Is this JLC Deep Sea Chrono a good buy ?

[chiggah]

This will be my first real watch, so I'm considered a newbie. Never even had a G-shock before since I just use my phone to keep time. Growing up, I'm just familiar with Rolex, Panerai, Patek and IWC, but never heard of JLC.

I always had my eye on the Rolex Sub but it just feels a bit too common so having second thoughts. The next option is an IWC Portuguese. However, just did some browsing and the JLC Tourbillon really caught my eye though but unfortunately, way out of my budget

Someone offered me this locally for about 7.5k USD which looks like a great price and quite rare on second hand market. Dated June 2013. Nearly new condition. Have warranty card from watches of Switzerland (authorized dealer).

The JLC he has for example is the only one in Australasia right now for sale. Even if you want it at a shop you have to wait for next year as it is all sold out, and claims so many buyers are interested in it.

What are your thoughts on the watch itself versus the submariner ? And in terms of investment value over time ? Would I be losing much or will it remain stagnant ?

Feels a bit hard to swallow 7.5k on a watch I never heard of, but I know I cant go wrong with a 5k submariner. Just a simple & classic staple. If more enthusiasts can express their thoughts, that'd be much appreciated

Review - http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/hands-o...ea-chronograph

[kilyung]

JLC is one of my favorite brands. A fantastic manufacture (even more so than Rolex). However I'd say get the Sub first. You'll pine for it if you get the JLC. Resale on JLCs aren't great although watches as an investment is plain nonsense.

[psv]

I really like JLC and that model in particular. I'd say that the Sub is a bit more bullet-proof and in general I prefer watches on metal bracelets, but the deal you are getting is a good one so don't worry about that.

[Presa canary]

I'm sorry but there is no comparison between the two watches. That jlc is in a different league than the sub. You can pick up a sub any and every day, I'd get that chrono if it were up to me...

[psv]

Originally Posted by Presa canary

I'm sorry but there is no comparison between the two watches. That jlc is in a different league than the sub. You can pick up a sub any and every day, I'd get that chrono if it were up to me...

JLC makes some amazing watches, but I'm not sure I agree with the statement that this particular JLC model is "in a different league". They are both mass-produced watches with good finishing and attention to details.

[conkers]

Jaeger every time..........

[Presa canary]

Originally Posted by psv

JLC makes some amazing watches, but I'm not sure I agree with the statement that this particular JLC model is "in a different league". They are both mass-produced watches with good finishing and attention to details.

Both mass produced? Last time I heard, jlc puts out around 40k pieces a year. I believe only around 400 of these models were produced. Rolex around a million a year. And I could only guess millions of subs out there for the taking. Only one is mass produced... Take a look at that caliber 758 and compare it to any sub movement. I think you'll agree, slightly different leagues...

[vukotab]

That JLC is really something else, truly magnificent watch from well known and respected manufacture.

While undoubtedly a prestigious watch, Rolex Sub is pretty common these days and it's iconic (and much, too much) copied design is both it's advantage and disadvantage IMO.
Based on purely horological terms, I don't think that comparison is possible

JLC's movement is piece of art, comparable with one in Rolex Daytona, and Sub is powered by bulletproof, legendary but quite simple 3135.
So, if you want something like horological masterpiece, you`re much closer to achieve that having JLC chrono.
And it will give you possibility to fly below the radar, which is pretty impossible while wearing the Sub.

BUT...
If I were you, I wouldn't have any doubts and I would go for Sub in a heartbeat.
First, I'm extremely fond of it's design. It is maybe common, but strongly reminiscent of times past, which makes it almost perfect for me.
Second, you are still new to watches and there will be times for something more complicated, but Sub is simply the Sub, sturdy, rock-solid all-rounder, with timeless design and movement that could run unserviced for ridiculously long time (we're talking decades here).
Plus, as an investment (I hate that term), any sport Rolex is almost perfect and it will definitely hold the value.

You cannot go wrong with any of them, I just think that order of getting them should be - Sub first, JLC second!

[tavv160]

My Sub is one the pieces in my collection I would never part with (along with my AP RO and JLC Reverso). It is such a versatile and classic watch. If I had to reduce my collection to one piece, the Sub would be a good candidate of being the one.

That being said, the JLC Deep Sea is one of the watches I would be interested in adding to my collection, but that probably is because I have most of the basics covered (beater, dress watch, beach watch, etcetera). So I would have to agree with others that the Sub would be the one to get if you are just getting into watches, and the JLC would be the one to get later on.

But it also depends on what you are looking for. The Sub will be recognized by people that have little to no knowledge of watches, but the JLC will only be recognized by people that have more knowledge of watches. I for one enjoy that my AP RO is only recognized by people that know something about watches.

In the end it is you that has to make the decision, and you should get the one you like most. But you cannot go wrong with either. Both great pieces!

[psv]

Originally Posted by Presa canary

Both mass produced? Last time I heard, jlc puts out around 40k pieces a year. I believe only around 400 of these models were produced. Rolex around a million a year. And I could only guess millions of subs out there for the taking. Only one is mass produced... Take a look at that caliber 758 and compare it to any sub movement. I think you'll agree, slightly different leagues...

I guess I should have said machine made. There are certainly various JLC's that blows contemporary Rolex away in terms of fit, finish and complexity - no argument there, but many of the lower rang models are machine produced just as Rolex. I've had 3 JLCs new (and some used) and two of those had issues just out of box, so perhaps I'm not as overly enthusiastic about the brand (or Richemont in general) as some other people. Having said that, I'm looking at the Cermet version of this chrono right now so I like the model a lot. But still, I think the Sub is fantastic watch (painfully common, of course) that I think can hold its own against the basic entry-level/machine produced JLCs.

And yes, JLC most likely makes less than 50K watches/year, but the only reason is that they cannot sell more. They have so many limited edition this and that, re-makes, fake patina etc, it is rather confusing. Just take the JLC Navy Seals Alarm, only 1,500 pieces made, it has been out of 5 years and you can find one sitting in the display box at every JLC dealer around the world still.