Which stainless-steel dress watch would you buy? VC vs JLC

[danwang0520]

Dear TRF,

Currently, I have a Rolex Submariner(116610LV) and a Rolex GMT-Master II(126710BLNR) in my staple. Both of which are sports watch so I am looking for a daily dress watch(desk diver) in stainless steel to wear to the office from Mon-Fri; by the way, I wear a suit to work everyday. Which of the following would you choose?

1) Vacheron Constantin Fifty-Six self-winding:


2) Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Date:

[mps354]

of those i prefer the JLC, but would also suggest you consider a reverso

[md3113]

Vc

[Audevache]

I own and love a previous version of the JLC Ultra thin (145.8.79), but my vote would go to the VC as is truly a beauty IMHO.

I was very close to getting the fifty-six annual calendar a while ago, but then an Overseas DT came in the way, but I'm still having an itch for the series.

That said, have you considered the day-date version? They can be had pre-owned for not that much of a premium vs. the base model's list price, and you'd get some very pretty complications on top.

[misochew]

I had the same dilemma, and had decision paralysis. Then I found a good deal on a like-new JLC, and went on with life, very happy with my decision.

However, a couple months later, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a really good deal for a VC, which I didn’t have the will power or impulse control to pass up.

If I were forced to keep just one, it would be the VC, but by the slimmest of margins. To me, it’s the best Sporty Dress watch out there for this price range and level of horology.

[Jmaster]

Of those two, I would pick the VC.

The Fiftysix line is one of those watches that you have to handle to appreciate all the details. The case shape is more unique and has more complexity than the old school JLC, and the finishing of the dial is more striking when you see it in person.

I am of course biased since I have the Fiftysix Complete Calendar.

@misochew very nice pair! Thanks for sharing.

[vipereaper30]

I'd go with the FiftySix here although the JLC is very nice. If you haven't tried the VC it's better on the wrist than in photos.

[misochew]

Originally Posted by vipereaper30

I'd go with the FiftySix here although the JLC is very nice. If you haven't tried the VC it's better on the wrist than in photos.

+1 on that. Web site pictures and YouTube videos do not do the FiftySix justice. …But same could be said about JLC.

Go to the effort of going to dealer(s) to put both on your wrist. More often than not, your heart will tell you which to choose.

[ChetBaker]

VC but not this model. Get the day-date or the complete calendar. You will get a Geneva Seal watch and an in-house movement. The time and date was a mistake that VC should rectify asap. Harsh? Yes, but that’s how I feel. Leave using outsourced cheap movements to AP please.

[danwang0520]

Originally Posted by Audevache

I own and love a previous version of the JLC Ultra thin (145.8.79), but my vote would go to the VC as is truly a beauty IMHO.

I was very close to getting the fifty-six annual calendar a while ago, but then an Overseas DT came in the way, but I'm still having an itch for the series.

That said, have you considered the day-date version? They can be had pre-owned for not that much of a premium vs. the base model's list price, and you'd get some very pretty complications on top.

Thank you for your thoughts.
Honestly, I would save a bit more to get the Traditionnelle date-only self-winding instead of the day-date version of the Fifty-Six...

[ts3]

By looks alone I prefer the VC. The JLC looks like an "inflated" (neo-) vintage watch and I much prefer a 3 o'clock date. Then there is the VC movement...

I'd rather have the small manual JLC ultra thin 145.8.79 mentioned by another poster, an all time JLC great. I'd also prefer a 1990s IWC Portugieser 3531 (or 5441 depending on size). Budget permitting I consider the new Chopard LUC 1860 and some vintage Patek including 3466 for a steel dress watch.

[1William]

The VC of these two choices. I would not buy either though as there are some other models that are more interesting. I would also look at these models and others pre-owned. Some great value in the pre-owned market for both brands now. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[travisb]

The JLC. Prefer the cleaner dial layout.

[sinkholeninja]

VC gets my vote

[Emery]

The 56 wears very comfortably, but I find it’s a more a casual/sporty piece than a dress watch when compared to the JLC.

[Justindo]

Between the two, I aesthetically prefer the JLC, but if the VC didn't have the 3 o'clock date, I'd opt for it without question. However, given that there is an approximately 30% MSRP price difference for the VC, I'd go for the VC, as it's a higher quality watch with some hand-finishing on the movement, even if it's not a VC movement and lacks the Geneva Seal. I'd like to recommend the VC FiftySix day-date or triple calendar or especially the Historiques 1942, but they're double the price, which puts them at another price level.

That written, if I wanted a steel dress watch and was looking into the $10k-ish range, I'd probably go for the JLC Reverso Duoface, as there's nothing like it and you wouldn't have to make apologies to anyone, as no one else makes the Reverso.

[djona]

Originally Posted by Jmaster

Of those two, I would pick the VC.

The Fiftysix line is one of those watches that you have to handle to appreciate all the details. The case shape is more unique and has more complexity than the old school JLC, and the finishing of the dial is more striking when you see it in person.

Second this.

[vjsllash]

how about the ex-entry level VC quai de lile with a cal.5100 & Geneva Seal

[AEC]

BTW, that particular JLC seems to be discontinued. It's not in the catalog, so it may take some searching across the AD network to see if there are any around.

[nicky77]

I would choose the VC with the blue dial. If I had to go JLC I would go with the master control date as it has the date at the 3:00 position, which I prefer.

[scarlet knight]

Originally Posted by nicky77

I would choose the VC with the blue dial. If I had to go JLC I would go with the master control date as it has the date at the 3:00 position, which I prefer.

But hard to go wrong.

[nickorette]

Neither. I'd go for either a Reverso or a VC Triple Calendrier

[StanCho]

If JLC, I would go with Reverso as the others suggested, the Tribute series is awesome.

If VC 56 I would look into day date version as it's different than other day dates and you get the complete Geneva seal package unlike the time only version.