IWC Portuguese Chronograph or JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon

[stripes]

Hi,

I am a total newbie looking for a watch as a gift for my husband. A few years ago I gifted him a Baume & Mercier Classima Executive 8688 which he loves. Now I would like to get him another dress watch with a black strap in the $3-4K range. However, in my research, I fell in love with the IWC Portuguese Chronograph and the JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon (and also the JLC Dualtime). Alas, they are both above my intended budget. Can anyone tell me whether I might find an AD in NYC or online that could bring either the IWC or JLC down closer to my range? Also, any input in either of those choices would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[gouverneur]

Sent you a PM with a recommendation I received from another helpful forum member. Re: the choice -- I just ordered a MUT Moon myself, so I'm hugely biased in its favor, but honestly you cannot go wrong with either of those picks.

I'm a little curious, why do you want to get him another leather strap dress watch if he has the B&M? I would think that you could seek out a watch like an Omega or something in the 3-4k price range that would be able to be dressed down to jeans and a polo or dressed up with a suit.

[Redemption]

Both watches are a beautiful choice and you can't go wrong. I think the JLC brand is perhaps regarded as being 'better' than IWC (JLC is one of the best brands out there) but IWC are very highly regarded.

I personally LOVE the Ultra Moon. It's a perfect dress watch and is timeless in design. However the Portuguese Chrono is another stunner.

Something that I would really factor in though is the fact that the JLC has an 'in house' movement where as the IWC movement is manufactured by ETA, modified and inserted by IWC. Basically meaning, IWC don't really make the internals of the watch but JLC do.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[stripes]

Thanks for you recommendation! The MUT Moon is seriously a beautiful watch. I found an online vendor giving 20% off 136.84.20 Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 Mens Watch. What do you think?

I was looking for another leather strap dress watch because I thought it would be nice to upgrade from the B&M with a long-lasting piece. In my research, I didn't really find anything impressive in the 3-4K range. Do you have any specific pieces you might suggest? Thanks again.

[stripes]

@Redemption I am seeing a slightly larger preference for JLC over IWC but respect for both brands for watches around the 10K mark. My first choice would be JLC as well. Thanks for sharing this fact about the "in house" movement. That's a very interesting piece of information to have.

[Nishant]

JLC hardly ever loses a duel around here .. For very many good reasons.

Go for the JLC.

[mikeyc]

Ahhh, Stripes you have exquisite taste, your husband is truly a lucky man! :)

Although I'm a Portuguese owner, I can say that the JLC MUT is just sublime. The Portuguese is larger so more sporty IMO. I also have a smaller wrist (6.5") and I'm finding the IWC to be a bit too large for me. I think if he'll be using it mostly as a dress watch = go for the MUT. If the intention is to get a sporty/dress watch and has a larger wrist =IWC.

[mupsii]

lucky man your husband! I would go for the JLC. I have had a bad experience with IWC service and that is part of why you pay the $$. Essentially I sent my Portuguese Yacht club to service and it came back unfixed after 2+ months away.

[GETS]

IWC for me.

I own the Portugese and I can't recommend it highly enough. A beautiful watch that is hard wearing and looks good after continual every day use.

[a_laksmana]

Wow. I wish I have a wife like you. Very thoughtful and the list is full of watches I love. :)

I will go with JLC Master Ultra thin in steel. It is very nice movement and understated.