JLC Master Tourbillion - thoughts vs Patek and AP

[Farris]

Guys,

I have been focused on a AP and Patek after having spent a good amount of time viewing other brands various. I never realised this watch was in the same ballpark as other watches I was considering.

How would you stack this watch against a RG Pateks Nautilus 5712R and 5980r or the 41mm AP Royal Oak chrono?

Is JLC in the same league as Patek or AP?

Is the JLC movement in this watch something very special?

Any advice and info is much appreciated.

[Presa canary]

I'd say jlc deserves the same respect as pp and ap. And yes, this watch, this movement is something truly special... I'd choose this watch over the 5712 and the chrono based on looks alone. But that really depends on what you like. All 3 are great choices

[tavv160]

I feel JLC doesn't get enough recognition for what it actually is. It is one of my favorite brands and it is a great manufacture. The watchmaker's watchmaker. They used to supply movements to both PP and AP. This calibre 978 is a beautiful movement!

If I had the choice, I would take the JLC Tourbillon over the other two pieces any day of the week.

[subtona]

Jlc very nice, but if we are talking Tourbillion, have you looked at the AP Jumbo?
Comes in SS or rose gold... 2 hand Tourbillion , its amazing

[Farris]

Originally Posted by subtona

Jlc very nice, but if we are talking Tourbillion, have you looked at the AP Jumbo?
Comes in SS or rose gold... 2 hand Tourbillion , its amazing

This watch chrono in RG is hands down the most beautiful watch I have ever seen! My #1 watch!

It seems waaaay out of my budget. If I could snipe one f these anywhere near my budget I would be all over it.

[Farris]

Originally Posted by subtona

Jlc very nice, but if we are talking Tourbillion, have you looked at the AP Jumbo?
Comes in SS or rose gold... 2 hand Tourbillion , its amazing

A few questions please:

- Can the AP tourbillion rose gold version (non chrono) be had at price point similar to the JLC? I know the 41mm chrono can be had at a good discount.

- what would be a great deal on a used AP RG chrono tourbillion on leather strap, with box and paper?

- Assuming the AP tourbillions are huge money, what sort of discount can one get if they push for deal on the JLC tourbillion?

This forum is fantastic and thank you all for the amazing input!

[FeelingTheBlues]

I like a moonphase indicator a lot, I think this complication is mesmerizing and the 5712 is, to me, the nicest Nautilus reference...especially in rose gold.

However, I must say that a tourbillon remains a real horological masterpiece and I for one would choose that JLC over a 5712r all day, anyday! Jaeger-Lecoultre has developped many patents and calibers for Patek, Audemars, Vacheron and Cartier and it has been a provider for many years, they clearly are in the same group and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one and enjoy it.

[kilyung]

There isn't another manufacture with as many in-house movements as JLC. The brand is crazy good but seriously underrated.

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

I like a moonphase indicator a lot, I think this complication is mesmerizing and the 5712 is, to me, the nicest Nautilus reference...especially in rose gold.

However, I must say that a tourbillon remains a real horological masterpiece and I for one would choose that JLC over a 5712r all day, anyday! Jaeger-Lecoultre has developped many patents and calibers for Patek, Audemars, Vacheron and Cartier and it has been a provider for many years, they clearly are in the same group and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one and enjoy it.

AGREED!

JLC is something special indeed, and i would take the JLC tour any day over a 5980 or 5712 , any metals in both PP

[Watchguy69]

Originally Posted by Farris

Guys,

I have been focused on a AP and Patek after having spent a good amount of time viewing other brands various. I never realised this watch was in the same ballpark as other watches I was considering.

How would you stack this watch against a RG Pateks Nautilus 5712R and 5980r or the 41mm AP Royal Oak chrono?

Is JLC in the same league as Patek or AP?

Is the JLC movement in this watch something very special?

Any advice and info is much appreciated.

I rank JLC very highly but for different reasons than PP or AP. I'd say AP and Patek have a higher level of finishing on their movements, and style is a higher priority for those brands, particularly in AP's case. While their finishing is nothing to sneeze at, JLC's forte is their movements, thus earning the nickname "the watchmaker's watch". Their movements have a reputation for excellent accuracy, even compared against their esteemed peers, and I'd have to agree based on my experience.

[conkers]

I agree JLC massively under-rated. I have always loved owning JLCs. There's a very well priced Platinum Master Tourbillon in the classified being sold by the immensely helpful Erik, well worth a look. Been thinking about it myself - gorgeous piece.

[Watchguy69]

Originally Posted by Farris

A few questions please:

- Can the AP tourbillion rose gold version (non chrono) be had at price point similar to the JLC? I know the 41mm chrono can be had at a good discount.

- what would be a great deal on a used AP RG chrono tourbillion on leather strap, with box and paper?

- Assuming the AP tourbillions are huge money, what sort of discount can one get if they push for deal on the JLC tourbillion?

This forum is fantastic and thank you all for the amazing input!

If you're comparing AP and JLC watches in the same condition (i.e. new vs. new), I think you'll find the AP to be significantly more expensive. In general, JLC timepieces start at lower price points compared to their AP counterparts. And JLCs can be found with equally good discounts, sometimes better.

Last I checked, there were listings on the web for JLC Master Tourbillons priced around $70-75k USD.

As it turns out, the Master Tourbillon Dualtime was my most recent acquisition, and my only JLC branded watch. I wanted a tourbillon, and after looking at my options, I chose the JLC for it's combination of accuracy, movement reputation, and price point. I'm enjoying it very much.


You may find better finishing on Patek or Lange, but JLC is no pushover.

[Watchguy69]

For comparison, here are some images of the finishing from Patek, AP, and Lange (my favorite) for good measure.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1381648704.120714.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1381648724.303656.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1381648740.454985.jpg

[Farris]

WOW

Those are some mazing pics!

I spent a full day today checking out some pretty impressive pieces. I visited:
- L&S
- VC
- JLC
- AP
- Breguet
- IWC
- RM
- Panerai
- Hublot

I have to say JLC impressed me very much with their minute repeater and the perpetual calendar tourbillion. The Lange and Sohne watches were also truly stunning, however with the exception of the double split, they felt a bit small on me. I don't care for the off the centred design of the some of the other L&S watches.

IWC, Panerai, Hublot and Breguet really didn't do much for me at all.

I am definitely going to go with either a Patek Nautilus 5712R 5980R or a JLC.

Here are some pics from my day out.

[DreambreaX]

a very classy watch. more classy than any ap roo imo

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by kilyung

There isn't another manufacture with as many in-house movements as JLC. The brand is crazy good but seriously underrated.

Hear hear!

[DreambreaX]

I rather buy JLC rather than patek. patek is overated. JLC FTW! Design more innovation and creative!