JLC Deep Sea Chrono Cermet vs. Omega Speedmaster DSOTM

[this_is_dk]

Hey Guys!

Am trying to decide between two fantastic watches - The JLC Deep Sea Chrono Cermet vs. Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of The Moon.

Was wondering if anyone owns either one of them (or both) and can share their thoughts and experiences.

Which one to get? Arghh.

p/s Price is not an issue in this decision.

Thanks in advance!

[ap1]

Jlc

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by this_is_dk

Hey Guys!
Am trying to decide between two fantastic watches - The JLC Deep Sea Chrono Cermet vs. Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of The Moon.Was wondering if anyone owns either one of them (or both) and can share their thoughts and experiences

How about a girl giving you some adviceGoodnesss Gracious Me ! Really...It's not even a contest Sir ! Why...The Original Speedy DSoTM Cal 9300 with its 100% pure ceramic casing of course !

I've tried on the DSoTM in the OB surprisingly only a couple of times over the past 3 yrs since it's a best seller watch , it's soooo utterly Cool and Comfy on the wrist ! Very versatile and dressier watch over the JLC , clean functional dial with an absolutely terrific black Cordura fabric strap ( owners of other versions of the watch continue to hunt for this particular strap ). A crowd favourite and arguably THE DARLING CERAMIC WATCH OF THE OMEGA FORUM (The GSoTM is more dressier but a gorgeous fraternal twin brother or sister nevertheless) grudgingly given a nod by critics and pundits alike over the OF. Just remember the JLC DS Cermet isn't COSC certified and waaayyyy overpriced!

[ocean2059]

I really like JLC brand. But between these two, I will definitely go for the Omega. The DSoTM is such a special watch, the case, movement, and the whole package.

[1William]

I have owned both and prefer the DSOTM. I have also owned the GSOTM. The Omega's wear beautifully and if bought right you can move out very easily if you should so choose.

[Theothergreg]

Searching far and wide for a milestone watch for my son, I bought him a DSOTM for his college graduation earlier this year. It's a very versatile watch, every facet is top notch and is extremely comfortable for daily wear.

[this_is_dk]

Appreciate the feedback from everyone.

Seems like DSoTM is the better option.
I have tried one on in a boutique and it was extremely comfortable to wear.
Super cool and stealthy yet versatile.

Thanks guys AND gals!

[DCheeta]

It would be valuable to hear from someone who has actually seen, worn or even owned the JLC (aside from 1William). We know that the DSOTM is a crowd pleaser and we all love it, but to say that it is the “better choice” solely because one has never worn the JLC is a bit irresponsible.

Let’s look at it objectively. First we can cancel out the similarities so that we can consider the differences. They’re both black, scratch-resistant 44mm chronographs with modern in-house chronograph movements. Both are automatics, both come on straps only, both are beautiful.

Now the differences. The Omega has the date and a display case back, whereas the JLC does not. The JLC has a deeper water rating than the Omega (100m vs 50m). The JLC has a rotating timing bezel vs the Omega’s non-rotating tachometer bezel. Are these pros or cons? That’s up to the individual based on what he or she prioritizes.

Finally, the case material must be considered. Both offer the scratch resistance of ceramic, but the JLC is a metal case coated in ceramic, so it can not shatter as the result of a hard impact, which can happen to the fully ceramic case of the Speedmaster (however unlikely that might be).

Personally, if there is not a greater collection to take into account I don’t know which I would choose. They’re both amazing watches and they have some interesting differences. Both come from Swiss houses with a long and storied history. At least try them both on and research them both fully before deciding.

When faced with this choice I went the JLC route (albeit the stainless steel version of the Deep Sea Chrono) - but not because I was able to determine that one was superior to the other. Ultimately I decided on the JLC because I had none in my collection but already have three Omegas. Thank God I had that tie-breaker or I would still be trying to decide!

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

..SNIP...
Finally, the case material must be considered. Both offer the scratch resistance of ceramic, but the JLC is a metal case coated in ceramic, so it can not shatter as the result of a hard impact, which can happen to the fully ceramic case of the Speedmaster (however unlikely that might be).

Is the whole case, including lugs, made from metal, then coated in ceramic ? I ask because the IWC Top Gun ceramic models were also ceramic over a metal "core", but that encapsulated solely the movement and not the lugs. There are unfortunate instances where this did not help at all, when the watch was dropped...

Back to thew OP, hard choice, I love the Speedy's, but the JLC is a very attractive watch. I would probably take it over the regular DSOTM, but not over the DSOTM Vintage.

[Theothergreg]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

It would be valuable to hear from someone who has actually seen, worn or even owned the JLC (aside from 1William). We know that the DSOTM is a crowd pleaser and we all love it, but to say that it is the “better choice” solely because one has never worn the JLC is a bit irresponsible.

Let’s look at it objectively. First we can cancel out the similarities so that we can consider the differences. They’re both black, scratch-resistant 44mm chronographs with modern in-house chronograph movements. Both are automatics, both come on straps only, both are beautiful.

Now the differences. The Omega has the date and a display case back, whereas the JLC does not. The JLC has a deeper water rating than the Omega (100m vs 50m). The JLC has a rotating timing bezel vs the Omega’s non-rotating tachometer bezel. Are these pros or cons? That’s up to the individual based on what he or she prioritizes.

Finally, the case material must be considered. Both offer the scratch resistance of ceramic, but the JLC is a metal case coated in ceramic, so it can not shatter as the result of a hard impact, which can happen to the fully ceramic case of the Speedmaster (however unlikely that might be).

Personally, if there is not a greater collection to take into account I don’t know which I would choose. They’re both amazing watches and they have some interesting differences. Both come from Swiss houses with a long and storied history. At least try them both on and research them both fully before deciding.

When faced with this choice I went the JLC route (albeit the stainless steel version of the Deep Sea Chrono) - but not because I was able to determine that one was superior to the other. Ultimately I decided on the JLC because I had none in my collection but already have three Omegas. Thank God I had that tie-breaker or I would still be trying to decide!

As I mentioned, we looked at a variety of watches during our search for my son's graduation watch. Included was the JLC Deep Sea Chrono Cermet. As such, you missed a few of the differences which were taken into consideration during the decision-making process.

First, the DSOTM is made from a single block of zirconium dioxide ceramic which requires a much more complex manufacturing process. Most of the main components such as the dial, crown, chronograph pushers and buckle are all ceramic, too, which is unique and gives the DSOTM a more uniform appearance. My son, as a newly minted engineer, appreciated the complexity and gave this more weight than perhaps the average person (ie. me).

JLC states only the case is cermet, where the bezel, case back and pushers are made of titanium (I believe). This gives the JLC a retro look with the use of modern materials, whereas the DSOTM is all modern with a "stealthy" look.

The DSOTM also uses Omega's Caliber 9300 movement. It is COSC certified whereas the Caliber 758 in the JLC is not. Again, measurables that appealed to the engineering side.

One similarity is that both fabric straps are lined with soft leather, so both were very comfortable on the wrist.

Lastly, the JLC retails for $5k more, but both can be had at significant discounts which makes the price difference more in the $2-$3k range.

"Better" is always subjective so an individual needs to weigh each of the attributes to determine which of these watches appeals to them the most.

[asiparks]

So, not usually one for liking watches that involve gold, but as we are talking about DSoTM's
this version is pretty bloody nice...

Same grey ceramic case as the GSoTM that really shows off the contrasting brushed and polished facets...

[this_is_dk]

For me, one major drawback of the JLC Deep Sea is the lack of an open case back.
I love to see the mechanical innards of the watch especially at this price point.
This is probably the biggest thing holding me back on the JLC.

That being said, I haven't seen anyone wearing the JLC Cermet yet. Seems quite rare where I am from.

[meganfox17]

I'll just share some of my thoughts and experiences dealing with a DSoTM

Contrary to popular belief, there are only 2-3 isolated cases of broken ceramic DSoTM watches documented on the Omega Forum in the last few years.The incidence of shattered lugs, chipped off casing are extremely low by my own account ,about 0.02-0.03% watches per year. Don't take my word for it. Just ask Ash @dsio, the Chief Mod of the OF.
Most of the broken ceramics watches of many Swiss watchmaker brands like IWC, Panerai are actually recycled photos from the Internet so take each case must be examined carefully. Did you guys notice the problem of broken ceramic is virtually NON EXISTENT in owners with complete understanding on the properties of ceramic and treat their watches with respect?

God Forbid but a broken or chipped casing or fracture lugs of a DSoTM is going to cost the owner a very painful USD 7000 to replace! That's right OP. The watch head casing has to be replaced en Bloc ! So buying Insurance for the DSoTM is a pretty good idea for unlucky owners who cannot stomach the bill

It's comforting to know that the original DSoTM holds its value quite well in the secondary market and don't depreciate that much. For example a 2015 pre owned in my local eBay market can still fetch a price of ~70-75 % of the value of a brand new! The handsome watch is a best seller because it's cool, oozing with sophistication and charm AND earning the title of Omega's first watch in pure ceramic

Some of my friends on the OF are delaying their decision to buy the DSoTM since Omega is in the midst of METAS certifying all their line of watches by 2020 , that includes a strong rumour next year of the Master Chronometer status being bestowed upon the DSOTM , thus an automatic upgrade to 100 m water resistance casing. So that's food for thought guys.The Swatch Group and Omega will not rest on their laurels...

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by Theothergreg

As I mentioned, we looked at a variety of watches during our search for my son's graduation watch. Included was the JLC Deep Sea Chrono Cermet...

..."Better" is always subjective so an individual needs to weigh each of the attributes to determine which of these watches appeals to them the most.

Well said! Aren't there a ton of great chronographs on the market now? Makes the hunt really difficult, but fun!

Another difference worth noting that neither of us has touched on yet is the lug-to-lug size. Although both watches report case diameters of roughly 44mm, the DSOTM wears much better on a smaller wrist like mine due to the design of the lugs. (This is the main reason that I went with the SS version of the JLC instead of the cermet, the SS case is only 42mm.)

Originally Posted by this_is_dk

For me, one major drawback of the JLC Deep Sea is the lack of an open case back.
I love to see the mechanical innards of the watch especially at this price point.
This is probably the biggest thing holding me back on the JLC.

That being said, I haven't seen anyone wearing the JLC Cermet yet. Seems quite rare where I am from.

I agree with you there. I do lament the lack of display case back on the JLC, as much of my appreciation for mechanical timepieces is due to my fascination with the movements.

[this_is_dk]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

Another difference worth noting that neither of us has touched on yet is the lug-to-lug size. Although both watches report case diameters of roughly 44mm, the DSOTM wears much better on a smaller wrist like mine due to the design of the lugs. (This is the main reason that I went with the SS version of the JLC instead of the cermet, the SS case is only 42mm.)

You make a good point here. The cermet's lugs flare out quite a bit with a slight downturn which may look odd on a smaller wrist. The SS case would definitely wear more similarly to the DSoTM. Hugging the wrists.
I wanted to try on the deep seas at my local JLC boutique but they had removed all of them citing a new Deep Sea line coming out soon. Not sure how true this is, I haven't heard anything in the news.