Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hello everyone,

I am currently a 20 year old college student looking to obtain my first "real" watch as a 21st birthday/graduation/medical school present. I've been wearing a Citizen Eco-drive Skyhawk Blue Angels since I was 13 years old. After doing some perusing on various watch-makers websites, I've fallen hopelessly in love with the JLC Reverso Squadra Hometime. This watch is sleek, elegant, simple, and the Reverso line has a very rich history. Furthermore, I feel that with the rubber strap, it can be good for daily wear?

All in all, am I justified in choosing this or should I look towards something else? My father suggested a Rolex GMT II Coke but I still like my JLC. And as for complications, the only things I really find absolutely necessary besides the time obviously, are a seconds hand and the date.

Any and all information is vastly appreciated...

Hey me and you are in a similar situation except I don't graduate til next year. It seems our taste is different though as I am torn between the Reverso GT, Master RDM, and the Master ultra thin. Those are three more options you could look into in addition to the squadra you're looking at.

Haha I don't graduate until next year either, I'm just lumping it all together in one to better convince my parents. Those three are all really nice, thanks for the tip off. The only thing is though, my personal belief is what's the use of having something nice and then keeping it tucked away and only wear it a few times a year? The Squadra has the rubber strap which, in my opinion, can take the beating of every day use.

JLC...



Most of your friends will choose the Rolex, as a first watch, so your choice may be original and of perfect taste.

Seriously, it is difficult to say on which one you should go...

Let's do a thing: Go to a JLC and a Rolex AD, and try them both.

Then come back here, and we'll discuss about it.

Very often, the " in real " test is the best answer.

Keep us updated, please, and ...Welcome here!

Nicolas

Hi, I agree with Nicolas, the most important is what the watch does for you when you try it on your wrist.  Some watches may be very nice but you will feel no emotion...that's why there are so many, it is just like men and women!...

Make your choice...

 

Matt

Do a search for Suitbert's review of the movement--the 975 'Autotractor'. It's an incredibly robust and accurate movement. I don't think the rubber strap will be a problem with daily wear--I have rubber straps for all three of my watches, and find them extremely versatile for daily wear. And you can always get a second strap to switch out whenever you like (it's quite simple to do so).

Cheers,
Daniel

Nothing wrong with falling in love with a watch, getting it, and wearing it. It can be _that_ simple.

Here's just another thought: take a hard look at how you live your life: your activities, your habits, your fixations, and choose a watch that will fit with the way you live. The most valuable timepieces I see around here are those that have a long history on their owner's wrists, or on the wrists of their loved ones. The best way to to make a watch "yours" is to wear it, and you will wear a watch more that fits your life, rather than arranging your life to occasionally wear your watch.

So: do you want a watch that you never take off, wear 24/7, is with you all the time? Are you very active: sports, swimming, outdoors? Travel a lot? This may focus your choices. On the other hand, are you planning on taking a dressy job after college? Looking for a business-day watch that you put on in the morning and take off at night, 5 days a week? Then a different watch will suggest itself.

It's wonderful to be 20 and have the opportunity to get a good watch. Choose one that fits your life, and start building a history.

Tom

I probably would have never considered a reverso at 21 before I started med school.  If I had the opportunity to get a nice watch before med school, I would have probably purchased a rolex or a jlc compressor with bracelet.  I prefer their versatility for dress/sportiness and overall resistance to fluids.  As a med student you will be asked to do some things that can get nasty and I would want a watch that could handle anything like blood/feces/bodily fluids.  That is assuming you wear your watch daily. 

I looked at some compressors and they're ridiculously awesome looking. unfortunately though, unless I can find a sweet deal on a used one or something, I'll have to wait until I'm a doctor before I can afford one of those...

that the PuristSPro All-Black Rescue Watch would be ideal for med school, if there are any left!  You should check them out.

In terms of comparing the JLC and a Rolex GMT II, I agree pretty much entirely with Nicolas's thoughts on the subject.

Best,

Jed

Did you compare it to others? How do you like it now that you've seen it in person?

DJK

I liked how it felt on my wrist, it wasn't too heavy, I'm afraid it might be a little too large for my wrist but whatever

Also, if anyone has any suggestions of other watches in the $3500-4000 range that would be ideal (pre-owned included obviously)

...but I gravitate to classic-looking time/time&date pieces. So, in your price wheelhouse, I'd love to own a JLC Master Control or a Grand Seiko automatic. I haven't worked out my Rolex issues yet but the 14060M Submariner is a third.

I prefer a combination of class and sportiness.  When I bought my first watch, it was decision b/w a rolex 14060m and a JLC master control.  I ended up with the 14060M for 2 reasons.  One is because it is the classic sports watch and second because I figured I would get a more complicated (expensive) JLC in the future.  I am now waiting to get either the new master chrono or the redesigned compressor chrono in the next few months.  You can't go wrong with either brand.  Whatever you buy now, I am sure you will be looking for your next watch when you graduate school/residency at which time you will have another decision to make. 

To discuss watches, you have come to the right place!

 

Only problem is that we all have different taste and experience…

So each of us will answer differently – and all the answers will be correct!

But only you will be able to say which the right watch is for you…

 

Many good points have already been said here.

So I will try to keep it short.

 

Nothing beats the experience of wearing the watch on your wrist.

That is actually the first time you are really able to decide if it’s the one for you!

Different watch – different feeling on the wrist.

A watch that looks good in picture is not always good looking on your wrist.

 

To take in calculation what kind of lifestyle you have is also important.

But also take in consideration how you will use your watch and what do you mind and don’t mind.

 

For example; If you want to be able to wear it 24/7 – no matter what the occasion, OK.

But then you have to consider – do I mind a ding or scratch?

Does it bother me if I have to change strap every other year?

 

Bracelet can take more than a strap, but also more expensive. If budget tight, start with a rubber strap and then you can always buy a bracelet later.

 

There are a lot of wonderful watches around, but to mention some.

 

I love the Reverso Squadra – you may find this report interesting: jlc.watchprosite.com =

 

Rolex – a classic first watch (mine too by the way).

 

But if you like JLC maybe have a look on the older generation Master Compressors. For example the Master Compressor Memovox. Pre-owned it’s possible to get to a lower price then the new Compressor series.

 

More dressy watches like Classic Reverso, Master Control or Master hometime are also very nice – but not that sporty.

 

Just to mention a few…

 

The best advice I have to you IMO is; DON’T RUSH TO A DECISION!!!

If you decide today, to morrow or next year – doesn’t matter, there will always be a lot of watches for sale!

 

But the one you get as your first will always have a special place in your heart!

Doesn’t matter if you buy a hundred watches after this one – you will always remember your first…!

And if you don’t buy any more watches… well then that’s it…

 

Wish you the best of luck and pleas keep us updated on your decision.

 

Best

 

Blomman

This message has been edited by blomman on 2010-05-10 12:42:14

Thanks for all the input everyone. After reading all of your suggestions, I've taken another look at the JLC website and found that the Master Compressors are all really, really cool; I've started liking them just as much as the Reverso Squadra, but unfortunately they cost substantially more...

I've decided to shy away from Rolex because I feel that JLC is a more unknown brand my the mass public/a potential mugger so it might be the safer choice in that regard. Also, I'd rather not draw attention to myself by wearing a brand that most the world can recognize (at this point in my life, anyway)

Do any of you know of a good place where I can buy a used watch from? I've been looking on TimeZone.com and I've found seemingly pretty sweet deals? - for example a MC Geographic for $4700 (maybe I can bargain with the guy); is this a good deal? Anyways, I was just wondering if there were any other major websites, because I've found individual people may have better prices than going to Tourneau and looking in their preowned section or am I mistaken?

Oh how naive and uneducated I feel...

Thanks again,

R

And to do all the due diligence necessary to pursue a reputable and reliable seller (buy the seller, not the watch), then you can find some outstanding deals on sales boards (like that on TZ). Here's one pertinent example: I bought my Master Compressor Dualmatic used for $3k US. It was an unbelievable deal for the watch (which was in great condition).

If you have questions about seller and watches, I am happy to answer questions (I frequent the TZ board as well). But for now you ought to try to settle into the watch world and try to see as many watches in person as you can. There are several excellent brands that are off the beaten path.

Cheers,
Daniel

Congratulation, Dr.

Your father is right.  Rolex GMT is obviously a better choice than JLC Reverso Squadra Hometime.

Please listen to your dad.  It is in your best interest.

 

 

 

Both are nice watches, both have great and rugged movements with GMT function, and so on. Why think the Rolex is the "right" choice when the OP has indicated he wants something less common? By that criteria the JLC Squadra HT is the much better choice.

DJK

Hey all,

After reading everything you guys have said here, I've definitely changed my mind from the Reverso to the MC series because it is better in line with my personality and the way in which the watch will be used. The Reverso, while being a classic, doesn't seem like it would be ideal for the wear and tear of everyday use as a medical student and it seems something from the Master Compressor line would be more suited to this task. Now, the painful process of deciding WHICH MC to research and stalk the marketplace for...

A quick rundown of my thoughts:

Since this watch may be exposed to water frequently as well as the other hazards of regular use, I think a bracelet or rubber strap are the best way to go. That being said, the functions/complications of the watch come into play. I don't plan on frequently traveling across time zones, so I figure the Dualmatic and GMT are out of the picture. Furthermore, the Chronograph doesn't seem like it would be necessary and only increase the price of the watch.

This leaves two (to my knowledge) of MC's that are within my price range. The Memovox and the Geographic. The Memovox has the alarm function (which I hope shall be useful in waking me after quick naps during long hours of residency) and the date function, which in my opinion is a necessity. The Geographic, while having the dual time zone function which I already have deemed unneeded, is simply too exceedingly beautiful for me to rule out completely. Can any of you JLC connoisseurs (I'm looking at you Mr. amanico) help me in my endeavor?

Perhaps in my naivité I'm forgetting one that would better fit my needs?

Thanks, as always,

Ronil

It seems to perfectly suit your needs, and it's a terrific watch. Choosing a Master Compressor is wise--they are very sporty and rugged, but can also be versatile enough to wear with dressier clothes. I've worn my Dualmatic for everything (all sorts of sports, swimming, etc.), and it has been great.

The Memovox is a classic and useful complication. Unless you need to know what time it is in various timezones around the world, the Geographic isn't useful. The only other consideration is that the movements vary according to complication. The Autotractor movement in the Dualmatic was specifically designed to be rugged, accurate and reliable in the long term. The other movements have upgrades from that work, but are not designed with that specifically in mind.

Good luck,
Daniel

For me it’s one of my favourite Memo’s…

It’s the one that get most wrist time of all my watches!

My old reliably beater

 

Have a look at jlc.watchprosite.com

 

With a rubber strap – it will hold for anything your studies will put you through

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

 

I think I've made up my mind and the Memovox is the best way to go. One thing though, I read somewhere...either some random forum here or on Timezone that the inner bezel doesn't lock properly? Or it can get accidently rotated? Also, I've read that with use, the watch get up to 1-3 minutes off...is this true?

Now to stalk the marketplaces for a Memovox...

Ronil

The Dualmatic, for example, has a locking bezel, with minute clicks. The Memovox bezel doesn't lock, and thus can be accidentally moved out of place.

Great choice--get the rubber strap!

DJK

Buy the seller before buying the watch…

 

If your watch gets of more than a some seconds per day (depends on your preferences) you should have it adjusted by the watchmaker.

Same for all mechanical watches.

 

About the rotating bezel – it seams that you wear your watch on your right hand?

The crown at ten o’clock is the one that rotates the bezel.

Of course if you accidently rotate that crown the bezel will rotate as well.

I wear mine on my left hand and have no problem.

Memovoxes with the more classic crown set up – all three on the same side, then it happens more often then with the MCM.

 

Best

 

Blomman

I am left handed so I wear my watch on my right wrist - it's a slight annoyance when I have to make adjustments, but nothing too bothersome. Wait so if I'm understanding correctly, does this mean that the inner bezel (which sets the alarm right?) can get moved around therefore changing the time of your set alarm???

The inner bezel is used for example when diving to see how many minutes you have been down. 10 o’clock crown.

 

The alarm is the arced window located between 10 and centre. The alarm is set by the 2 o’clock crown that has the compressor key; as long as that one is locked you won’t be able to change the alarm-set.

 

In this pic the alarm is set to 6.

Alarm vs Chronograph? A matter of personal taste IMO.

 

For me an alarm is useful several times a day, meetings, to remember…

To be able to clock how long some thing takes, not that often.

 

Best

 

Blomman

This message has been edited by blomman on 2010-05-13 11:16:29

Yes, I totally agree...The MC Memovox would be a great first real watch!

As for the internal bezel, yes it can turn accidentally, but not a big deal, IMO.

Best,

Nicolas

i know you have your mind set on the memovox now, but i've always found the chronograph function useful in my practice.  you're always going to have to measure pulses, breathing rates, etc.  you can do this with any watch, but  i like a watch that i can play around with.