are robustly built, have a real history of innovation and technical firsts. I think a more apt comparison would be a model vs. model one personally

[beshannon]

Both are fine timepieces.

JLC however has a longer and more impressive history in the world of Horology. Over the years JLC has supplied movements to Patek, Cartier, IWC, AP and Vacheron. Their list of achievements, innovations and patents would rank them near the top.

https://www.watch-wiki.net/index.php...eger-LeCoultre

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaeger-LeCoultre

[Jack T]

It would not frame it as JLC versus Rolex, as they aren't necessarily comparable. I see Jaeger as much smaller in scale, more craft-like, refined, precision movements and less focused on sports models.

Rolex is savvy commercial behemoth, the Mercedes of high end watches compared to Ferrari or McLaren, in which manufacturing precision is the focus.

[genkifd]

totally agree with the above. JLC horology out guns Rolex. imo my only love with JLC is their reverso. pitty the rectangular shape does not suit me

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Jack T

It would not frame it as JLC versus Rolex, as they aren't necessarily comparable. I see Jaeger as much smaller in scale, more craft-like, refined, precision movements and less focused on sports models.

Rolex is savvy commercial behemoth, the Chevrolet of high end watches, in which manufacturing precision is the focus.

I've had a chevy. I would love it if it ran like a rolex.

[civicHB]

Originally Posted by breitlings

I've had a chevy. I would love it if it ran like a rolex.

maybe Toyota is a better comparison. Toyota's run for a long time with minimal maintenance and hold their value well

[gegarrenton]

Originally Posted by breitlings

Just read on the does rolex read trf thread that rolex is beneath JLC. While I know brands like JLC and Zenith have made their own movements after the swatch group move, and I respect JLC; I would not rank them above Rolex.

What is your take on Rolex vs JLC?

I'm surprised you wouldn't rank JLC over Rolex to be honest.

[Drixonite]

Originally Posted by genkifd

totally agree with the above. JLC horology out guns Rolex. imo my only love with JLC is their reverso. pitty the rectangular shape does not suit me

Yeah, square watches are kind of hard to pull off.

The new Master Control with sector dial is an absolute stunner. If only they'd remove the date window. Limited run they say but still seems you can find them in stores/online (maybe just selling off the rest of the ones produced through 12/31/2017).

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by gegarrenton

I'm surprised you wouldn't rank JLC over Rolex to be honest.

I only had one JLC movement, and one clock. It was in an early AP RO (the serial number was like 123 or something) and it ran completely irrationally, I ended up losing the watch because the sellers took it back to fix it, never sent it back then went out of business. So my only interaction with them is not that great, outside of the clock which is nice. Maybe I'll upload a picture of it.

[daveo5]

Rolex = Toyota. Traded my 4 Runner last year for a BMW. Had my Toy for 12 years. Other than regular service. Just like a Rolex. Too early too say about the BMW. Agree with what was said above about JLC and Rolex. Apples vs. oranges.

[Lugduno]

[QUOTE=Drixonite;8341023]Yeah, square watches are kind of hard to pull off.

The new Master Control with sector dial is an absolute stunner. If only they'd remove the date window. Limited run they say but still seems you can find them in stores/online (maybe just selling off the rest of the ones produced through 12/31/2017).



That is a really cool watch! Tried it on during my last trip to Hong Kong and must say that very few photos online manage to catch the dial in a fair way, looks much more stunning in the metal! The date is slightly large, but it’s nice that they’ve used the same blue colour for the date as the rest of the dial.

Also tried the sector chronograph, which was actually a bit nicer than the three hand version IMHO.

[abozz]

I see it like this: You always have to have a Rolex, that's the watch forever, and then give you beautiful luxuries like a JLC or Patek for special days.

[Bigsoftee]

I have a MUT with moon phase complication, in rose gold with dimond bezel. It’s a stunning piece with open back o can watch for hours, and if I had to choose between that and the Cellini moon I would still have my JLC. Rolex to me is a day to day watch that can take a beating, And I am a very proud owner of a few rolexes. But for special occasions that require a dress watch it’s JLC all day.

[Ravager135]

JLC has superior mastery of movements and subsequent complications than Rolex. The Reverso is considered the first sports watch when it was made for polo players. I think as far as their lineup today, JLC pieces are more delicate and dressy appearing than Rolex in a market that is very sports heavy. I have yet to find something from JLC that isn't executed very well.

[meganfox17]

If the objective is to impress a watch collector with your understanding of haute- horlogerie and watchmaking history, then JLC is the brand the watch community would regard as the watchmaker's watchmaker. How many Rolex owners here know about JLC's Trifecta of High Complication watches? 50 ? 100 ? 1000 people ? Ever heard of the Hybris Mechanica 55 Triology ? It's a set of 3 complex expensive watches with a total 55 complications that comprises of

✓Hybris mechanica á Grande Sonnerie 26 complications +1472 parts US$1.47 (Top 2 photos)
✓Hybris mechanica Gyrotourbillon US$ 0.42 M (centre 2 photos)
✓Hybris mechanica Reverso à triptyque US$ 0.6 M (bottom 2 photos)
The Hybris Mechanica 55 Triology comes in a stunning full safe, the largest and heaviest box presentation in the world. So how much does it cost? US$ 2.5 M

That's JLC for You

[OJONES]

I wish JLC would produce more sports watches, I don’t have to wear a suit and feel the range is too dressy overall. Wasn’t too impressed with the recent Polaris range either. Also, for all their technical prowess, their power reserve sucks. Still fancy a MUT moon though.

[mahefa]

It is Richemont company, so it means lifecycle design. Value drops quickly and most pieces are available quite easily at least in Switzerland.

They have strong history and are art watches like PP and AP. So not suitable for any kind of rough use... like hitting your hand to a desk or door. At JLC they have really high level watch specialists employed and their Atmos clock is truly amazing.

I would not compare Rolex with JLC. Maybe Cellini to some JLC models, but not more. They play a different game.

[AK797]

I would say at the sub £10K more affordable level, Rolex make better sports watches than JLC do dress watches. At over 10K for dress, I prefer Lange and PP in terms of complications and design and finish.

[kilyung]

Depends on the ranking criteria. If based on sales, then Rolex wins. If based on how many in-house movements it’s created, then JLC wins (120+). Robustness? Rolex. Complications? JLC. You get the gist.

[HL65]

I personally like Rolex better for my taste and style. I have owned a WG and RG Duometre as well as a RG Master Tourbillon. Incredible watches with top level finishing but for me I always end up back with Rolex.

[lucevan le stelle]

Totally an apples and oranges comparison. Rolex and Omega might be more realistic.

[Art 1]

I respect the brand, have tried to like them but I just don't. Not for my life style.

[Juantxo]

I’ll put it this way: The JLC Navy Seal watch is a kid’s toy watch when compared to a Rolex Submariner. I own both. I have visited the JLC factory and keep a warm spot in my heart for the brand, but their watches are not nearly as reliable, durable, well built and engineered as Rolex are. The worthy JLC is the Atmos, a lovely clock that works as it is supposed to.

Again, I own both brands of watches and feel strongly about this matter.

[thomaswentworth]

For secondary market value and value retention, Rolex is a king amongst kings. Hence the Rolex coronet. JLC makes the gyrotourbillon and other innovative pieces, but ask 99% of the public if the have heard of Jaeger le Coultre, and they will have no idea what you're talking about. I feel like Rolex is very respected and the Big 3 are lesser known and it hurts their secondary market value and liquidity. I feel like Rolex watches are almost as liquid as owning shares of a publicly traded company or bars of gold. I personally love complicated movements, but I think the branding by Rolex and the fact that they are virtually liquid cash on your wrist means more to me insofar as what I would prefer to own. But of course this is only my opinion. To each his own.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by thomaswentworth

For secondary market value and value retention, Rolex is a king amongst kings. Hence the Rolex coronet. JLC makes the gyrotourbillon and other innovative pieces, but ask 99% of the public if the have heard of Jaeger le Coultre, and they will have no idea what you're talking about. I feel like Rolex is very respected and the Big 3 are lesser known and it hurts their secondary market value and liquidity. I feel like Rolex watches are almost as liquid as owning shares of a publicly traded company or bars of gold. I personally love complicated movements, but I think the branding by Rolex and the fact that they are virtually liquid cash on your wrist means more to me insofar as what I would prefer to own. But of course this is only my opinion. To each his own.

You make an interesting point about complications. However, complications can be quite misleading. For instance, an Omega Speedmaster Day-Date that could be bought for less than $5000 would go for over $100,000 if it wore the Patek Philippe brand. Basically the same movement and all else, except for the brand name and a bit extra finishing. Absurd.

[16610v]

The 3-D tourbillon of JLC is great

[ian.thomas]

I'm a die-hard Rolex guy, but seeing a Jaeger really makes my heart beat fast.

If I ever grow up, I'm going to get a Jaeger; until then, it's Rolex and AP.

[ian.thomas]

Originally Posted by thomaswentworth

..... but ask 99% of the public if the have heard of Jaeger le Coultre, and they will have no idea what you're talking about.

That's one of the many reasons I would own a Jaeger.