Perpetual Calendar in SS

[Andrés G]

I'm seriously considering getting a JLC Perpetual Calendar in SS (MUT with black dial). I'm a bit concerned about the durability of the movement and if paying the premium for the perpetual vs the annual calendar, is really worth it.

I will appreciate any feedback or comments you might have.

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by Andrés G

I'm seriously considering getting a JLC Perpetual Calendar in SS (MUT with black dial). I'm a bit concerned about the durability of the movement and if paying the premium for the perpetual vs the annual calendar, is really worth it.

I will appreciate any feedback or comments you might have

Hello Sir
I just read this thread and I think I can answer your questions

A few years ago,my uncle and his family visited Malaysia(He migrated to New Zealand in the late 80s)for a holiday and stayed in my parents house for a few days. He proudly showed me the watch he brought along since he knew I like watches a lot.If I remember correctly,it was a very complicated JLC with a perpetual calendar function that included 4 subdials, 8 hands, it also had both alarm & vibration modes. As I was admiring the busy subdials,I asked him the usual questions.He told me he bought the watch in UK in 2005 and just recently had the watch shipped to the JLC manufacturer in Switzerland for complete servicing and polishing with new replacement hands.I was surprised and asked him why it took him 11 yrs for the first servicing and he simply replied it was running fine all these years until recently when it acted all funny.He refused to send the JLC to the local Customer service centre because he believed for such a complicated watch, only the Swiss watchmakers had the expertise and the know how.The locals would definately mess up his watch for sure.Anyway uncle said the final bill figure was something like USD 2 K because apparently lots of parts needed replacements after 11 yrs of constant daily abuse.

Just keep in mind that basic complete overhaul with replacements parts and the long manual labour working hours on a highly complicated JLC perpetual calendar are estimated to be in the range of between USD 1500 -1600 ( If the watch is properly maintained and follow the recommended 4-5 yrs service intervals).I think servicing the annual calendar type JLC is about USD 1200

So to answer your question, the JLC perpetual calendar is really an exceptional well built, durable watch using only the highest quality components(As my uncle can testify) but don't be like him who decided to service the watch after 11 yrs and paid a higher premium

There are issues that you need to ask yourself :

1)Are you going to wear your mechanical JLC perpetual calendar daily as your primary watch or using it only as a dress watch with the help of a dedicated watch winder ? If you need to make any corrections on the date then it's safer to perform the adjustments before 9pm or after 3am. Accidental overcorrection can also be a problem

2 )There are other much cheaper alternative like the Seiko GMT quartz or Citizen Eco drive with perpetual calendar functions that can take one heck of beating and perhaps more robust than the JLC

[wach16]

For the price, it's tough to beat the JLC from a QP perspective. You get an in house movement from a great brand. I say go for it!

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Hello Sir
I just read this thread and I think I can answer your questions

A few years ago,my uncle and his family visited Malaysia(He migrated to New Zealand in the late 80s)for a holiday and stayed in my parents house for a few days. He proudly showed me the watch he brought along since he knew I like watches a lot.If I remember correctly,it was a very complicated JLC with a perpetual calendar function that included 4 subdials, 8 hands, it also had both alarm & vibration modes. As I was admiring the busy subdials,I asked him the usual questions.He told me he bought the watch in UK in 2005 and just recently had the watch shipped to the JLC manufacturer in Switzerland for complete servicing and polishing with new replacement hands.I was surprised and asked him why it took him 11 yrs for the first servicing and he simply replied it was running fine all these years until recently when it acted all funny.He refused to send the JLC to the local Customer service centre because he believed for such a complicated watch, only the Swiss watchmakers had the expertise and the know how.The locals would definately mess up his watch for sure.Anyway uncle said the final bill figure was something like USD 2 K because apparently lots of parts needed replacements after 11 yrs of constant daily abuse.

Just keep in mind that basic complete overhaul with replacements parts and the long manual labour working hours on a highly complicated JLC perpetual calendar are estimated to be in the range of between USD 1500 -1600 ( If the watch is properly maintained and follow the recommended 4-5 yrs service intervals).I think servicing the annual calendar type JLC is about USD 1200

So to answer your question, the JLC perpetual calendar is really an exceptional well built, durable watch using only the highest quality components(As my uncle can testify) but don't be like him who decided to service the watch after 11 yrs and paid a higher premium

There are issues that you need to ask yourself :

1)Are you going to wear your mechanical JLC perpetual calendar daily as your primary watch or using it only as a dress watch with the help of a dedicated watch winder ? If you need to make any corrections on the date then it's safer to perform the adjustments before 9pm or after 3am. Accidental overcorrection can also be a problem

2 )There are other much cheaper alternative like the Seiko GMT quartz or Citizen Eco drive with perpetual calendar functions that can take one heck of beating and perhaps more robust than the JLC

Thank you very much for your detailed reply. The watch is intended to be worn in a rotation and probably won't be my daily.
I'm aware of the servicing costs but it's the price you have to pay in order to play. I can live with that.

Thanks for the suggestions. At this moment I'm only considering this piece. I'm my opinion, a perpetual calendar is one of the most amazing complications and one that I've always wanted to own. To me, it's not as appealing with a quartz movement powering it.

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by wach16

For the price, it's tough to beat the JLC from a QP perspective. You get an in house movement from a great brand. I say go for it!

Thanks. That's also my reasoning.

[PJ S]

Before rushing into any buying decision, make sure you’ve explored your options!
As you’re looking at the Master Ultra Thin model, is thinness a major criteria?
If not, then I would recommend you take a good look at the Glashutte Original Senator (Excellence) PC – yes, there are two variants, one using the new Cal 36 movement, offering 100 hours power reserve. That’s nearly double the Cal 100, and 2.5x the JLC’s.

https://www.glashuette-original.com/...00-02-07-12-70
https://www.glashuette-original.com/...36-02-01-02-70

The cost of servicing is on the GO wbesite, and includes Germany’s 19% VAT. Deducting that and allowing for currency fluctuation, I’d hazard a guess that the cost is about half that of the JLC figure mentioned above – and that’s the bracelet version.
RRP for the steel models is much the same as JLC’s.

And because everyone loves a video… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHEMSacKgM8

[joli160]

I think the MUT is a beautiful watch from a great brand

[Rockrolex]

I have two PCs; one is an IWC and the other is a Seiko, both shown below:





I love them both.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by PJ S

Before rushing into any buying decision, make sure you’ve explored your options!
As you’re looking at the Master Ultra Thin model, is thinness a major criteria?
If not, then I would recommend you take a good look at the Glashutte Original Senator (Excellence) PC – yes, there are two variants, one using the new Cal 36 movement, offering 100 hours power reserve. That’s nearly double the Cal 100, and 2.5x the JLC’s.

https://www.glashuette-original.com/...00-02-07-12-70
https://www.glashuette-original.com/...36-02-01-02-70

The cost of servicing is on the GO wbesite, and includes Germany’s 19% VAT. Deducting that and allowing for currency fluctuation, I’d hazard a guess that the cost is about half that of the JLC figure mentioned above – and that’s the bracelet version.
RRP for the steel models is much the same as JLC’s.

And because everyone loves a video… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHEMSacKgM8

Thank you for the suggestion and specially for the video. I enjoyed watching it.

Thinness is definitely a plus for me and also a classic dial layout. I've considered the different options in this price range and the JLC MUT perpetual, is the one that ticks most of the boxes for me.

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by joli160

I think the MUT is a beautiful watch from a great brand

I feel the same way. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I have two PCs; one is an IWC and the other is a Seiko, both shown below:




I love them both.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Two beautiful watches. Continue enjoying them.

[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by Andrés G

I'm seriously considering getting a JLC Perpetual Calendar in SS (MUT with black dial). I'm a bit concerned about the durability of the movement and if paying the premium for the perpetual vs the annual calendar, is really worth it.

I will appreciate any feedback or comments you might have.

I tried on this watch several times recently, really is a gorgeous piece and you are right in the sense that for a perpetual calendar this is really one of the best to get in this price range.

I actually prefer the white dial, just think it has that certain texture that makes it come to life in a subtle, almost like a sunburst effect of white. I also think white is more versatile with straps whereas a black dress watch with black strap just looks a bit too stealth and the 'all-black' look if paired with a dark suit isn't a great matching combo IMO. But for the Master Geographic I do prefer the black dial but not for the PC

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

I tried on this watch several times recently, really is a gorgeous piece and you are right in the sense that for a perpetual calendar this is really one of the best to get in this price range.

I actually prefer the white dial, just think it has that certain texture that makes it come to life in a subtle, almost like a sunburst effect of white. I also think white is more versatile with straps whereas a black dress watch with black strap just looks a bit too stealth and the 'all-black' look if paired with a dark suit isn't a great matching combo IMO. But for the Master Geographic I do prefer the black dial but not for the PC

It's the complete opposite for me. I first tried on the SS white dial version a couple of years ago and for some reason it didn't sing to me. I even considered the rose gold version for a while but ended up deciding that it just wasn't for me. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. The black dial is what really captured my attention and my favorite attribute of this model.

[Andrés G]

I'm bumping this thread, trying to get some new opinions. The watch will be delivered to my AD next week and I need to confirm if I'm buying it.

[jon_jon]

Get the JLC perpetual calendar if you are the type of person who will appreciate the haute horology behind manufacturing a perpetual calendar.

There are certainly less expensive PC watches out there, but JLC is known for their movements and you will be purchasing a fine PC. Pricewise, it is reasonably priced new, although I would look to get a decent discount off the list price.

[MJaber]

By all means go for it! its a beautiful piece of horology! get the white dial though, the black dial looked rather plasticy to me, although every watch guy i know disagrees.

[KarlS]

I don't think any PC is worth the premium over the AC for the additional functionality!! However it's a horological journey and a natural conclusion

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

Get the JLC perpetual calendar if you are the type of person who will appreciate the haute horology behind manufacturing a perpetual calendar.

There are certainly less expensive PC watches out there, but JLC is known for their movements and you will be purchasing a fine PC. Pricewise, it is reasonably priced new, although I would look to get a decent discount off the list price.

Thank you for your comments. I've managed to negotiate a good discount, so I'm comfortable with the price.

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by MJaber

By all means go for it! its a beautiful piece of horology! get the white dial though, the black dial looked rather plasticy to me, although every watch guy i know disagrees.

The funny thing is that I only care for the black dial model. For some strange reason, I don't like the white dial on this watch.

[Andrés G]

Originally Posted by KarlS

I don't think any PC is worth the premium over the AC for the additional functionality!! However it's a horological journey and a natural conclusion

I agree and might as well accept it as a new milestone on my watch collecting journey. Thanks.

[GB-man]

I too only like the black dial! Although that's not news I generally prefer dark dials.

I think it's a watch that's nearly without peer at its price. I'd love to have one.

[Maiden]

Originally Posted by Andrés G

I agree and might as well accept it as a new milestone on my watch collecting journey. Thanks.

I'm considering this one as well. Please post pics when you make the acquisition and keep us posted on your ownership experience. Congrats!