Of the three, I think the Maurice Lacroix is the most aesthetically pleasing, at least from the pics... Although some JLC's have a tendency to look a little plain-jane in pics, but gorgeous in the flesh.

The Maurice Lacroix uses their ML 37 movement, which is based off an ETA 2824. ETA is a company owned by the Swatch Group that makes a variety of automatic (and quartz) movements which are bought by many watch manufacturers to complete their timepieces. This means the Maurice Lacroix does not feature an in-house movement like the Zenith and JLC.

In-house movements are a big part of what dictate the prices of watches in this particular category... It can be argued that an in-house movement bumps the price of any type of watch, and that's probably true, but let's face it... Plenty of sport and tool watch makers command top dollar, even when using ETA-based movements. Kobold, Breitling, and Bremont spring to mind. This phenomena is less-so when you get into dress watches... There is generally a clearer line. Expensive pieces more often than not use an in-house movement, affordable pieces usually don't.

That Zenith, which I am fairly sure uses an in-house movement, (I haven't found anything linking the Zenith Elite 691 caliber to any ETA movement) is a pretty spanking deal at only $4300. Obviously that's around $1250 more than the Maurice Lacroix... But it might be worth saving a bit more for.

I should probably point out that ETA makes some excellent movements, and is responsible for some true icons of horological design. The 2824 that the Maurice Lacroix's movement is based on is terrifically accurate, durable, and easy to maintain.

If whatever is beating inside your watch doesn't interest you, then I can tell you that Maurice Lacroix makes a very nice timepiece. The fit and finish is on par with Omega at least. They do some stunning dial work.

 

The moon 39 is the best looking watch ever. Here are some similar alternatives in your bracket

 

Thanks a lot for your answers guys!!
I went to see the Frederique Const. watch and although I really like it and I think they make their own in-house movement for that watch, it's just too big!! I really wish they would make it in 40mm and not 42mm, which in my opinion is just too big for a watch like that. In 40mm I would have bought it without blinking...

The ML is also on a 50% sale in the shop next to my office so for me it's closer to $2000 cheaper then the Zenith which makes it that little bit attractive but I see what you are saying, you get a lot more craftsmenship for your money with the Zenith.

I have never head of Junghans, but an a beautiful watch!

Would you ever consider going second hand? Is that something that I should look at? Or do people think it's a no go area?

Thanks again

 

Thanks a lot for your answers guys!!
I went to see the Frederique Const. watch and although I really like it and I think they make their own in-house movement for that watch, it's just too big!! I really wish they would make it in 40mm and not 42mm, which in my opinion is just too big for a watch like that. In 40mm I would have bought it without blinking...

The ML is also on a 50% sale in the shop next to my office so for me it's closer to $2000 cheaper then the Zenith which makes it that little bit attractive but I see what you are saying, you get a lot more craftsmenship for your money with the Zenith.

I have never head of Junghans, but an a beautiful watch!

Would you ever consider going second hand? Is that something that I should look at? Or do people think it's a no go area?

Thanks again

I think the ML is great looking and the ETA 2824 is a great (although not in-house) movement that will be readily serviceable for the foreseeable future. If you can get it for a good price I say go for it.

Junghans is a great German watch company (I am a big fan of German watches) worth looking into.

As far as buying a used watch, go for it. When buying a nicely cared for used watch you are letting someone else eat the initial depreciation and getting a watch you may never be able to afford in your budget. Buying used is regularly done and there is a spot on these very forums to do so.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

I like them all. As stated, consider saving for the one you want because you'll more than likely end up with it someday anyways. Also, check watchrecon. I'm pretty sure I saw a like new Zenith for the ML price.

 

Here you go. If I had the money I'd buy it myself.

https://www.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-zenith-elite-moonphase-grande-date-919665.html

 

The Zenith loses by a country mile out of those three. I hate the placement of the date window. I actually think this watch is quite clunky and awkward for a dressy watch and I can see why they rely on the El Primero to make money.

The JLC is nearly double the ML in price and the watches are pretty much a dead heat in terms of looks (to me). However you are going to get the stock answer from WUS (from me anyway) and say that JLC is one of the most respected brands in the World. They are truly in house and have such fantastic movements that they have even provided Holy Trinity members in the past with parts.

I suspect that if you can buy the JLC used you will also lose very little money on it should you ever get buyers remorse. ML do not have that kind of used market presence.

 

Maurice Lacroix make excellent watches. I own the older Phase de Lune Tonneau, which also uses the ML37. That movement is a very nicely decorated ETA 2824 with a Dubois-Depraz dd9000 calendar module. ML own their own case company and they are also now making some movements in their own manufactory. Their production standards are excellent.

But they are a relatively new company without the high-cachet name and thus don't command high resale prices. (Similar to Frederic Constant, actually.) If you get a good deal, as you are doing, then that depreciation is already built in.

The Zenith is in another category, and the JLC another category still. But the ML is an excellent watch. Check the thickness, though. The 2824 isn't super-thin, and the calendar module makes it even thicker. The more expensive choices will be thinner.

Rick "very happy with his ML" Denney

 

Thanks guys, I think I narrowing it down to the ML or the Zenith, I will go to a shop and check them both out. As was pointed out I don't want to get a watch and feel like I am settling which I think is my feeling with the ML due to brand reputation vs Zenith I guess. This will probably just end up with me just getting the watch that I really want eventually with the whole process costing me a lot more money in the long run!!

 

Thanks guys, I think I narrowing it down to the ML or the Zenith, I will go to a shop and check them both out. As was pointed out I don't want to get a watch and feel like I am settling which I think is my feeling with the ML due to brand reputation vs Zenith I guess. This will probably just end up with me just getting the watch that I really want eventually with the whole process costing me a lot more money in the long run!![b/]

That's usually how it goes, yes.

 

So again great for everyone's advice. After having tried the two watches I've decided to go for the zenith. I hope it treats me well

thanks

 

Good! Now you know the rules - pics on arrival.