After several rep watch brands, including the popular ones such as Rolex, Omega and IWC, my first JLC rep is the one that inspired me to write a short review.
Due to my lifestyle and clothing preferences, I wear divers/sports models 90% of the time, buying this watch I knew it will be a ‘special occasion’ piece, but it is so damn beautiful I wear it around the house all the time!
To get the dimensions out of the way, caliper measurements give us:
- case diameter of 39.14 mm
- dial diameter of 34.22 mm
- lug width of 21.10 mm
- lug distance of 45.94 mm
- case thickness of 9.91 mm
Dimensions are pretty much spot on, except for the thickness which doesn’t quite reach the gen 9.3 mm. However, it wears true to its name due to a vintage case shape where the mid section is slender and slightly wider than the bulge of the case back, causing it to appear hidden the watch is on the wrist. Some people will say 39 mm is too big for a dress watch, but i find it an great size, because a smaller dial would make it an even dressier watch than it is. With 39 mm it has a bit of wrist presence so it can be even worn with smart casual clothes, giving it a bit of class!
Rose gold case, markers and hands paired with chocolate brown strap gives the watch warmth, but the star of the show is the dial. I tried to capture the colour and texture in sun and shade, but since I only used my phone for the pictures not really sure of my success! All I can say is this is one of those watches which look better in person than on photos.
Above the 6 o’clock indicator lies the rotary date and moonphase complication. ASPF has done a great job on it, with the moon and stars really sparkling when light hits them due to that high polishing. Of course, a close up examination would show some imperfections compared to gen, but considering we are comparing a 400 USD watch to a 20K one, the result is fantastic.
Sapphire case back reveals the clone 925 movement, which unfortunately doesn’t have the greatest reputation when it comes to long term reliability. So far it has been holding very good time at +7 seconds per day, with moonphase and date change working perfectly. Movement is nicely decorated, nothing spectacular but still nice to look at with the skeletonized rotor bearing the JL logo. Plate markings are printed on this model where on the gen calibre 925 they are engraved.
Finally, there are two things that can be improved. The rotor is quite loud, which I assume could be fixed with better quality oil (small service). It hasn’t bothered me enough to take the watch for servicing, but I do notice it from time to time. The second is common for all reps on leather, as the strap is nice to look at but just doesn’t feel premium enough for this watch. I will probably look to replace it with a quality aligator strap in the near future.
I hope my small review will help out someone thinking about buying this rep. Pull the trigger and don’t look back
Due to my lifestyle and clothing preferences, I wear divers/sports models 90% of the time, buying this watch I knew it will be a ‘special occasion’ piece, but it is so damn beautiful I wear it around the house all the time!
To get the dimensions out of the way, caliper measurements give us:
- case diameter of 39.14 mm
- dial diameter of 34.22 mm
- lug width of 21.10 mm
- lug distance of 45.94 mm
- case thickness of 9.91 mm
Dimensions are pretty much spot on, except for the thickness which doesn’t quite reach the gen 9.3 mm. However, it wears true to its name due to a vintage case shape where the mid section is slender and slightly wider than the bulge of the case back, causing it to appear hidden the watch is on the wrist. Some people will say 39 mm is too big for a dress watch, but i find it an great size, because a smaller dial would make it an even dressier watch than it is. With 39 mm it has a bit of wrist presence so it can be even worn with smart casual clothes, giving it a bit of class!
Rose gold case, markers and hands paired with chocolate brown strap gives the watch warmth, but the star of the show is the dial. I tried to capture the colour and texture in sun and shade, but since I only used my phone for the pictures not really sure of my success! All I can say is this is one of those watches which look better in person than on photos.
Above the 6 o’clock indicator lies the rotary date and moonphase complication. ASPF has done a great job on it, with the moon and stars really sparkling when light hits them due to that high polishing. Of course, a close up examination would show some imperfections compared to gen, but considering we are comparing a 400 USD watch to a 20K one, the result is fantastic.
Sapphire case back reveals the clone 925 movement, which unfortunately doesn’t have the greatest reputation when it comes to long term reliability. So far it has been holding very good time at +7 seconds per day, with moonphase and date change working perfectly. Movement is nicely decorated, nothing spectacular but still nice to look at with the skeletonized rotor bearing the JL logo. Plate markings are printed on this model where on the gen calibre 925 they are engraved.
Finally, there are two things that can be improved. The rotor is quite loud, which I assume could be fixed with better quality oil (small service). It hasn’t bothered me enough to take the watch for servicing, but I do notice it from time to time. The second is common for all reps on leather, as the strap is nice to look at but just doesn’t feel premium enough for this watch. I will probably look to replace it with a quality aligator strap in the near future.
I hope my small review will help out someone thinking about buying this rep. Pull the trigger and don’t look back
