Wrist Check - 2018
Discussion
ZesPak said:
I've no idea, but these look like a million bucks, while most Rolexes.... don't.
To me they are in a different ball park, like comparing a BMW Z4 with a Pagani.
It's entirely plausible to prefer a JLC over a Rolex in terms of aesthetic or ethos, or vice versa, but it's idiocy to compare them in the manner you have, because apart from both being Swiss watches, they're completely different animals, striving for different things.To me they are in a different ball park, like comparing a BMW Z4 with a Pagani.
The JLC is a polished dress piece, with stunning meteorite dial and a useless (but very pretty) moonphase complication. It's built for beauty, fine finishing & show.
The majority of Rolexes are brushed sports/tool watches, with practical elements such as luminosity, dive bezels, waterproofness or GMT hands. They excel in terms of reliability, toughness, durability & accuracy.
A more apt comparison would be a top-spec Range Rover with a Lotus Exige. Neither is 'better' than the other, unless you have a purposeful use in mind for one that the other just won't satisfy.
chris56 presumably recognises as much, hence why he sensibly has both.
UnclePat said:
It's entirely plausible to prefer a JLC over a Rolex in terms of aesthetic or ethos, or vice versa, but it's idiocy to compare them in the manner you have, because apart from both being Swiss watches, they're completely different animals, striving for different things.
The JLC is a polished dress piece, with stunning meteorite dial and a useless (but very pretty) moonphase complication. It's built for beauty, fine finishing & show.
The majority of Rolexes are brushed sports/tool watches, with practical elements such as luminosity, dive bezels, waterproofness or GMT hands. They excel in terms of reliability, toughness, durability & accuracy.
A more apt comparison would be a top-spec Range Rover with a Lotus Exige. Neither is 'better' than the other, unless you have a purposeful use in mind for one that the other just won't satisfy.
chris56 presumably recognises as much, hence why he sensibly has both.
Most Rolex watches produced are not sports/tool watches, they are datejusts/day dates etc... any glance at the market and availability will tell you that. The JLC is a polished dress piece, with stunning meteorite dial and a useless (but very pretty) moonphase complication. It's built for beauty, fine finishing & show.
The majority of Rolexes are brushed sports/tool watches, with practical elements such as luminosity, dive bezels, waterproofness or GMT hands. They excel in terms of reliability, toughness, durability & accuracy.
A more apt comparison would be a top-spec Range Rover with a Lotus Exige. Neither is 'better' than the other, unless you have a purposeful use in mind for one that the other just won't satisfy.
chris56 presumably recognises as much, hence why he sensibly has both.
The Range Rover vs Lotus Exige is a tortured comparison and JLC produce their own range of sports watches to cover that off regardless.
Nothing wrong in preferring JLC over Rolex or vice versa ETTO.
nikaiyo2 said:
OMG. Isn’t that one of the RAAF Lemanias? Super cool.
Man your last 2 posts on here are stunning, proper proper “grails.”
It's the SAAF, the RAN version with the pheon is even harder to find! Man your last 2 posts on here are stunning, proper proper “grails.”
In the spirit of Grail, the Speedmaster gets an outing today - these watches rarely get worn which is a shame, but every now and again they do get out...
Wills2 said:
Most Rolex watches produced are not sports/tool watches, they are datejusts/day dates etc... any glance at the market and availability will tell you that.
You are unwittingly proving my point. Much of the DJ & DD design is informed by sports/tool/performance considerations - utility as opposed to image. Rolex might gild the lily with precious metals & diamond indices thereafter, but the chunky 'Oyster' case tech (the clue is right there on the dial) is every bit shared with Submariners & Explorers alike, innovated from a desire to make a waterproof watch that could be used in sports & all life activities, not babied. Chuck in a 100m depth rating & screw-down crown as standard, and both further betray their roots. Even the famously fluted DJ bezel originated from practical purpose - to allow the bezel to screw-down more tightly against water ingress.
That's my original point - most modern Rolex, and all of them bearing the name 'Oyster Perpetual', originated from a practical footing. Form very much following function, which is why they retain some measure of that aesthetic, build, function etc. today.
JLC is haute horology in the main - of course it 'beats' Rolex at that game and others. Doesn't make it better or worse as a whole, just a different animal, playing in an arena that Rolex largely don't.
Wills2 said:
The Range Rover vs Lotus Exige is a tortured comparison and JLC produce their own range of sports watches to cover that off regardless.
The car analogy didn't start with me, but I think it's as apt as any when considering how each brand has evolved to be where they are today. Watches are more luxury than tool these days, but each maintains clear historical traits within their DNA.When most think of tough, versatile, tool-orientated or sports mechanical watches, JLC are far & away in the minority. Yes, they've undoubtedly innovated in many purposeful areas, and I admittedly might allow you the notable exception of the Reverso, but even that's stretching it - unless you happen to be a 1930's polo player.
Wills2 said:
Nothing wrong in preferring JLC over Rolex or vice versa ETTO.
Did I not already make that very point, twice? Of course one can have a preference, they're both superb. I think JLC make very fine watches and are underrated, if anything.
My point is that by & large, Rolex & JLC satisfy different market segments, with little overlap except in price, so a like-for-like critical judgement - based purely on too-narrow aesthetic or other criteria - is largely futile. What makes one valued is mostly lacking in the other.
UnclePat said:
My point is that by & large, Rolex & JLC satisfy different market segments, with little overlap except in price, so a like-for-like critical judgement - based purely on too-narrow aesthetic or other criteria - is largely futile. What makes one valued is mostly lacking in the other.
Totally agree. I have a couple of JLC's, despite one being a 'Gran Sport' it is not a sports watch.I have never owned a Rolex, but have always regarded them as sports watches - diving, sailing, racing - very rugged watches.
Despite my promise to not buy any more watches, I currently lust after a Sky Dweller in steel with a blue face - such a clever design. The only thing putting me off is that it's so obviously a Rolex. I will probably get one.
andy_s said:
nikaiyo2 said:
OMG. Isn’t that one of the RAAF Lemanias? Super cool.
Man your last 2 posts on here are stunning, proper proper “grails.”
It's the SAAF, the RAN version with the pheon is even harder to find! Man your last 2 posts on here are stunning, proper proper “grails.”
In the spirit of Grail, the Speedmaster gets an outing today - these watches rarely get worn which is a shame, but every now and again they do get out...
Going for a TAG today. One of the very last Super Professionals.
nikaiyo2 said:
Where ever it was issued it’s lovely. Nice speedy.
Going for a TAG today. One of the very last Super Professionals.
I have one of those too, people never seem very compimentary about it but at the time it really was something quite different and I still love mine!Going for a TAG today. One of the very last Super Professionals.
I wish I had the full set of strap changing gear from new but mine just came on it's own in a regular box, I've totally lost track of how old mine is, maybe 96/97?
Ari said:
Possibly but it wasn't intentional - that just happened to be the time when I snapped it with my phone. 
Why, does it mean something?
You’ve only got an almost priceless “rectangular 2” GMT. Hope you’ve got your house insurance in order.Why, does it mean something?
Edited by Ari on Saturday 3rd February 15:17
Okay, I'm guessing you're winding me up about something? It's no different to plenty others I've seen - this one that Blowers have for sale for instance.
https://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/store/rolex/gm...
I'll try and get a better photo of the dial.
https://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/store/rolex/gm...
I'll try and get a better photo of the dial.
Ari said:
Okay, I'm guessing you're winding me up about something? It's no different to plenty others I've seen - this one that Blowers have for sale for instance.
https://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/store/rolex/gm...
I'll try and get a better photo of the dial.
How did you find another one with a strategically placed hand? https://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/store/rolex/gm...
I'll try and get a better photo of the dial.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff