Please help me pick first nice watch - IWC vs JLC

[Lowndes]

I am looking to purchase my first nice watch and have narrowed it down to two choices (A) the IWC Portuguese Chronograph with blue hands or (B) the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hometime. I would put whatever I choose on a brown leather strap. Below are links to the watches.

http://www.iwc.com/en/collection/portuguese/IW3714/

http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/US/en/watches/master-hometime/1628430

I'm a 30 year old attorney and I am buying this watch mainly to be worn with suits, etc. at work. However, it would be nice to also be able to wear the watch in more casual settings as well. Based on that criteria and if anybody has owned one or both of these what would be your recommendation?

Thanks!

Edit: just saw one more watch that looks appealing but haven't seen it in person yet . It's the JLC Master Chronograph

http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/US/en/watches/master-chronograph/1538420#55click=version

 

[Andy57]

I own neither. If, however, I was in the market for a JLC, I'd opt for a Reverso. It's what JLC is know for and it is instantly recognizable. Similarly for the IWC Portuguese: it is (to me, anyway) the canonical IWC watch. It's what comes to mind when I think of IWC.

So, my choice would be the IWC. Of your two choices, I think the IWC is slightly more elegant, slightly more stylish. But, honestly, you've made two great choices and either one will put you in rarified company among watch aficionados.

 

[Xiaogou]

JL hands down. I agree with Andy about the Reverso.

 

[redips]

You've got great taste.

All the watches are beautiful, but of the three, the Portuguese Chrono would be my choice.

Have you considered the Portuguese Automatic? It has an austerity that I really dig.

 

[Tried and True]



JL hands down. I agree with Andy about the Reverso.

Another vote for Reverso, an iconic watch with a sporting pedigree that dresses up or down with the best of them.

 

[dddrees]

As long as you've done your research and complications (functions) are not a concern, history of the different brands, or the particular history of the watch is also not a concern then you should be good at making a decision based on what one appeals to you most. But have you done any research to see if there is any significance that either watch holds as it pertains to the brand? Aesthetics are one thing, built history also matters to some when it comes to luxury watches. I'd strongly recommend conducting research to see which one tends to retain it's value more just in case later you have second thoughts. Best to know up front anyways. Your spending a bit so take your time and check it out. Your always going to find those who will recommend one watch over another, but that's they're opinion. What counts most is which one do you like the most as you will tend to hang on to that one longer.

 

[Lowndes]

Thanks everybody. I took a look at the Reverso and while a gorgeous watch it isn't what I am going for. I have researched the companies a lot and while I like the looks of the IWC the best I like the company and movement of the JLC more. I'll probably just study more and wait a week and go back and try them on again and just get the one I love the most that way. Thought it would be an easier choice than this!

 

[dddrees]

Thanks everybody. I took a look at the Reverso and while a gorgeous watch it isn't what I am going for. I have researched the companies a lot and while I like the looks of the IWC the best I like the company and movement of the JLC more. I'll probably just study more and wait a week and go back and try them on again and just get the one I love the most that way. Thought it would be an easier choice than this!

Take your time, there's no rush. After all this is something that should last and be with you for a very very long time.

 

[Mute]

If you want a chrono get the IWC. If you just want a simple dress watch, get a Reverso. Better yet, get both.