Alternatives to Jaeger-LeCoultre watches. Top picks of Swiss Made timepieces
TOP
Alternatives to Jaeger-LeCoultre watches. Top picks of Swiss Made timepieces
We continue our series of posts 'Alternatives to…' to help you find more affordable alternatives to premium timepieces. We hope you will see that low prices aren’t always a sign of low-quality products. On the contrary, on our blog you'll find tips on what to look out for when searching for affordable timepieces. You will understand that both premium and low-cost brands draw inspiration from the same sources and that fashion trends influence the design of watches to a greater or lesser extent. So, ready to discover alternatives to Jaeger-LeCoultre watches?
Jaeger-LeCoultre – the beginning of luxury Swiss watchmaking
Imagine a remote and peaceful valley where, in the first half of the 19th century, a brilliant inventor, Antoine LeCoultre, decided to make his dream come true. To do this, he transformed the family barn into a small watchmaking workshop and started constructing ultra-precise calibres and special tools needed to make them. His manufactory is said to be the first official watch manufactory established in the Vallée de Joux and the most important company in the region. Even today, it is one of the few manufactures where the entire production process of watches, i.e. from creating the design to decorating the movement, takes place in the workshops of Jaeger-LeCoultre. In the following years, Edmond Jaeger, a French watchmaker and brilliant inventor, made a major contribution to the development of the manufacturing firm (then still known as LeCoultre) by producing an ultra-thin movement of his own design.
Founded in 1833 in the mountainous and charming Switzerland in the Vallée de Joux valley (i.e. the cradle of the watchmaking art), Swiss manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most prestigious and luxury watch brands in the world, alongside such companies as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, Chopard, Breguet, IWC, Breitling and Vacheron Constantin. Established almost 200 years ago, it can boast a wealth of experience in the watch industry and an innovative and creative approach to traditional craftsmanship. This family-run company pioneered the watch industry by pushing the boundaries of the impossible and creating some of the greatest masterpiece timepieces in history.
Swiss Made watches – discover top alternatives to Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre is synonymous with tradition, the best craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking, the finest precision and ingenuity. Every watch that comes out of the Jaeger-LeCoultre factory is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece embodying the family brand's quest for perfection, development and innovative functions. This is how, among others, the flagship Reverso collection (released in 1931 out of the Art Déco movement) and other flagship collections such as Master or Rendez-Vous were created.
Are you fascinated with these masterfully crafted works of art? We truly understand it. Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces are indeed works of art, but their price is out of reach for nearly everyone. Here you can find affordable alternatives offered by reliable Swiss watch manufacturers. We guarantee our list includes only high-quality products that will serve you well for years.
Sporty elegance in men's watches: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic and Certina Urban DS-8 Titanium
Lovers of modern watches with a sporty design will be certainly satisfied with our next picks. Athletes are people who particularly value elegant workmanship, durability, robust materials, good legibility of the dial and precise timekeeping. These standards are met by two renowned Swiss brands: Jaeger-LeCoultre and Certina. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic Q9008180 meets not only technical standards of functionality, but also high demands in terms of distinctive style distinguished by modern elegance. Its style seduces at first sight. But its price will make your jaw drop. The watch is worth as much as €9,300. This is a lot, especially if we are repaying the loan. In this case, you can choose Certina Urban DS-8 Titanium C033.851.44.047.00. This men’s watch is much more affordable as it costs less than €700. Both models demonstrate sporty functionality and precise timekeeping.
Both watches are powered by precise automatic movements. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris is equipped with a Jaeger LeCoultre in-house calibre 898, while the Certina Urban DS-8 runs on the ETA F07.412 Precidrive ™ quartz movement with an EOL battery indicator. Certina Urban DS-8 Titanium C033.851.44.047.00 is a certified COSC chronometer. As befits a sports watch, Certina Urban DS-8 Titanium uses a luminescent material that glows in the dark and comes with a comfortable bracelet that fits snugly on the wrist. When it comes to materials, the Certina watch is almost entirely made of lightweight titanium, whereas the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polars primarily uses stainless steel. The biggest difference lies in the appearance of the dial. Jaeger-LeCoultre Q9008180 features a blue dial with bâton à facette hands. Its central part and flange is sunburst. The outer rim of the dial is grained and opaline. Certina C033.851.44.047.00 uses the same type of hands, but it’s entirely decorated with a sun-brushed finish that subtly plays with the light. So, which model would best suit your needs?
Beauty and glamour in women's watches: Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Classic Night & Day and Aerowatch 1942 Moon Phase
We've already listed a couple of really good timepieces for gentlemen, so now it’s time for some alternatives to Jaeger-LeCoultre women’s watches. All women value luxury, sophistication, elegance and beauty. Precise timekeeping and fine craftsmanship found in traditional Swiss watches are also very much desired. That’s why it is worth looking at two Swiss Made timepieces: Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Classic Night & Day Q3468110 (its price is €13,300) and Aerowatch 1942 Moon Phase 43960-AA02-M (its price is around €700). Both watches are the essence of feminine style. They present a subdued and refined design with graceful elegance and sophistication. What draws attention is the striking combination of silver bracelets with bright dials covered entirely with shimmering mother-of-pearl. Some models also feature a moon phase and day/night indicator. So, why is there such a difference in price? This is mainly due to the use of a different type of movement and decoration. Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Classic Night & Day Q3468110 is equipped with an in-house automatic movement (cal. 967A) with a day/night indicator. Its silver case is made of stainless steel of high quality. What, however, makes the watch truly exceptional is a silvered grey dial beautifully finished with mother-of-pearl. It features Arabic indices and 11 diamonds totalling 0.02cts – they will surely delight lovers of luxury.
That doesn't mean, however, that Aerowatch 1942 Moon Phase 43960-AA02-M lacks something. Quite the contrary – not only can it charm with its Swiss craftsmanship, but also with its finely crafted details! Many women will like its subtle and tasteful aviation style. Its case is made of stainless steel and houses a tried-and-tested quartz movement that does not require regular re-winding like an automatic watch. The Mother-of-pearl dial and the crown with a beautiful cabochon set with dark onyx. The biggest difference between the two watches, however, is their price.
Alternatives to premium Jaeger-LeCoultre watches – find a Swiss brand that tickles your fancy!
With each new post of 'Alternatives to…', you have the opportunity to discover beautiful gems for a reasonable price. Swiss watches are some of the best timepieces on the market. That’s why in today’s article we recommended only affordable Swiss wristwatches demonstrating high-class workmanship, prestige and great precision. If you can’t afford Jaeger-LeCoultre watches, check out our premium Swiss Made watches at a fair price!
