Breitling Transocean Chrono vs JLC Master Chrono?

[mcorliss]

Hi! Thinking of a more dressy chrono these days and how been wondering what is considered a better watch for the price...Breitling Transocean Chrono or JLC Master Chrono? JLC is about $2K more expensive but probably a lot more rare, hence hold value better. If I liked both, what is your take on these two beauties?

[mcorliss]

Here is the JLC Master Chrono pic for comparison. It is a bit smaller case size-wise, but equally beautiful. Breitling has B.01 movement, and exhibition case back...to which I am a sucker for spying the movement, where as JLC is solid case back.

Basically, just curious what others think between the two, and why.

[salty_snack]

The B01 is a nice movement, I'll give Breitling that. But the JLC... well its a JLC, enough said.

[SixPak]

I can't believe I'm agreeing with salty-snack here. As much as I like the Transocean chrono with it's superb B01 movement, I would give the edge to the JLC. As a dressy chrono, I prefer the JLC's more elegant and classic 40mm case compared to 43 of the Breitling.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by SixPak

I can't believe I'm agreeing with salty-snack here. As much as I like the Transocean chrono with it's superb B01 movement, I would give the edge to the JLC. As a dressy chrono, I prefer the JLC's more elegant and classic 40mm case compared to 43 of the Breitling.

Unbelievably I agree with all your points too!

Dressy chrono - JLC, sporty chrono - Breitling B01.

[jnelson3097]

The TO Chrono doesn't wear very well on the wrist due to the lugs. If you have a larger wrist and can pull it off, go for it. If I could pull off the TO, I'd get that since I love the retro style of it. My one problem with the TO series is the lack of a bracelet besides the mesh option.

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by jnelson3097

The TO Chrono doesn't wear very well on the wrist due to the lugs. If you have a larger wrist and can pull it off, go for it. If I could pull off the TO, I'd get that since I love the retro style of it. My one problem with the TO series is the lack of a bracelet besides the mesh option.

So funny you mention it. Thought the same thing when looking at it on my wrist initially, but also have to state when looking at it in a full length mirror, it's absolute magic. Very impressive yet understated.

Tried on the JLC Master Chrono with silver dial, and though I want to add a JLC to the collection in a major way, just was not bowled over by it at all. Perhaps it was the silver dial, but in person and in pictures are two totally different scenarios. The hands are complete lost on the dial and the scale is underwhelming.

I also tried the a Omega Speedmaster with 9300 on which is nice two, but the black bezel screams more sport than dressy sport. The domed exhibition case back was also a little bit of a compromise to squeeze the 9300 into the case too...but still nice.

[jnelson3097]

Originally Posted by mcorliss

So funny you mention it. Thought the same thing when looking at it on my wrist initially, but also have to state when looking at it in a full length mirror, it's absolute magic. Very impressive yet understated.

Tried on the JLC Master Chrono with silver dial, and though I want to add a JLC to the collection in a major way, just was not bowled over by it at all. Perhaps it was the silver dial, but in person and in pictures are two totally different scenarios. The hands are complete lost on the dial and the scale is underwhelming.

I also tried the a Omega Speedmaster with 9300 on which is nice two, but the black bezel screams more sport than dressy sport. The domed exhibition case back was also a little bit of a compromise to squeeze the 9300 into the case too...but still nice.

You may want to try the Speedmaster 1957. It's smaller and has a few dial options.

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by jnelson3097

You may want to try the Speedmaster 1957. It's smaller and has a few dial options.

Just tried it on locally, but bought it from George at Govberg. Will have it tomorrow. Something special about the look of this watch on my wrist. Blows away my Panerai PAM 392, so I am having him look into a Chestnut alligator strap to give that watch a new lease on life as more casual look.

[fosen]

My TOC

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by fosen

My TOC

this is the one.

[Roller07]

JLC hands down.

[mfnj]

I owned the JLC with a white face and while nice, I got bored of it due to its more traditional styling. I find the Transocean a little more lively, especially the version with contrasting sub dials. And don't kid yourself, this particular JLC will not hold its value like you think it will (just look at what they sell for pre-owned on the various forums) speaking first hand. In fact the pre-owned discounts on both models are about the same. So don't buy either watch based upon value, buy it because you think it looks best on your wrist. BTW, they are both great to own if not permanently, at least temporarily

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by mfnj

I owned the JLC with a white face and while nice, I got bored of it due to its more traditional styling. I find the Transocean a little more lively, especially the version with contrasting sub dials. And don't kid yourself, this particular JLC will not hold its value like you think it will (just look at what they sell for pre-owned on the various forums) speaking first hand. In fact the pre-owned discounts on both models are about the same. So don't buy either watch based upon value, buy it because you think it looks best on your wrist. BTW, they are both great to own if not permanently, at least temporarily

Thanks, very helpful comment. The Breitling is a good value compared to the JLC for a more versatile watch.

[mfnj]

Originally Posted by mcorliss

Thanks, very helpful comment. The Breitling is a good value compared to the JLC for a more versatile watch.

and the JLC is a bit dressier and delicate (IMO)!

here was mine

[subtona]

Jlc

[azguy]

I love the B01, but if money was no object I'd buy the JLC over it any day

[mcorliss]

Got it! Not sure why I love it so much, but I just do:-)


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[mfnj]

Originally Posted by mcorliss

Got it! Not sure why I love it so much, but I just do:-)Attachment 431491


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Congrats!

Looks great on your wrist. There was no bad decision here, each a winner in the own right. Well done.

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by mcorliss

Got it! Not sure why I love it so much, but I just do:-)Attachment 431491


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Congratulations! My 38mm Transocean says hello...




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[zbrock06]

Breitling Transocean is a great watch. I have a white face w/ black leather strap.

[Bismuth01]

If you're looking at black dial versions of either, I would go with TOC. Cannot stand the date wheel of the JLC being white.

[Planet E.]

Both look really nice. But for watches, you need to put it on your wrist to see which you like the most. Congratulations.

[Mick8moses]

JLC gets my vote

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[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by Mick8moses

JLC gets my vote

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JLC looks impressive in the pics shown above, but in reality, the scale is much smaller and dressier than the Breitling. In person, the TransOcean has much better presence