I've had the Longines version. Its beautiful but the lack of AR was an issue. I ended up trading it because i was just never reaching for it.

 

Forgive my ignorance on this but what is AR? is that the reflective coating on the watch ?

 

I like the JLC a lot, but if your budget is more align with the Longines, there's no shame in that.

I wouldnt sell the OP39 to acquire the JLC. Like you said, the two watches serves a different purpose. I would either get the Longines for now, maybe trade up later, or just wait.

 

Yeah i think you're right, I do really like the Longines. I think it's a beautiful watch and it's exactly my kind of style, I like the JLC more don't get me wrong but I don't like it enough to warrant spending an extra 6k on it and to be a watch down.

 

I prefer Jaeger LeCoultre but Longines make a nice watch. I wouldn’t sell the Rolex if I were you to obtain arguably an amazing piece as is the MUT because this Moonphase you are in might just be a dalliance.

The biggest dilemma happens when an original idea/desire of a wristwatch gets in our minds….. we still end up wanting the superior novelty. That’s the rub.

 

I have the JLC (black dial) and it truly is a fantastic watch. I bought it because I needed a dress watch to round out my collection, but refuse to buy a watch that I don't love. Well, I don't love dress watches, so when I finally found one that I loved I got it and I really enjoy wearing it. Yes, it is expensive, but for me it's worth it to have a dress watch that I don't hate wearing.

Now having said that, I don't know your personal situation and that Longines looks great. I don't know that the JLC is gonna justify its 4x price over the Longines for you. In general, I wouldn't buy a watch if the purchase made me feel icky or uncomfortable. If you can buy the Longines and wear it without the thought giving you chest pains, that should be the one.

 

The JLC is a gorgeous watch, but I don't think that it would be worth getting rid of the OP39 for.

 

JLC hands down.

 

JLC 'cuz it's gorgeous

Longines 'cuz it should be far easier to get work done on it

 

Don’t ask if the JLC is 4 X the watch. Which one do you really want more? Would you still hanker after the JLC if you “settled” for the Longines? If the answer is “yes” then there is only one course of action open to you.

 

This:

Don't ask if the JLC is 4 X the watch. Which one do you really want more? Would you still hanker after the JLC if you "settled" for the Longines? If the answer is "yes" then there is only one course of action open to you.

 

Keep your watch and get the Longines. Very attractive in person, IMHO.

 

This one instead... less expensive than either the JLC or Longines, excellent quality, wears well and will broaden any collection. Keep your Rolex.

 

I'd never pay as much for anything JLC makes and that includes their iconic reverso which looks like my gramma's watch on my wrist.

On to the subject, I'd pick Longines. I am really flirting with them lately and am yet to ask them out. However, I am confident I will muster up the courage soon.

Longines all the way. 90% of the watch at 1/4 the price. Its a no-brainer.

 

I say do not compromise.
Save up for JLC and get it.

That said, cost is not linear. Like 200k car is not necessarily 4x better than 50k car. At certain point, incremental improvements cost real $$ and it may not necessarily the parts that matters to YOU. Like for example, JLC Master collection goes through JLC 1000 hr testing process which there is cost involved in it, yet you may not care about that extra 2-3s/day improvement compared with Longines.
Also, JLC has 8 yr warranty if you register prior to 2 yr standard warranty expiration, that is worth something.
JLC is also thinner and smaller than Longines so if you have big wrist, Longines may fit better.
JLC has 5bar WR vs. 3bar for Longines.

 

I actually though about adding that Longines but with the black dial on my list of potential next purchases. I love JLC but in this particular case I'd go with Longines. Also because if the cost of the JLC is a bit though, I don't know, you might not enjoy wearing it that much (it certainly happens to me), and a watch is to be worn and enjoyed. It also looks really beautiful. Plus you keep your OP39. More watches is a good thing.

 

That is one of my favorites from JLC, but if the watch is only for an occasional wear then the Longines might be a fine substitute. If you are going to wear the watch frequently then save up for the JLC.

 

Just an aside…Longines makes some really nice watches at a really nice price point.

 

Ball offers a unique moon phase with dark blue dial:
Ball Trainmaster Moon Phase Watch Review | aBlogtoWatch

 

I know this sounds ridiculous comparing the 2 but I'm torn and need help. I'm in the market for a Moonphase watch which I'm hoping to get next year with blue dial and I was told to check out the Master collection by Longines. I completely fell in love with it and having seen Longines watches in person ( not the master collection) I know they are beautiful watches , then when browsing on Instagram lastnight I came across a JLC blue dial moonphase watch which I found out was called the Master Ultra Thin Moon. I was completely unaware JLC even did a watch like this in a blue dial other than the Reverso and I was expecting it to be around £20,000 minimum so was pleasantly surprised at seeing it for £8,500.
It is however out of budget considering the most I've spent on a watch was my Rolex OP39mm for £3800.
The JLC is around 4x the price the Longines is and if I had the money it would be the JLC hands down however is the JLC really 4x the watch the Longines is ?
I think they look vaguely similar although I know the JLC will no doubt be light years ahead in terms of quality, movement and craftsmanship but the only realistic way I'd be able to own it is if I sold my OP39 and then pay the price for another Rolex on top of that to even be able to get it. At least with the Longines I could keep my Rolex as a daily wearer and then I can even have the Longines as a daily wearer if I wanted to, I think it's a watch you could wear with anything even though it's more of a dressier watch to go with a suit.
Plus I can happily afford the Longines even now I'm just saving up more money to make sure I have something to fall back on. I suppose if I constantly keep saving up for watches I'll never get one as something better and more expensive is always out there.
Which would you choose based on my current situation? Do I wait a few years, save up and get the JLC or do I get the Longines next year ?
View attachment 16090799
View attachment 16090801

False dilemma. Buy the Longines for a good price, mint used or nice dealer discount. Wear it for a few years while you save for the JLC. Preferably in an investment account.

When you are at the JLC number, decide then if its worth it to you. If so, sell the Longines.

 

I saw the JLC in question twice on the weekend - once at an AD, and a second time on another gentleman's wrist. It's a nice looking watch. I'd personally save and cop it over the Longines.

 

It doesn't matter which pond you are fishing in, there will always be something more in the next one.
If you were considering the JLC from the start you could possibly have found yourself looking at the next price brackets and wanting an ALS or similar.
The Longines looks great, and if that is where your heart is then you should go for it.
But, if you come to the conclusion that you really (really) want the JLC then the Longines is not likely to scratch the itch, and maybe you should put the Longines money to one side to put towards the JLC.

 

the only realistic way I'd be able to own it is if I sold my OP39 and then pay the price for another Rolex on top of that to even be able to get it.

Based on this alone I would get the Master Collection.
I believe Longines makes a great watch for the money and can attest to the quality.
What I also like and noticed recently is their warranty increased from two to five years for automatics.

 

Oh have they? That's great then

 

If price is a concern, get the Longines. Most Longines are excellent, well made watches with enough decoration to make them a good deal. A MUT Moon is not that great in comparison to other JLC offerings at that price and would probably not be where I would put that amount of money in JLC's catalog.

However if you are set on the JLC, then get the JLC as spending money on the Longines now will just mean you took 1 step forward, two steps back in terms of saving for the one you really want.

 

Sell the watch get the JLC. No questions.

 

I would go for the Longines as well. Longines makes an excellent watch for its price point. Plus, you could use the difference that would have gone towards the JLC towards another watch that may interest you when you are least expect it.

 

JLC moon punches above his weight. Longines still is, a more affordable option.