The luxury watch pecking order

[jayd77]

Hi everyone,

As you may be aware I am looking at a JLC master calendar as my next purchase. I am not as versed with JLC as I am with Rolex and Omega.

That being said in terms of quality, prestige and history how does JLC compare to the other big boys such as Rolex, Omega, Patek and VC.

Thanks in advance!

[tigerpac]

JLC is an absolute top-tier brand - they used to focus more on movements and have supplied most of the other top-tier brands at one point or another, and still do.

[p_mcgee]

These watch ranking questions are tough. I'd definitely put JLC behind PP & ALS, maybe behind AP, VC, Breguet (but close), same range as Rolex & ahead of Omega.

[tigerpac]

Yeah no real objective way to rank the brands because they're ranges (among other reasons). JLC does a lot of high horology stuff which is why I'd say they're in a whole different league than Rolex and Omega - who I hold as on the same tier (now, only the last few years really) as 'upper-middle' in the watch kingdom, tough, nicely finished, high volume, accurate watches... but again, its so subjective.

[B. Doggy]

Probably the one brand where you get the most bang for your buck. JLC and Rolex anyway.

[Cuts33]

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

Probably the one brand where you get the most bang for your buck. JLC and Rolex anyway.

Rolex makes great watches but I think even Rolex owners will admit you are paying a pretty nice premium for the name on the dial.

JLC I think you are actually getting what you pay for. They make great watches and movements at a very reasonable price point when placed in the context of the luxury watch market as a whole.

[paverman]

Originally Posted by Cuts33

Rolex makes great watches but I think even Rolex owners will admit you are paying a pretty nice premium for the name on the dial.

JLC I think you are actually getting what you pay for. They make great watches and movements at a very reasonable price point when placed in the context of the luxury watch market as a whole.

No doubt about it (regarding your Rolex comment)
and spot on about JLC value as well.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

These watch ranking questions are tough. I'd definitely put JLC behind PP & ALS, maybe behind AP, VC, Breguet (but close), same range as Rolex & ahead of Omega.

This is pretty close to my thinking. As far as precious metal dress watches go, I'd rank JLC about equal to VC and AP. JLC's sport watches don't reach the pedigree of a Royal Oak, but probably fall into a range overlapping VC and Rolex. I wouldn't worry about rankings -- at this level of luxury, all the watches are great. Just get the ones you like for yourself.