JLC vs NOMOS vs IWC vs Rolex

[Monocle]

The usual dilemma... If i could own just one...

Various price points, but hopefully same idea - great everyday watch for all occasions.
Many people say Nomos is best value, but is it really worthy 'investment' and i don't mean for re-sale, just in general as a brand. portugieser is stunning, but is it a little too big and overpriced?
What are your thoughts? Would you consider any of these as your only watch? Would they thick all boxes?

[Adam B]

Nomos - sorry never heard of them, and not a fan from those pics

Like the simple elegance of the IWC and JLC but the two at the top are a bit plain for me

Like sport Rolexes like subs or Daytona but not so much the ordinary models so that one is out

So I would pick either on the second row, or JLC bottom left, but not a fair fight as imagine JLC cost more. Ignoring brand and going purely on looks - the IWC chrono but with blue hands.

Edited by Adam B on Tuesday 29th December 23:48

[gvij]

For long term use you need something that's easy to fix and going to last. Rolex is probably the only one that ticks the boxes despite restricted parts. Most parts are available as unbranded aftermarket and many official parts are also available. Same goes for eta movements. I wouldn't touch anything from jlc, iwc, or any of the rest due to restricted parts and unknown longevity.
Nomas are a small company with their own calibres but tbh Junghans with their eta are much nicer similar styled watches and half the price with much more readily available parts. There are also clone eta around so parts shouldn't be a problem long term.

[tertius]

For the ones you list the only one I'd consider for an "only" watch is the silver dialled JLC Home Time, as it has both lume and a date, and isn't too big. And it's a JLC.

[13m]

tertius said:

For the ones you list the only one I'd consider for an "only" watch is the silver dialled JLC Home Time, as it has both lume and a date, and isn't too big. And it's a JLC.

I've never owned a JLC, but am I right that some people have issues with the parent company, Richemont or watches from that group?

[stuttgartmetal]

Get a decent rolex from Watchfinder Maidstone

[Adam B]

13m said:

I've never owned a JLC, but am I right that some people have issues with the parent company, Richemont or watches from that group?

I don't think any watch fan likes the fact conglomerates are collecting famous names but you would be cutting your nose off to spite your face if you avoided their brands entirely because of the parent company:

A. Lange & Söhne
Baume & Mercier
IWC
JLC
Panerai
Piaget
Vacheron Constantin

[Monocle]

Adam B said:

13m said:

I've never owned a JLC, but am I right that some people have issues with the parent company, Richemont or watches from that group?

I don't think any watch fan likes the fact conglomerates are collecting famous names but you would be cutting your nose off to spite your face if you avoided their brands entirely because of the parent company:

A. Lange & Söhne
Baume & Mercier
IWC
JLC
Panerai
Piaget
Vacheron Constantin

Funny, thats something i looked in to the other day. I didn't realize they had Lange and Vacheron on their books.
Btw, out of the image selection above, the most expensive are the two IWC's. The 7 Day Auto is almost 10k new or around 7k for decent second hand. The 8 day manual (top left) is arounf 8k new. Followed by JLC hometime @ 6.9k
That Rolex is the new 2015 Oyster @ 39mm which seems pretty decent. And costs 3750 new. However not sure i could live without date, i do find it handy on my current watches. I do like Daytona but could you pull it off as a dress watch? Maybe the white gold version on a black leather strap? There are some preowned around 10k mark.
In terms of parts and servicing, im not that fussed. You only need it every 5-10 years, especially with the new libricant-free JLC movements. So i just send it back to manufacturer. Its tricky if you have 10 watches, but paying few hundred to sort out your 1-2 timepieces per decade is not that bad.

[Monocle]

Those of you who have chrono function on your watches, do you actually ever use it? I have one, but still use my phone to time the steak

[h0b0]

The issue with JLC are the rediculous turn around times in a service. It was the reason I didn't buy one.

[Monocle]

h0b0 said:

The issue with JLC are the rediculous turn around times in a service. It was the reason I didn't buy one.

I was told that their service is also one of the most expensive. Something like £700 just for the basic + parts.

[CardShark]

There are a number of customer service issues on the 'net relating to many Richemont brands, plenty of Swatch and LVMH as well though. All in all, it still seems that you'd be unlucky to be in such a position when dealing with them. If it's simply a matter of choosing which watch you prefer based on function and aesthetics with financials, servicing etc not really featuring as much then get out there and try them all on.

Personally, of those above the both the Nomos Orion and Zürich models really appeal, though I'd go for the 38mm without date Orion and the no date Zürich. They're the new kid on the block relative to the other options though I wouldn't let that put you off, get a few different quality coloured straps and you'll be set. Seeing as they're not the most expensive models listed you could actually get yourself the Rolex OP as well if your budget can handle it A white dialed Nomos and the Rolex you've picked out would make a great pair, IMO.

Edited by CardShark on Thursday 31st December 00:38

[CardShark]

Monocle said:

Those of you who have chrono function on your watches, do you actually ever use it? I have one, but still use my phone to time the steak

Rarely, and when I do it's normally for something pretty mundane like timing pasta... I think chronos are mostly bought for the look rather than the function.

Edited by CardShark on Thursday 31st December 00:43

[Adam B]

CardShark said:

Rarely, and when I do it's normally for something pretty mundane like timing pasta... I think chronos are mostly bought for the look rather than the function.

Edited by CardShark on Thursday 31st December 00:43

Agreed - I love my Daytona but the chrono is utterly useless, but I do use chrono occasionally on my IWC aquatimer as it at least its legible

[Monocle]

That's the problem with watches that have useless functions.
It they made the Datejust (on the left) in 39mm size (not 36mm shown here) it would probably be the ideal watch for all ocasions. Simple, robust, uncluttered design, and all that on probably the best bracelet ever made. The steel rolex use really is superior, it has this amazing shine to it. Datejust II (on the right) just seems a little too bulky even though its reasonable 41mm

[Monocle]

Personally, of those above the both the Nomos Orion and Zürich models really appeal, though I'd go for the 38mm without date Orion and the no date Zürich. They're the new kid on the block relative to the other options though I wouldn't let that put you off, get a few different quality coloured straps and you'll be set. Seeing as they're not the most expensive models listed you could actually get yourself the Rolex OP as well if your budget can handle it A white dialed Nomos and the Rolex you've picked out would make a great pair, IMO.

Edited by CardShark on Thursday 31st December 00:38

[/quote]


Yes, ove the look of Orion, hence included it here, tried it on back in May, seriously considered buying a Nomos prior to that, however on wrist it failed to impress. It lacked the certain kind of presence you get from similar IWC or JLC or even rolex, hard to explain.
But i'm willing to give them another chance. However i would try one with a date function this time, i do find it useful in daily life. You're right about the pair, they would be a good set.

[T1547]

CardShark said:

Rarely, and when I do it's normally for something pretty mundane like timing pasta... I think chronos are mostly bought for the look rather than the function.

Edited by CardShark on Thursday 31st December 00:43

Disagree, I manage to find occasion to use the chrono on my Speedy quite regularly. I think having something so nice to look at to time things makes one find an excuse to time things more often. Usually pretty mundane stuff though like parking, train journeys and yep, pasta cooking .. !

[T1547]

PS watch choice wise I'd go top row Jaeger, bottom row Jaeger or the Rolex. They seem to fit the bill best for an everyday watch that can be dressed up or down.

[Adam B]

Monocle said:

I do like Daytona but could you pull it off as a dress watch? Maybe the white gold version on a black leather strap? There are some preowned around 10k mark.

Yes I think so, I wear mine during the week because it slips under a cuff easily and is a relatively classic and elegant design (most Rolex are). Unless you equate dress watch as leather swatch, in which case yes the white gold and leather strap is a lovely thing. Bear in mind no date though

[CardShark]

Monocle said:

It they made the Datejust (on the left) in 39mm size (not 36mm shown here) it would probably be the ideal watch for all ocasions.

Have you tried one on? Here's a 2006 DJ on my 7.25" wrist (not my watch), all bar one of my collection are larger though I think it fills its 36mm very well.