What should be your Top Ten JLC Watches?

Feb 22, 2008,05:37 AM
 

While spending a lot of time in the JLC catalogues from the past years, I was amazed by the quantity and the diversity of the models, variations,
and complications JLC offered or still offers.
Then I had the idea to make a selection of the 10 nicest or more representative Watches JLC produced in its History.
I'm completely OK, this kind of game is very subjective, but let's see what is your selection.
Maybe we all have some models in common?
So, the idea is to select these 10 watches, and to say or to analyze the reasons of our choices...
Here's my selection:

1/ The Pocket Watch " Grande Complication" from 1928:

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This will be the one and the only one Pocket watch of my selection, but wow, this Pocket Watch is stunning...
Imagine that we're in 1928, that, at this moment, we hadn't any computer to help on creating such complicated watches,
only men and a lot of talent...Unbelievable!
Look at this masterpiece, this high Level of complications, it's just stunning, and if you add the level of finish and complexity of a Minute Repater and a Pepretual Calendar....Then you can spaek of Art and Magic!

2/ The Minute Repeater:

In platinum or in titanium, it doesn't matter:

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What does matter is the innovation in esthetic, in the presentation of such a classic complication, with a big power reserve....
This one gave some youth to all the other Minute repeaters, and sounds extraordinary good
I feel that all the patek or vacheron lovers will atack me! LOL

3/ The Gyrotourbillon:

I place it in 3rd position, just after the MMR only because the Minute repeater is a complication that sings more to me...So it's very subjective,
but have a look on one, and you'll never forget it...
Another true piece of Art...Some kind of magic, beautifully executed, with an amazing association of complications, as the equation du temps, perpetual calendar/ gyrotourbillon...
Yes, this one deserves to be in the top ten!

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4/ The Reverso Tourbillon Skeleton in platinum:

Incredible Reverso, for me the nicest of all the Reversos!
This piece is an eternla game of transparency, combination of colors and lights, with a sober and complex design in the same time
not too small, not too big, the perfection is here!

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5/ The Antoine Lecoultre Perpetual Calendar in platinum , or the skeleton version:

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Here again, the unique presentation, and the combination of a 8 Days Movement added to a Perpetual Calendar is something stunning...
The A Lecoultre is very legible, with a sober presentation, the Skeleton is spectacular even if less legible, but what a piece!!!
We are indeed at the boarder with ART!

6/ The Duo Metre:

Because it's a new family, and the Chrono Foudroyante is the first member of this very appealing family.
A Foudroyante is not a current version of a Chronographe, and this one is very nicely made, with an interesting mobvement, esthetically and mechanically speaking, with its two barrels, and its original construction.
It really deserves to be here, in this selection!

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7/ The Reverso 70eme:

Because people don't appreciate it at its right value! LOL
This is a stunning watch, a nice commemorative one, the 1st to house a 8 days movement, with a big date, in a XGT case...
And this ruthenium dial is to die for!!!

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I won't speak more about it as I will post quite soon a review on this watch.

8/ The Polaris.

Each Memovox deserves to be here, as it's with the Reverso a very and one of the more representative JLC watch.
This Polaris adds the Myth, has a strong look, a lot of character, and is one of the nicest Diver Watch, for me, at least...
Can't wait to see its re edition!

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9/ The Amvox II:
Yes, I already hear some of you crying " Hey, Nicolas is definitively crazy"...But I said it, this is a very subjective selection...
I DO love this piece, for its comfort, its big presence, its fun character, and its innovation, being the only chrono of the whole horological production
to not have any pusher...
YES, a great watch for me!

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10/ A....Or Better, an...ATMOS!
As JLC has four lines of products, the Reverso, the Master, the Duo Metre, and the Atmos, it's impossible to not speak of the Atmos...
BUT I have to reserve my choice till the SIHH, well, I hope, because it's not totally sure that we'll see a new Atmos in Geneva.

So, now it's up to you!
Show us your selection, and tell us why, please.
Best.
Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-02-22 05:39:37 This message has been edited by amanico on 2008-02-26 11:53:00


More posts: Amvox1 AlarmAmvox2DuometreDuometre ChronographeMemovox

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Great post !

 
 By: alunare : February 22nd, 2008-06:18
And i for one am glad to see the AMVOX 2 on your list. I cant quite understand how such a subtle, innovative and stunning watch is still being overlooked these days.

Thanks alunare, The A II

 
 By: amanico : February 22nd, 2008-06:37

None of the Reverso GT limited series in red gold from the 90s included?

 
 By: HerrK : February 22nd, 2008-06:28
Well, Nicolas, that comes as a surprise to me! I will have to sleep one night before I provide my list. Cheers Christian

I was waiting for your reaction, Herrk!

 
 By: amanico : February 22nd, 2008-06:35
Was sure you will write this! LOL Of course, instead of a 70eme or a Reverso Tourbi skeleton, you might add one of the 6 Reverso LE in Rose gold... But I'd have to create a top 12 instead of a top ten... I already have in my selection 2 Reversos... A matt... 

I know I am late, but here you go!

 
 By: HerrK : February 27th, 2008-09:14
My very personal list of the 10 nicest / more representative watches by JLC (in alphabetical order): · Chronometre Geophysic – for its fabulous P478/BWS/br handwound movement (I wish JLC had made use of fully adjusted movements with swan neck regulators m... 

Hang on

 
 By: Asimut : February 22nd, 2008-08:20
What about the beloved Futrematic? Instead of the PC and any watch with caliber 101 instead of the 70er...lol And the Tryptique over the reverso skeletal,,,, Now I can live in peace with your list! Asi

Reverso's!

 
 By: Le Chef : February 22nd, 2008-09:01
The "Tavanne" original Reverso. The Reverso Geographique, Reverso Perpetual, Reverso Tourbillion, Reverso Chronograph, Reverso Art Deco

Ditto . . .

 
 By: Dr No : February 22nd, 2008-09:32
. . . most any Reverso is my cup of tea. Steve G's rose gold skeleton model might be my favorite . . . cordially, Art

And if it was

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-07:24

Interesting list

 
 By: 1440 : February 22nd, 2008-11:01
I guess it's somehwat natural to pick a lot of big dollar and highly complicated pieces for your list as this is the expression of the "art" of watchmaking. Personally I would not have as many of these complicated or expensive watches in my list. For me J... 

Also true, Al

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-07:22

Here are my nominees!

 
 By: Marv : February 22nd, 2008-14:51
Nicolas, As you mention, this exercice is very subjective, that is why it is worth playing! My selection is made of: 1/JLC Marl XI Why? just look at SteveG's pics! 2/ FutureMatic porthole It is THE futurematic I am looking for years 3/ Memovox E855 This o...  

I feel honored...

 
 By: gatorcpa : February 22nd, 2008-17:12
... to own even one of the watches nominated on this thread: I like the movement even better: Take care and have a great weekend! gatorcpa...  

We are quite a lot to dream

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-15:51

Nice selection, Marv!

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-08:00

Mine would be...

 
 By: Rob : February 22nd, 2008-22:26
1. Gyrotourbillon- this expression of technological tour de force by a major manufacturer is too often overlooked. The combination of all the complications present plus the design genius of Megalli M makes this a clear pole winner in my list. As such, pie... 

Seconded Nicolas & Rob on Amvox ll.

 
 By: BHK9 : February 23rd, 2008-07:45
Hi folks, Of the ten,i would like to show my support on the Moderator and Rob's voye on Amvox ll.You dont own one and you just would not understand. believe me guys,the vertical clutch chrono movement aside,look at how brilliant this fellows built the cag...  

How couldn't I agree with you, my friend, as she is so perfectly designed

 
 By: amanico : February 23rd, 2008-08:24
Now, Do we have more support? LOL Best. Nicolas...  

Much more support

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : February 23rd, 2008-09:08
My JLC Top 10 1. Pocket 1928 - look perverse but pocket watch is my favourite JLC blue goldc ombo with skeleton gorgeous 2. Atmos - when you make something almoust perpetual ...think no more explaining .... but then again I'm now really worried an pocket ... 

Nice selection, Damian, BUT

 
 By: amanico : February 24th, 2008-05:18
You'll have to explain to me what are the special Reversos..." mucha Blonde and Brune "...LOL! I too was quite surprised to put in this top ten list a pcket watch, and a clocxk, as I never thought of these 2 before... But if you go into the JLC past, I th... 

Hehehe .... Alphons Mucha .... enamel .....

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : February 24th, 2008-10:26
I'm pretty sure I saw Mucha's portrets of so called Blonde and Brune in Enamel on Reverso face ... or and this is also possibility I was dreaming that I should order two of these ... regarding Art Nouveau my favourite period and Reverso one of most iconic... 

Muchacha Brune and blonde

 
 By: amanico : February 24th, 2008-10:34
These one? And specially for you, I open a bit more the window...But Hey, we are on a public and well renommed web site, so I can't do more...LOL OK, ok, a bit more open... Well, Heeeerm, no I can't! LOL Best. Nicolas...  

Hmmm think I felt some palpitations

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : February 24th, 2008-13:34
..... great blond and brune ..... but these Reversos had portrets which I'm sending you right now via PM if you have pics of these ..... well what can I say ...... Best Damian

Received, Thanks, Damian!

 
 By: amanico : February 24th, 2008-14:06

WOW!

 
 By: mjnoumoff : February 23rd, 2008-16:46

Nicely put, Rob! nt

 
 By: amanico : February 24th, 2008-05:14

my 10

 
 By: ajlc : February 23rd, 2008-14:41
Reverso Tourbillon -- have to start here; Reverso is the trademark, and this was the best of the comeback kids IMHO. a 101 special, but not BUBAR -- amazing achievement, good enough for the Queen. Master Ultra Thin -- best of breed, and part of the DNA; t... 

interesting, ajlc

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2008-03:42

Here are my 10

 
 By: watchme : February 24th, 2008-19:20
This is such a limiting number, but here you go.... (these are NOT in order, but are my favorites) 1. Reverso Art Deco in rose gold on JLC "glossy gold" croc (far and away, this IS #1 for me! The rest are random) 2. Gentilhomme Auto w/date at 6 o'clock on... 

Hi, Dean,

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2008-03:49
That's what I call a "connoisseur " selection. Of course all these models deserve to figure in any intelligent selection, and can't agree more with you. The fine thing with JLC is that you can always find a nice watch from the affordable price range till ... 

strictly 10

 
 By: NaughtyLux : February 25th, 2008-06:00
1, ultra thin - a master piece 2, duometer - art and innovation 3, master compressor extreme lab - one of the watches that make me so proud of wearing JLC 4, master compressor diving pro geographic - i've always wanted an ultimate diving watch, only JLC c... 

Although it may not be my list for ever....

 
 By: Dje : February 25th, 2008-06:33
Hi, I would select: 1°) A pocket watch tourbillon with calibre 170: it's pure horological beauty! 2°) A Reverso pink gold Tourbillon: it has been 15 years since I want one so.... 3°) A Master Ultra Thin, either in steel, pink or white gold, with silver, g... 

Dje, you are a teaser!

 
 By: amanico : February 25th, 2008-12:55

EWC would be on my list

 
 By: respo : February 25th, 2008-07:25
Above - great selections all. I am glad that Dean added EWC (in rubber) to his list. The combination of complications, shock absorber system, the calibre 752 with its vertical clutch, fast strap change feature, water resistance, long 72-hour power reserve... 

Nicely put, Respo

 
 By: amanico : February 26th, 2008-06:28
Yes, seems that JLC has to be known as a Chronograph specialist, now... It's funny, I spoke of that with someone involved in the reasearch and development for JLC, and he told me something that was a great surprise for me...He toild me that the chronos we... 

That surprises me, too

 
 By: respo : February 26th, 2008-07:42
Although I have always heard that the chrono is among the most challenging complications for watch manufacturers, I did not realize it was more difficult than the perpetual. I wonder why prices generally undermine this conclusion. respo

Marketting, maybe ?

 
 By: amanico : February 26th, 2008-07:45