GO Senator Calendar Week VS JLC Ultrathin Moon VS IWC Portifino 8 Day Power Reserve

[mleok]

Since you asked for alternatives, something else to consider is a JLC Reverso, which is one of the more iconic dress watches. This is mine, a Grande Reverso Duo.

[timeshifter]

That's a great watch mleok.
I think my for my first watch though I prefer one with a circular dial.
What do you think of the GO original senator observer? I like the size at 44 mm.

[mleok]

It depends on your wrist size, but I still find it hard to think of a 44mm watch as a dress watch, and recent trends seem to reflect a pull back from ever increasing watch sizes. From Glashutte Original, I like the clean look of the 39mm Senator Sixties.

Glashtte Original Senator Sixties



Even the ultra thin Piaget Altiplano is pushing the limits at 43mm. Having said that, the large size, while making it less of a traditional dress watch, also makes it more appropriate for casual use.

A Week On The Wrist: The Piaget Altiplano 43mm.Automatic - Watches Worth Knowing About - HODINKEE

[Redemption]

Alright I've got to chime in with this one. I've been looking at this IWC off and on for a little while now as a friend of mine really likes it. Honestly, I don't really like it and I've just figured out why. It's not symmetrical. That power reserve is in a such a location that it throws off the balance of the face to me, there isn't anything on the other side and it just annoys me a bit. It seems it's on there just to state 'hey look I have an 8 day reserve'. The Portuguese 7 days has the seconds display apposing the power reserve that creates balance and that's what I think makes the watch beautiful.

The JLC is currently one of my favorite pieces and I've got it on my short list. It's a great price considering the brand reputation and the watch itself can go toe-to-toe with some other amazing, much more expensive foes.

The GO, having those date/month numbers scattered on the face without an explanation as to what is what, puts me off a bit. I respect the watch, its beautiful but compared to the JLC, it loses this one.

Go the JLC, I don't think you'll regret it.

[Watcheroo]

JLC for sure. It's a beauty.

[timeshifter]

Of the 3, I too now favor the JLC.
How would you guys compare this watch to the GO Senator Panorama Date Moonphase as linked below [sorry I don't know how to attach photos]?

Topper Jewelers » Glashutte » 100-04-13-02-04

[blakey]

That is beautiful as well. But I will still go with JLC between these two.

[mleok]

If you're looking at dress watches with a moonphase at this price range, there is simply no competing with the JLC Master Ultrathin Moon. I'm honestly not a fan of big dates on dress watches, like in the GO Senator Panorama Date Moonphase that you mentioned, and the asymmetric dials on many Glashutte Original and A. Lange & Sohne watches don't speak to me.

[timeshifter]

If you're looking at dress watches with a moonphase at this price range, there is simply no competing with the JLC Master Ultrathin Moon. I'm honestly not a fan of big dates on dress watches, like in the GO Senator Panorama Date Moonphase that you mentioned, and the asymmetric dials on many Glashutte Original and A. Lange & Sohne watches don't speak to me.

Thanks mleok for your continued advice.
Of the moonphase watches in this range, I too think the JLC is the best.

What other watch options would you recommend in the 10-15k range---in house movement, both dressy and non, just generally?

I just want to make the most informed decision possible given that this will be my wedding watch which I will keep for my lifetime.

[mleok]

In the $10K to $15K range, for dressy sports watches, you can get either the Vacheron Constantin Overseas, like the one I have in a white dial:


Vacheron Constantin Overseas (white dial)


or the grey slate dial, which is a bit less dressy because of the absence of the guilloche dial.


Vacheron Constantin Overseas "Deep Stream" with bracelet (normally comes with a leather strap)

The drawback of the VC Overseas line is that the VC Calibre 1126/1 is based on a JLC Calibre 889 ebauche, which means that it isn't an in-house movement. But it is an exceptional watch nevertheless, and the innovative use of the Maltese cross motif in the bezel, bracelet, and bracelet clasp is quite unique. The bracelet is also the most comfortable, substantial, and elegant bracelet in the high-end dressy sports watch category, i.e., in comparison to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

In the price range, you could also get an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, with its iconic Gerald Genta design. It is on the smaller side at 39mm, although there is a new version that was recently released at 41mm. I don't fancy the bracelet, as it doesn't curve as much at the lugs, which means that it conforms more poorly to my 6.75" wrist than the larger VC Overseas. But this concern might not apply to you, so I would suggest trying both watches on. Unfortunately, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is outside your price range, although you might also look at the Patek Philippe Aquanaut for comparison.


AP Royal Oak


AP Royal Oak, VC Overseas Chronograph, PP Aquanaut