Jeager Lecoultre NSA or Something else

[LHL]

I‘m hoping someone can help me out with my decision.

I have been ready to purchase the Jeager Locoultre Navy Seal Alarm watch after much research. I have always wanted a JLC watch as they are known for their excellent craftsmanship and complications.

In the last couple of days though, I have come across many who talk very highly of Blancpains Fifty Fathoms watch. The problem is that I have not been able to see or try on any of these watches in person. I have only seen photos and read comments from both companies and these specific watches.

Unfortunately where I live, there is not a dealer whom carries either brand,but I will be traveling in the next few weeks and that is where I would be ableto see and try them on. The only thing is that the JLC NSA are starting to sellout from authorized dealers and the one dealer that I have been talking to only has one NSA available with the black articulated rubber bracelet. In order for them not to sell it I would have to leave some money down and they will hold it.

There are things I like from both of these watches.

From JLC I like that it’s made of grade 5 titanium, the large clear numbers,the alarm feature, the crown locking system, the hand made in house movement and the way it looks on many different straps, especially the articulated rubber bracelet and of course the fact that It’s a JLC.

From BP I like the bezel and the fact that it has luminescence. It looks classic and like you can wear it more elegant as well. Other than this I don't know much about this BP watch.

Which watch would you recommend and why?

By the way I don’t really wear suits only on very special occasions but I do like to dress up some. For the most part I dress down, coach and play sports.

I really appreciate any information you can give me that will help me out with my decision. Also if there is another model or brand you that you would like to recomend please do so.

Thank you.

[lindstd]

I was in New York a few weeks ago and I was able to see the JLC in person. Great watch in many ways but I believe the Blancpain is a more versatile watch. I am making that statement more from a look standpoint. I thought the JLC was too big and chunky and I would guess in 5 yrs it might be out of style or I personally would probably get sick of it. The Blancpain on the other hand is more of a timeless looking piece but a little different in a good way from all of the other divers. I will be the first to admit I don't know the watch mechanics of these great timepieces so I am only going off looks. On a totaly side note, I recently saw some pics of the new IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun in Matte Black that is ceramic. It looks awesome! I think this piece is a unique timepiece that can be dressed up or dressed down and would probably get a lot of looks from people. Good luck on your watch hunt!

[LHL]

Thank you for your thoughts. Just a have a question for you. Why do you think the JLC NSA would go out of style in about 5 years and why do you think you would get sick of it?

I was in New York a few weeks ago and I was able to see the JLC in person. Great watch in many ways but I believe the Blancpain is a more versatile watch. I am making that statement more from a look standpoint. I thought the JLC was too big and chunky and I would guess in 5 yrs it might be out of style or I personally would probably get sick of it. The Blancpain on the other hand is more of a timeless looking piece but a little different in a good way from all of the other divers. I will be the first to admit I don't know the watch mechanics of these great timepieces so I am only going off looks. On a totaly side note, I recently saw some pics of the new IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun in Matte Black that is ceramic. It looks awesome! I think this piece is a unique timepiece that can be dressed up or dressed down and would probably get a lot of looks from people. Good luck on your watch hunt!

[myemailsea]

I think Ti's place in the watch making world is not firmly set, I see it as more of an exercise in material usage. The price point is beyond reasonable for a JLC, but I don't think it will be a "future classic"

I do not want to insight a series of responses explaining the natural properties of Ti in the world of haute horology.

[lindstd]

I actually really like the JLC however I typically see them often. I don't think the pic's on their website are not very accurate depicting their bezel on this watch. It is more of a matte black that is very dull in my opinion. It is a bit chunky for me and not a classic look that will stand the test of time. But again, that is my opinion and I am only going off looks. Very few people have the Blancpain for many reasons...but most watch people recognize one when they see one. Classic, sophisticated and timeless, and very expensive for a nice looking dive watch. The bezel has more of a shine and the lume is great. I recently saw this model in New York a few weeks ago. I put it on and walked up the mirror and I was impressed of how awesome it looked. I guess I just think the Blancpain are in the a different class of watches but I will also say JLC makes really good watches as well. I also think the Blancpain is more versatile and more of a our conversation piece. The pic's don't do justice on this watch. I would call an AD and ask them to send you some wrist shots of the watch. If you are even thinking about spending that kind of cash, I would think that would be the least they could do for you. Tourneau carries both of them in New York City and I would think they would be more than helpful sending wrist shots of both. The people that I have seen wearing this watch just exudes sophistication and class. I believe you can wear this watch in pretty much any occasion and look great. I don't know if I would feel as comfortable with the JLC in most situations. Good luck!

[Nishant]

In general, the NS series from JLC are very toolish casual on the go type timepieces ... Blancpain is more dressy with an uncluttered look and polished cases .. Go with what suits u best but i would never buy a diver with polished case ..


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[LHL]

In general, the NS series from JLC are very toolish casual on the go type timepieces ... Blancpain is more dressy with an uncluttered look and polished cases .. Go with what suits u best but i would never buy a diver with polished case ..


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Thanks for your input. I think you might be right. A polished case just seems to nice to use in that manner. Since I coach and play sports I think a matt finish might work better for me to use daily. I have a couple other divers and one non-diver.


I love my UN, but don't wear it daily to keep it looking nice.

This TH is fairly new I use this one daily for now.

Hublot original classic. Very thin and light. Wear on more dressy occasions.




The JLC would be a nice fit because I can wear it daily be very active and casual with out worries it seems.
The BP as you said is a little more dressy, but I would probably treat it like my UN.

[Nishant]

Given ur present collection, it seems to me that u already have good dressy options .. JLC is what u need mate !!! ... My JLC NS Chrono is coming in today ... Cheers and luck ...

[LHL]

I will be taking a look at the watches next weekend. Hopefully I will find the one that truly works for me.
That is wonderful that you are getting your JLC NS Chrono today. I would love to see some pics once you receive it. Please post some here.

[mikeyc]

As much as I love JLC, I would go for the Blancpain as the NSA is very "toolish", not that there's anything wrong with that. A very similar look, and also a stunning watch is the Glashutte Sports Evo....