Cross shopping the JLC Master Control Calendar

[HiBoost]

I'm wondering if you all have any suggestions for other watches to consider. For this particular "slot" in my collection I'm looking for a piece with the following traits:

1) Interesting complications (this one has a full calendar with a jumping date hand)
2) Subtle/classic styling
3) A solid brand pedigree but off the mainstream radar (i.e. not a Rolex/Omega/Tag, more like a JLC/GO/etc)
4) 39-40mm case and not too thick (this one is 10.9mm)
5) A style which can be dressed up or down.

I think the JLC fits the bill pretty well. I was able to try on the date-only variant and it fit my wrist perfectly (though it is 2mm thinner), but have yet to see the Calendar in the metal.

Any other potential candidates to consider?

cal.jpg

[AsynchronousWhirl]

How about a Cartier Calibre?


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[Patton250]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

I'm wondering if you all have any suggestions for other watches to consider. For this particular "slot" in my collection I'm looking for a piece with the following traits:

1) Interesting complications (this one has a full calendar with a jumping date hand)
2) Subtle/classic styling
3) A solid brand pedigree but off the mainstream radar (i.e. not a Rolex/Omega/Tag, more like a JLC/GO/etc)
4) 39-40mm case and not too thick (this one is 10.9mm)
5) A style which can be dressed up or down.

I think the JLC fits the bill pretty well. I was able to try on the date-only variant and it fit my wrist perfectly (though it is 2mm thinner), but have yet to see the Calendar in the metal.

Any other potential candidates to consider?

Attachment 1250564

OK let’s talk seriously for one second shall we? That is an awesome piece. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Multi functional complication, easy to read and let’s face it, it’s a JLC. Do it.

[Saaci]

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[JP123]

Slightly more expensive but the Moser Endeavour Perpetual Calendar has an amazing complication that is implemented very well so you barely see it

[HiBoost]

Thanks everyone for the input!

To quickly respond to the options given:

Cartier - to my eye, these beautiful watches are a bit more formal than I can use on a regular basis.

PanoMaticLunar - I have looked at this model and I'm still considering it. Overall I really like the GO aesthetic, but this model is definitely a bit thicker (12.7mm) than the JLC which was my main concern.

Moser - "slightly" more expensive? haha In truth, even if the price point were the same I cannot get past the fumé dials on their entire line. Maybe that look will grow on me over time, and admittedly I haven't seen one in person, but in pictures it just looks like a very cheap Fossil or similar design to me.

Keep the ideas coming though, if nothing else it helps me solidify how much I like the JLC!

[JPBlackBay]

My 1st thought was the GO PanoLunar as well. The PanoReserve is a manual version that is thinner, although probably still a bit thicker than the JLC.

It's not really my thing, but you could look at the Blancpain Villeret line.

[Passinthru]

I would get this:

Jaeger Lecoultre Master World Geographic Mens Watch 146.8.32.S Q1528420

Although it may be a little large for you.

[wesdaniel]

Why not the JLC perpetual calendar? To me, that's a stunning watch with amazing complications.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

Why not the JLC perpetual calendar? To me, that's a stunning watch with amazing complications.

It is a good looking watch for sure, though I do find it a bit more busy aesthetically. Maybe it's the 3 subdials that give it a chrono look, not sure. It's also 2x the cost which feels like much less of a value. I get that the perpetual calendar, as compared to the full calendar, gets more respect, but the full calendar actually has more pieces in the movement and a more "enjoyable" feature (to me) of the jumping date.

[vitalsigns]

The Master Moon is a great piece too. Probably less expensive and comes in many dial colors. Thinner, if that's important.

[uscmatt99]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

It is a good looking watch for sure, though I do find it a bit more busy aesthetically. Maybe it's the 3 subdials that give it a chrono look, not sure. It's also 2x the cost which feels like much less of a value. I get that the perpetual calendar, as compared to the full calendar, gets more respect, but the full calendar actually has more pieces in the movement and a more "enjoyable" feature (to me) of the jumping date.

I think you've found your ideal next timepiece The most recent Master Control releases are fantastic. I agree that the perpetual is a bit busy and I'm not a fan of the year display. The calendar has pretty harmonious design and that jumping date complication is really cool. I also like the chrono calendar, though I'm guessing that's more busy than you're looking for as well.

[Skyrider01]

That JLC Master calendar seems to check all the requirements you’re looking for.
Go for it! I highly recommend it. I own the older version with the meteorite dial and love it.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by Skyrider01

That JLC Master calendar seems to check all the requirements you’re looking for.
Go for it! I highly recommend it. I own the older version with the meteorite dial and love it.

Funny you mention that. This model first came on my radar while reading Ryan Schmidt's (awesome) "the wristwatch handbook" when I saw this...

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[swish77]

That's a handsome watch that I've seen several times in person. Sounds as if it checks all of your boxes. I'd prefer it on a black gator, but definitely works as a more casual watch on a tan strap.

I'm waiting to see the chrono version in person, but it's had some movement issues that delayed shipments as JLC tries to sort it out, or that was the case a couple of months ago. That might be a good option too, although it's a little thicker.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by swish77

That's a handsome watch that I've seen several times in person. Sounds as if it checks all of your boxes. I'd prefer it on a black gator, but definitely works as a more casual watch on a tan strap.

I'm waiting to see the chrono version in person, but it's had some movement issues that delayed shipments as JLC tries to sort it out, or that was the case a couple of months ago. That might be a good option too, although it's a little thicker.

No question the chrono is great looking as well. Everybody has different goals and preferences for their collection. For me, I kind of like the way the MC Calendar celebrates the calendar and nothing more. As soon as you add in the chrono, then the calendar complication seems to take a back seat to some degree. In the same way, I love how my Speedmaster doesn't even have a date. The chrono is the whole show.

I had read about those movement issues, but it sounded like the belief was anything produced in 2H2021 was good to go. Still, I might wait a few months to make sure that pans out if I were aiming for that model. I talked to the AD today and she said she could have the Calendar in a week from Jaeger, so I think I'm going to pull the trigger real soon...

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts on the topic. Nice to be able to bounce ideas off of others. Nobody I know in the real world has any opinion on such things haha.

[Jmaster]

How about VC Historiques triple calendar 1942? No moon phase but a great looking watch with a good manual movement.

[rootbeer7]

Breitling Datora?

[DVR]

I own the 2007 version of that watch and really like the look, mine is a boutique edition,one of 35 pieces, it has a ruthenium dial. And although I love how it looks I haven't worn it since I bought it in 2014. I seem to gravitate to more sportier watches.
But if you like this style I think JLC is a sure bet!

[ChetBaker]

What a coincidence. I was going to post this ruthenium dial as I just saw if on another forum. It sure is a looker!

[gnuyork]

Gotta love the Master Control JLCs. I'd say get that one. My next watch will likely be a JLC. I can't decide between a Reverso and the Master Control.

[HiBoost]

Order placed!!

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[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Funny you mention that. This model first came on my radar while reading Ryan Schmidt's (awesome) "the wristwatch handbook" when I saw this...

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I love mine ! Dial is amazing.

[DVR]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Order placed!!

Well done and congrats! JLC is such a very nice brand!
I own several JLC's and they bring me tremendous joy.

[Skyrider01]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Order placed!!

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Congrats in advance!

[Justindo]

Congratulations! I think you made a great choice and it doesn't seem like any other watch of this sort in this price range comes close, except for maybe the JLC Master Control Chronograph Calendar, and I like your point of letting one complication shine in a watch.

Of the watches mentioned in this thread, I honestly think the Master Control Calendar is the best choice, other than the JLC Chronograph Calendar and the Vacheron Historiques 1942, which is twice the price of the JLC and so it's not really a competitor. I agree that the JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar has an odd year placement and it lacks that very unique jumping date pointer hand complication of your JLC. The Breitling Datora has a great dial but the watch is very thick and lacks an in house movement. The GO Panomatic Lunar is a great watch with superior movement finishing but I think your JLC is much more classic looking and versatile. As for the Mosers, I'm not really a fan of the fume dials either and the only Mosers I've ever liked are the Venturer Small Seconds, which are discontinued. (Apparently no one else liked these!)

Wear your new timepiece in good health.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by Justindo

Congratulations! I think you made a great choice and it doesn't seem like any other watch of this sort in this price range comes close, except for maybe the JLC Master Control Chronograph Calendar, and I like your point of letting one complication shine in a watch.

Of the watches mentioned in this thread, I honestly think the Master Control Calendar is the best choice, other than the JLC Chronograph Calendar and the Vacheron Historiques 1942, which is twice the price of the JLC and so it's not really a competitor. I agree that the JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar has an odd year placement and it lacks that very unique jumping date pointer hand complication of your JLC. The Breitling Datora has a great dial but the watch is very thick and lacks an in house movement. The GO Panomatic Lunar is a great watch with superior movement finishing but I think your JLC is much more classic looking and versatile. As for the Mosers, I'm not really a fan of the fume dials either and the only Mosers I've ever liked are the Venturer Small Seconds, which are discontinued. (Apparently no one else liked these!)

Wear your new timepiece in good health.

Thank you! Sounds like you and I have very similar preferences and likes :)

I'll post back when it shows up with a few pics.