Jaeger-LeCoultre

Here is something I wanted to post since a very long time. I waited for the opportunity to play with a Chronometre Royal, to raise a question: Which is the best: To make a great movement, or to finish it? Here, the picture of the P 478 / BWSBr: And here, ...  

The watch has a transparent case back. Otherwise is something that only my watchmaker will enjoy, not me. Considering that I'm a little paranoid with magnetism and transparent case back ... for me is just a nice to have. About the two movement under discu... 

On the JLC, you have a plate and a big bridge. While on the VC, the bridges and platre are re worked, hence this feeling. As for the importance of a finished movement protected or hidden by a solid case back, I tend to disagree. I am always happy ot know ... 

This is a good and interesting topic. Of course, LeCoultre and VC have a shared history, no? It is interesting to see the movement so differently finished in these two watches. Like you, even if there is a solid caseback, I like knowing that what is hidde... 

I like the movement of the Geophysic a lot, as you know. And of course, Vacheron didn't make a mistake when choosing it for the Chronometre Royal, whose finish is existing, when it is " rougher " on the JLC. Though, I like that the JLC is rougher, as it i... 

You see more of the movement. With the geophysic, is it because of protection. With that kind of a design, i dont really see how finishing plays a part because the whole thing looks industrial to begin with. Maybe a maltese cross somewhere in there would ... 

Hence you have more to see on the Chronometre Royal movement. It is not only the perlage and the Cotes De Genève. My heart goes for the JLC for another reason: There are no white metal Chronometres Royaux. Plus the fact that I love the sotry behind the JL... 

Well both are awesome watches. The calibre 478 was one of the very best ever jlc hand wound movements ever made and was a strong competitor of the iwc cal 89 and the later omega 30t2 variants. The 478 ticking in my vintage jlc is +2 sec per day accurate a... 

And really eye catching, too. You are absolutely right about the Cal 920. JLC was the Watchmaker's watchmakers, at this time. Best, Nicolas

Good aim, Nico! You know I love all the variations, and personally I find a unique charm to each of these 12.5 ligne movements, regardless of finish. The more common variety demonstrate great industrial design: adaptability, durability, serviceability, ec...  

The 4 brothers together. The curious detail you raised, which also raises a question, is that the 478 is less finished than the superb 479 ( housed in the WWW ) and than the not less appealing 488 ( housed in the Mark 11 ), while the Geophysic was less a ... 

Well, I would say - to make the movement! After that you have always the option to decorate it or not... ;) Thank you for sharing these pics! The work VC made is really stunning! Best, my friend Blomman

"What do the greatest brands call themselves...'watch manufacturers' or 'watch decorateurs'?"

The finishing and "re-designing" (for lack of a better word) of the Vacheron Constantin version is superb! Thank you for these lovely pictures. Cheers Francois

.. without being qualified enough, an interesting fact; wasn't aware of this/these links between VC & JLC and the repercussions thereby. Love both, the time-pieces & the finish, but as rightly said here, the beauty of the finishing was remarkable; but if ... 

... One is for a scientist and the other one for a king, no doubt there are differences :-) Personally, I'll be a happy scientist with the Geophysic on my wrist ;-) All the best, Etienne