JLC Master Control Chrono

[dpkong]

hi guys,

i had a chance to examine this watch during my last visit to the boutique in the BB area and am kind of interested in it. i'd like to know what the JLC experts here think about it. it comes on leather strap and a steel bracelet is a couple of Ks extra.

i'm wondering if it's suitable as a daily tool watch. how water resistant is it? obviously the downside is that it won't be a good idea to shower, bath or swim with it. i normally don't take my watch off unless it's bedtime.

how about the movement durability and maintenance costs?

your thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated.

[dpkong]

bump!

no opinions on JLC??

[GlennTanChiaChiah]

Hardly a NOVICE on such matters but I must compliment your watch of choice; myself being a fellow lover of JLC. However, I feel a timepiece with such a pedigree from the house of JLC surely deserves much more than the role of a daily tool watch.

[takashi78]

Well, how water resistant? It states on the watch itself so its self explanatory.

As a daily tool watch?
I would say highly depends on the person. I have seen people online wearing Patek and RM as their tool watch.

[hanz079]

Is it the one with the silver dial with blue seconds and chrono hands?
Water resistant is rated at 50meters.
Comes with croc strap? As a tool watch?
Not for me though... more like a dress watch.
Regarding movement durability and maintenance costs... I have no idea as I haven't own one yet but actively looking for a JLC that suits me.
As a tool watch, I guess the JLC Master compressor Navy Seals... hey, if the Navy Seals use it actively... it must be as toolish as they come right?

[gloomis]

i owned a JLC master hometime.
calibre - i would say is really smooth and beautiful craftmanship as what you can expect from a watchmaker
design - classic enough especially match with a dark brown croco strap.

but if you ask me is it suitable to wear as a tool watch or daily watch, i would say i prefer something else. 

[terrenceterrence]

Is it the one with the silver dial with blue seconds and chrono hands?
Water resistant is rated at 50meters.
Comes with croc strap? As a tool watch?
Not for me though... more like a dress watch.
Regarding movement durability and maintenance costs... I have no idea as I haven't own one yet but actively looking for a JLC that suits me.
As a tool watch, I guess the JLC Master compressor Navy Seals... hey, if the Navy Seals use it actively... it must be as toolish as they come right?

i doubt the US military is so generous in issuing their personnels even elite ones, such expensive precious metal watches. it's just a marketing ploy to tie in some kinda of credible name to a new model.

heck! they even stopped issuing Rolex Sub and now G-Shock is the standard issue for the SEALS.

[hanz079]

i doubt the US military is so generous in issuing their personnels even elite ones, such expensive precious metal watches. it's just a marketing ploy to tie in some kinda of credible name to a new model.

heck! they even stopped issuing Rolex Sub and now G-Shock is the standard issue for the SEALS.

Yeah... marketing ploy sounds about right... 
But still, JLC master compressor models are tested for like 1000 hours right?
That must mean something i guess...
And as for G-Shocks... no other watch offers value and "beatability" like a g-shock does.

[JOS2012]

Perhaps I can share my experience with JLCs as I have the Grand Reverso GMT, WG Master Control Master Moon and Master Control Reserve de Marche.
Although they are primarily dress or office watches, I have used them for more robust activities like travel (even backpacking trips) They have been exposed to light rain however as they come with leather & deployant clasps I have yet to bathe with them on unlike what I do with other watches on bracelets.
They have been with me for > 5 yrs and run very well. Used to be approx +1-2 sec/day but one of them is running abt -1 sec/day now.
Perhaps its time to send them in for service.
If they had come with bracelets I would not hesitate to expose them to a light dunking every now and then.
A friend of mine who has some JLCs on bracelets has been doing that without any issues.
They are very reliable and their movts thru the display backs are delightful to look at..exquisite finishing perhaps not quite Philip Dufour, VC or PP but still excellent.

[dpkong]

maybe the choice of words was a bit off. instead of "tool watch", maybe i should say daily beater. i'm kind of like a one watch guy. i don't change watches to suit my clothes. so if it's possible to get a JLC on bracelet, i could use it as a daily beater then?

would i be crucified if i suggested a Nato strap on the JLC for regular daily activities to preserve the leather? 

[hanz079]

maybe the choice of words was a bit off. instead of "tool watch", maybe i should say daily beater. i'm kind of like a one watch guy. i don't change watches to suit my clothes. so if it's possible to get a JLC on bracelet, i could use it as a daily beater then?

would i be crucified if i suggested a Nato strap on the JLC for regular daily activities to preserve the leather? 

Nato strap would look ok on some models... mostly hit and miss type of thing.
But it's your watch, if you feel comfortable wearing it on nato, who are we to say otherwise right?
There are some rich ppl wearing a Patek with a nato strap too so I don't see why not...

[JOS2012]

hi dp,
if you dun mind my suggestion, the choice of models would depend on where you spend more time.. in the office or out in the field.
If its in an air-cond environment and pushing papers, a Reverso or Master Control would do nicely. If its out in the field, then Master Compressor,Polaris or Reverso Squadra.
The JLC bracelets are very sturdy and highly polished similar to the Breitlings but even more refined. They can take a lot of punishing.
Have not seen a Nato strap on any JLC. If its the Zulu black then it shld look ok.
Contrary to their look JLCs can take a lot of punishment. Take a look at their 1000 hour test with regards to the shock test... your heart will ache..but the watch survives..

maybe the choice of words was a bit off. instead of "tool watch", maybe i should say daily beater. i'm kind of like a one watch guy. i don't change watches to suit my clothes. so if it's possible to get a JLC on bracelet, i could use it as a daily beater then?

would i be crucified if i suggested a Nato strap on the JLC for regular daily activities to preserve the leather? 

[dpkong]

thanks for the hints. will dive into the JLC book given to me at the BB boutique.

[gloomis]

going thru your post n comment. i think u already have the answer but just want ppl to support you to go on JLC. So best just follow your heart.

[dpkong]

it's not about support for a purchase, unless someone wants to donate?? 

it's about knowing the pros and cons before buying instead of after. i like the Chrono but don't like leather straps. i also tend to be a one watch person so i want to be sure the watch can handle daily use.

[sshark]

Yes, correct. Most of the times we know what watch we are getting and no shame stating our stand. There is a moment blindness by the passion. To make sure we have covered as many blind spots possible, we ask and at times we play devil's advocate. There are weakness and assumptions made in any human made product. It is good to know and accept them before going into an extended term and expensive relationship to avoid disappointment later.

it's not about support for a purchase, unless someone wants to donate?? 

it's about knowing the pros and cons before buying instead of after. i like the Chrono but don't like leather straps. i also tend to be a one watch person so i want to be sure the watch can handle daily use.