Day Date 40 or JLC Duomètre Quantième Lunaire

[Banks]

Hello all.

I am looking to purchase my first gold piece and while quite different watches, I have narrowed it down to the DD40 in rose gold with olive dial or the Jaeger Lecoultre Duomètre Quantième Lunaire.

Retail for both is very similar, with the JLC being slightly more expensive at retail but would get a larger discount if both new and even bigger if I can source a good condition used. The DD is obviously 40mm, with the JLC 40.5mm.

My current collection is BLNR, SubC and DJ41 (blue dial). I think a letter strap complication in gold will sit nicely in my collection and I truly love the craftsmanship and unique movement of the Duomètre Quantième Lunaire but at the same time have had a love for the DD40 olive dial for quite some time.

The JLC is obviously softer in the second hand market and is a more understated watch until you get close and study the dial.

Both are my gold grail watches (along with the JLC 8 Day Perpetual Calendar).

This is a big purchase for me so all opinions are welcome (although I note my opinion is the one that ultimately matters).

[sco]

I know this is a Rolex forum, but I would go JLC all day long. Good luck on the decision!

[beshannon]

JLC for me all day long



Beautiful watch

[watchwatcher]

It depends on whether you want to be able to tell the time or not.

[Banks]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It depends on whether you want to be able to tell the time or not.

I anticipated this comment! I have viewed the JLC in real life a few times and the principle time dial is very legible so I don’t have concerns there but I take your point and the DD is more legible.

The Duometre movement is something special and innovative though.

[Gert]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It depends on whether you want to be able to tell the time or not.

this

[CorradoBrit]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It depends on whether you want to be able to tell the time or not.

Its 4.14 can't you see?

[LuminousMaximus]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It depends on whether you want to be able to tell the time or not.

haha Good one.

But I would say that, you will eventually need both.

"Final Answer..."

[randomguy]

It depends if it is a keeper or not. Big time.

[Banks]

Originally Posted by randomguy

It depends if it is a keeper or not. Big time.

Do you mean in the sense of resale? As in it would be harder to shift the JLC on the secondary market? The intention is certainly that this will be a keeper but ultimately you can never say never.

[wulin]

DD40 in rose gold with olive dial

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by wulin

DD40 in rose gold with olive dial

Agree, I have one. I personally find the dial on the JLC very hard to read (maybe wear an iWatch on the other wrist!) and too much going on with information I'm not interested in.

[huncho]

dd40 any day

[ap1]

I’d do dd40 here.

[Banks]

Interesting, fairly divided so far! Keep the opinions coming

[ferrissteve11]

JLC is quite pretty, but I like the DD design in general. Its a bit of a tough call as they both look good but at the end of the day I would think the DD would lend itself to be more generally wearable as a whole. My .02 this morning.

[onnomon]

JLC Duometre! That's a work of art and oozes the tradition of watchmaking.

[Brew]

The JLC is beautiful, no doubt, but I would choose the DD. It would get much more use, given my lifestyle.

[Frits1980]

I have the DD40 (rose/olive) but i would go for the JLC, much more class. I would try to get it second hand do. What about a Patek Philippe World Time? Same price range and maybe an option to consider.

[denmanproject]

Definitely a tough call, I love that JLC I just think the DD would have more staying power

[Vipes]

Dd40

[AK797]

I'd go DD unless you want something more dressy and on leather.

[Rizone]

Day Date definitely
The JLC looks like a mess to me

[mas12]

The olive green dial is my fav variation of the DD40... however that JLC is absolutely stunning. As you mentioned, I think a leather strapped dress watch fits well in your collection.

JLC is my vote

[peterskinner]

How brave are you? To buy the JLC takes real guts. But it is a more special watch.
Me? Too timid.

[Banks]

Originally Posted by peterskinner

How brave are you? To buy the JLC takes real guts. But it is a more special watch.
Me? Too timid.

Heart is saying JLC I think and head in saying DD!

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by peterskinner

How brave are you? To buy the JLC takes real guts. But it is a more special watch.
Me? Too timid.

This, well stated. Definitely courage required, and I mean that in a good way.

It is a hell of a piece in the watch world, and it's a watch that will always be far more interesting. Great conversational piece. On the other hand a DD is a DD forever but it's just that. Cant lose either way.

[kentheevil]

The JLC is definitely one of my favorite dress watch on a strap. First when I saw the topic I knew my answer would be the JLC however, when the dial option of the DD is the olive it make it so much tougher however, considering your collection I'd say JLC as it will really be something different and much more interesting than an all rolex collection.

[PLNYC]

DD40 for me because I love the bracelet. The JLC looks amazing but the DD40 is my grail

[Banks]

Thanks for the replies so far, it is good to get others’ perspective.