JLC Master RDM vs Rolex TT RG DJ?

[Macros]

Hi People,

This questions fairly simple but the answers may not be!

I have been offered 2 very different watches for very good prices.
both BNIB and both from local AD's.

1/ JLC Master RDM - SS on black croc with silver face. Latest 938 movement with display case back. rrp £3,800 +/- To me £2,850.

2/ Rolex Datejust - Plain polished bezel, new style with rolexrolexrolex...engraving around chapter ring, new improved bracelet/clasp and nicer improved case. 2 Tone with Rose gold on bracelet and bezel as well as white dial with Rose gold baton markers and hands.. rrp just under £4000. To me £3000.

Question is simple, which one would you go for and why?

include re-sale, wearability, versatility, durability, maintenance (servicing costs and strap replacement vs bracelet longevity)
Build quality, movement i.e sophistication vs proven reliability etc..

In fact please feel free to justify your choice however you see fit.

I know it boils down to personal choice but it doesn't hurt to hear alternative viewpoints and differing perspectives.

Either choice gives me enough left over to get a good diver (i.e Omega PO / SMP / Brielting steel fish etc)

I have tried on both and if I could buy both I would but I can't!

I MUST choose!

To help with your advice I offer a brief insight into my life!
My life style is not one of flashy suits and board rooms although I am in sales and do have sales meetings and meetings with clients. The majority of my working days are filled with surveying either in peoples homes or public buildings so trousers, shirt (not usually a tie), a fleece if it's cold and decent but not flashy shoes are my dress code.
I have nice suits but they are only worn at meetings or special social occasions.
I also perform with a full size "Big Band" as the principal Male singer so sometimes I wear a Tux, although not that often.

Would the 2 Tone DJ be OTT for jeans & T shirt or is it surprisingly well suited to casual as well as formal?

Is the JLC a little too delicate? Would it need pampering too much?
Would it work as a dress watch AND casual?

It doesn't matter which one I go for, I will still like and desire the other! However I want to make the right choice for ME and be able to live with that!

I appreciate there will be brand bias in some answers but in a way that's what I'm banking on to get a balanced overview.

I've tried both on more than once and I like them both as much each time I do! I doubt this will change so I need a "nudge" to break this stalemate.

This IS a reality and I WILL be buying one or the other...but which?

Maybe we should have a vote? Please give reasons though if you don't mind.
Oh, and of course photos are ALWAYS welcome

[truerolexer/trueradiomier]

For the first time...I choose other watch than Rolex...My head said go for JLC Macros....but my heart still choose DJ. But I think JLC RDM is a good reasonable choice than DJ TT. More functional than DJ TT. So, I vote JLC RGM!!!

[Archer]

I voted the JLC. The brand offers tremendous value for the money. For me it the Rolex has a couple of things going against it such as being TT - I had one (TT YM) and decided I don't really like TT watches at all.

The DJ would look out of place in some situations IMO - both for being TT and possibly being a bit "flashy". The RDM is understated, and works well as a formal or casual watch (throw a brown strap on it and it will change the look completely, so it's like having 2 watches).

No doubt the Rolex is rugged, but the idea that anything that isn't is "delicate" is really overblown on some forums (not here thankfully). I think either will give you years of great service. I gave you some movement information in a prior thread, so no need to repeat it here.

Again just my opinions.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Sam]

Between those 2, I would choose the RDM.....this is assuming it won't be your only watch & you will also buy a diver of some sort. The DJ will be more durable (metal bracelet, higher water resistance, etc).....but if you have a diver, you can wear it whenever you think the watch may be getting wet.

This may not matter to you, but the RDM will fly under the radar while a TT DJ will stick out. Being in a sales job, I don't know that I would like people knowing that I had a Rolex on. People tend to assume you are charging them too much if you have an expensive watch, car, etc.

Like Al said, you can also put it on a brown strap and dress it down a little more for casual wear.

I wouldn't worry about resale so much. They will probably hold their value somewhat similarly.

[Ben]

Well, whichever one speaks to you the most is the one you should get. What I, or what anyone else, thinks is totally irrelevant. It's your money and your watch.

That said, I voted for the JLC. During my recent watch shopping I had the pleasure to be able to wear on my wrist both a JLC Reverso Duo as well as an AMVOX1. I was incredibly impressed with both of them. My next watch, which the non-WIS side of my brain won't let me have for a long time after my last purchase , is going to be a JLC.

I think that you would have no problems with reliability or durability over the long haul with either. In my opinion, the JLC is a far more interesting watch - both visually and horologically. They've been in business a long, long time and the quality of their timepieces indeed makes them one of the top Swiss makers. No doubt about it.

Rolex has a reputation - an admittedly deserved reputation - for ruggedness and reliability. You would not "go wrong" with the Datejust. But, to be honest, I'm just soooo over Rolex. I think that their designs are dated and uninteresting and once you can mentally get over the myth of "Rolex is best" you can see that there's a lot more out there. But that is purely my opinion.

-Ben

[truerolexer/trueradiomier]

sam said:

Being in a sales job, I don't know that I would like people knowing that I had a Rolex on.

That's what I want talking to you....But once again you buy a thing not thinking to sell it fast, right? So, hell that!!! Choose with your own heart, what one of 'em make you happy most!!!

[mamas]

difficult choice... i think that my preference would be the JLC as it is a pure dress watch, but reading about you, maybe the rolex on a leather strap is more you??

[aerome]

To a watch guy the JLC has it all over the DJ. To the general populace, Rolex is a magic word. I voted Jag!

And don't forget the pictures

Al II
RSC Scourge

[Macros]

I don't know if anyone's still switched onto this thread but I still haven't made my mind up

Or to put it another way...I have....then I change my mind....then I change it again....
But now I have..........

The comments on here were 100% for the JLC, which surprised me as there is a Rolex forum here but not a JLC

My wife thinks that strap watches don't suit me but she's going on a cheap Fossil chrono I'm wearing until I replace the Sea Dweller that's now sold and gone

The JLC looks stunning IMO so I have to accept that my wife preferred the Rolex then again she's not wearing it and is happy if I'm happy

she's basing her opinion on this picture...


But I reckon she'll change her mind once she's seen it on my wrist.

I hope so because I've just ordered it and paid a deposit over the phone

There's no stock at JLC UK so I'm getting a brand new freshly made one ;D
Be about 3-4 weeks, I've waited over a year so what's another month

I'll post pics when I get it but for now here's pics of the watch I'm getting (not my pics so thanks to whomever they are )




Mac ;D

[Archer]

Congrats! I honestly don't think you will be disappointed.

Cheers and looking forward to the photos!

[atomic]

Very cool! Congrats. I'm 100% positive you will be 100% satisfied. JLC makes a gorgeous watch.

[Macros]

Thanks guys, I've also put my name down with the AD for 1st refusal on the new SMP (black - replacing 2250.50) that'll be my everyday wearer. The JLC will be my Weekend and dress watch