Jaeger LeCoultre vs Zenith - Ultra Thin Watches | Watchfinder & Co.

Imagine that the following describes the watch you really, really want: 40mm in diameter, steel, design as uncluttered as possible without compromising legibility, a sub-dial for the seconds and-most importantly-an ultra-thin case housing a beautiful in-house movement that can be seen through a sapphire case back. Oh, and a silvery-grey finish to the dial to top it all off, why not. Okay, perfect. With this very specific set of requirements, it shouldn't be too hard to choose the right watch ... should it?
Featured Watches:
Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Small Second 1358420
Zenith Ultra Thin Elite 65.2010.681/91.C493
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[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@theguardian3431]

Stunning watches, both. But these 2 Daniel Wellington homages can't compare to the original.

[@gmansplit]

Lol

[@slippypasta4727]

I legit chucked

[@woddox]

well sometimes i understand the guys with the guns going nuts and start shooting everybody......

[@thomasmoll8822]

;-) PS: Jaëger (the French way), not Jäger (the German way)...

[@69elchupacabra69]

lmao

[@moustosnick]

I'm an engineer. JLC is my favorite. I've always been viewing it as the perfect combination of my love for watches and engineering.

[@Sexiestmanalive01]

I’m rich

[@ProfessorPesca]

I’ve got a JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon and I’d be petrified to wear it every day - every time I wear it I cringe away from door frames, desks, filing cabinets all day. It’s a terrifying watch to wear!

[@willieboon6150]

Longines fit me very well indeed for this jitter.

[@atl3630]

It's all part of the wonderful experience

[@watchfinder]

Gorgeous watch! Should be thin enough not to knock-it's not a U-Boat after all!

[@ProfessorPesca]

Watchfinder & Co. There’s no doubt that it’s a svelte piece, it’s my own paranoia that’s the problem ☺️

[@jacc88888]

Professor Pesca You only live once. Just don’t use it for DIY!

[@Suganoman9010]

This is my new favorite channel

[@watchfinder]

Thank you, glad you're enjoying!

[@superandre200]

@@watchfinder Me too!

[@nawaal4452]

My routine since the last 3 weeks - Watch a video of yours before sleeping. So relaxing! Your video quality is stunning

[@Oozywolf]

Has to be the Jaeger. Very tough though. Love the dial color and markings of the Zenith, but the subdial is better on the Jaeger, as well as the history and finishing. The Zenith looks a bit "Bond," dressy and edgy. Whereas the Jaeger looks timeless and pristine. A bit surprised to see the uneven blue screws on the Jeager though. It's as if they're JUST slightly out of sync. If you're going to get that close, might as well spend a little more time making them perfect.

[@BarracksSi]

My favorite story about this is of the engineer who went to a Rolls-Roys dealership. The salesman pointed out how the attention to detail was so fine that all the screws in the trunk were aligned the same way. The engineer raises an eyebrow and says, "So you're telling me that half the screws are too loose and half are too tight?"

[@jimmyc8052]

Videos are all so well done and informative. Love this business in general.

[@watchfinder]

Thank you, very kind!

[@ChameleonsFan]

No matter how you decide, you can't go wrong. My personal solution: I have a Jaeger-LeCoultre 140.8.89 and a Zenith 02.0500.400 in my collection. Both are fantastic watches.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

I almost fell out of my chair when he flipped that JLC to reveal a rotor.

[@Nomad_783]

Zenith for the design look and price, Jaeger for the engineering and prestige/heritage...etc. Both are great. If you want a cheaper option but not much worse in quality Longines have a very similar line with an extremely high quality ETA movement particularly designed for Longines.

[@Balthasar812]

The JLC is amazing but I straight up got lost inside of the dial of that zenith.

[@almeladze]

I hear you! Me too. But this is only the case in this dial color. silver is not as impressive while black seems a little better than silver. This watch being reviewed is gold with dark grey dial. But the gold version is pricewise much closer to JLC.

[@tomscott4438]

The dials are on par with Gasulette Original, and that's saying something. I'm going to check on out on in two days. I suspect they show even better in person.

[@bc8814]

Kind of interesting at 6:15 mark when talking about JLC as world class and showing the raised marker, there's a shadow under the marker meaning that it's not touching the face. Based on watch owners on forums, it was noted that some markers would be touching the dial and some didn't, potentially being an QC oversight. From the forum post, JLC rep said it's within tolerance, but I thought it's a bit noteworthy.

[@bruhyeat7887]

I am pretty sure that the raised edges are part of the JLC style you see it clearly on the moon master.

[@АрсенБалишян]

I guess that pointing problems of the watches you are describing is not your goal. But! For me as a customer who is trying to find a thin watch it is important to know about the problems of the watch. If you search internet for a «zenith elite» problems you will know what i mean. These watch look beautiful, they are pretty complicated and expensive. But a watch it is not only a jewellery. It needs to show time and work without problems. Can you tell more about their precision, about their movement, its minuses and pluses, their weakness, costs for some parts if something happens? As an example the price for a zenith glass is 1/3 of a watch price. Thats interesting! It is not only about problems, it is simply VERY interesting to listen about how do watch work! And….You channel is awesome!

[@DaniBa878]

I have zenith elite 680, 37mm, since 2012, - /+ 2 sec. every month, very secure and accurate watch.

[@melchizedekpsj]

You can't go wrong with either. Thanks for the video!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@melchizedekpsj]

Watchfinder & Co. It was a pleasure. You're welcome!

[@NYCLusso]

You have THE best review videos compared to any other watch journalist. I appreciate hearing your opinions on the watches you review.

[@watchfinder]

Thank you very much!

[@banestock]

Incredible video! Absolutely enjoying every one of them! Could you do a video on best watches at different price points.. Would be a great guide for a budding watch collector like myself!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks very much! We're waiting for the right watches to come in, but we've got something planned just like that

[@Rhunzzz]

Great video. Please compare the Cartier Tank and the JLC Reverso!!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks! We'll get that on the list

[@pkasimis]

What for

[@Dr1n1an]

I'm in love with the Zenith. What a beautiful timepiece. It exudes class!

[@Kraken1000]

I much prefer the graphite dial of the Zenith. I would not like the servicing costs of either!

[@atl3630]

Kraken1000 all part of the game. It's not for everyone

[@gigar9000]

The Zenith looks gorgeous!

[@jmrawho7058]

The Zenith is gorgeous but this 4 markers style seconds subdial is annoying. Would have preferred something like the Patrimony ultra thin.

[@AKidNamedAlan]

Zenith for pure aesthetics

[@bobbysebastian3709]

I love the Piaget ultra thin, BVLgari octofinissimo models

[@ajaxforever5473]

The Zenith is a really really beautiful watch. That grey tone is superb

[@moustosnick]

Actually both watches are at a very decent price point. Lange 1 costs three times as much ( compared to JLC ). For me the Master it is. Can't beat heritage, style and attention to detail that the grande Maison de vallee de joux brings.

[@enriqueali]

Lange makes primarily previous metal watches. These two are stainless steel, so not a fair comparison

[@spunkyq8]

You are the only watch video maker that makes absolute sense IMO. Thank you for your videos Sir!

[@emk-mediapuck6163]

The Jaeger is my preference but I also have a Skagen from the early [30 yrs ago] thin version for my every day use. I love how incredibly thin it is. Just a simple face with titanium band.

[@mrgrey91]

This is by far the best channel on KZbin in my opinion. Such great content!

[@delenk]

The Jaeger L' Coultre is my preference! The dial is better to see !

[@johnsmith-i5u]

Excellent video explaining the technical differences between theses watches & why one is nearly double the cost of the other. These particular watches represent the really no nonsense, classic Swiss watch; unlike many of the frilly toys we now see ( look no further than Richard Mille, Jaquet Droz, Frank Muller, Alain Silberstein ).

[@tomscott4438]

I've been in the market for a dress watch to add to my collection which includes an Omega Seamaster and Speedmaster. It will always be third choice so I did not want to spend big bucks. I also wanted an in-house movement with decent power reserve and clear case back. The Zenith checks a lot of boxes and I recently located a used example in 95+ condition. If it looks as good in person as it did in photos, I've found my third watch.

[@thomaskatto6517]

This is the exact same predicament I find myself. This video just might have helped me make my decision. I Wonder if there are any other options in this caliber

[@crybabyteamo]

It would have to be the Grand Seiko SBGW253 - vintage remake with great movement, ultra clean & sharp design, classic vintage dress feel and and literally top-of-the-industry polishing, dial + casework. Price actually falls in between the two watches reviewed here, but better in everyway (other than the fact that it's not swiss made).

[@westleygreenhalf2338]

The only problem there is that it is not a thin watch. I had one, but sold it after only three months due to the case being 11.2mm thick, which is really unpleasant in a manual wind dress watch. JLC offers a manual wind time only in a case of around 5mm thick, whilst the newer 38.5mm MUT small seconds with an automatic movement is only around 7.5mm thick. Grand Seiko is sorely lacking in this area of watchmaking.

[@yashav2949]

Wish you'd compare a third participant: Baume&Mercier Clifton 10400 40mm diameter 10mm thick 5 days power reserve automatic (!) Yes 10 mm isn't 8.6, but neither can really be considered "ultra thin" while there are options half that thickness in the same or much cheaper price ranges.

[@manojbharadwaj456]

If Jaeger-LeCoultre produces every movement for top three how come they say their watches have in-house movement? i always gets confused with this. Also it would be really good if Watchfinder & Co. make a detailed video about it or who supplies movements to big brnads like those top three and Rolex etc..

[@watchfinder]

They don't produce every movement, it's more that they have produced some movements for those brands at some point in the past. Audemars Piguet still uses JLC movements for some thinner watches though, Vacheron too

[@stevevuoso8411]

You have the best watch videos. Keep it up!

[@watchfinder]

Thank you very much!

[@zuti071]

Zenith caught my aye even before i watched this video !

[@jackprick9797]

The zenith in that gray color plus the jlc in blue with a moon phase. What a combination.

[@1jmayan]

Zenith is absolutely stunning!

[@jiajianhou426]

The JLC leather looks great.

[@schlettistvan8616]

At that price difference....no. I would stick with the Zenith.

[@davidthom7127]

If you've got k's, then why settle for second rate ?

[@raymondcragg7282]

JLC featured here is my next watch and I love the look of it

[@stevecrabtree6530]

Good video. Both of those watches are amazingly beautiful! I personally like the look of the Zenith better but I like how JLC put the second hand in the center, not offset. It would also be awesome to own a JLC, their movements are unbelievable. What brand of pen is that on the desk?

[@Dawgfan85]

The small second hand at 6:00 is what tipped the scale as far as aesthetics for me. JLC more symmetrical.

[@michaelli323]

Incredible video with even better commentary! Would love to see a video about moonphase watches, such as the JLC master ultra thin moon. Keep up the great work!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks very much! Yeah, a moonphase video's a great idea. On the list!

[@dmitrybelyakov]

Your videos just keep getting better! Thanks guys!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks very much!

[@Taystesouth]

I prefer the Zenith for the styling.

[@divyegandhi7911]

Jaeger le coultre for sure

[@simiscorpio]

The Nomos Orion 386 offers superb value for the given specs. At 38mm it wears more like a 40 mm and has a great in-house Calibre as well. Just that it's manual wind. The Orion Neomtik 39.7 fits the bill perfectly.

[@robynsjp]

VC 82172 small seconds... love manual wind on such watches. Automatic feels out of place on such intemporal pieces.

[@-triumphgt667]

Have just bought the rose gold version - however chose the rose gold 38.5mm version - I would have bought the 38.5 steel version but it didn’t come with the brown strap, which I preferred and which doesn’t fit. The 40mm is just a bit too big. The 38.5mm is thinner at 7.78mm and is a stunning watch. Interestingly my old automatic Baume & Mercier Riviera is even thinner at 7.4mm and was not sold as being ultra thin! Does not have a sapphire back though and I am sure it had an ETA movement - so maybe today’s ultra thin is thicker than it used to be! Superb reviews by the way. I love the presentation, the camera work is superb and the attention to detail fantastic. Less hyperbole than most sites and makes me likely to seek out your site if I buy another watch.

[@27madnoor]

Zenith Or should I rewatch 😞?

[@רעםקפילוטו]

The zenith has less parts , which is point on better and simple design of watchmaking. The jlc is just a bit thinner but it much big in the diameter and yet have a poor power reserve... The jlc needs the gold track to gain a weight wich help the winding system while zenith doesn't need such a thing... the case of the zenith is far more dynamic and hard to make... the zenith calibre base (elite 670) have safe date system wich can move forward and backward... After all the stories about regulation and ceramic ball bearing the zenith achive better accuracy and its far more reliable over time thanks to good materials and clever engineering....

[@김민준-w4o1i]

43h is not a poor power reserve. JLC used a 22k gold rotor which makes the winding even better. Not because the winding system is poor compared to Zenith. The heat blued screws are definitely harder to make and they are more durable. Takes an extra 9 manufacturing process to make. balance is also more stable and much harder to set up. Also, I can tell by the color that Zenith's movement is not rhodium plated.

[@KongBobbyK]

What a great videos this channel makes. Wow just wow. Great filming, cutting and storytelling.

[@watchfinder]

Appreciated, thank you very much.

[@romeobalota7655]

Everyone of your videos is excellent, nobody beats you.I hope I can afford a luxury watch someday, for now, I’ll enjoy seeing them here. Thank you

[@watchfinder]

Thank you very much! I hope you reach your goal someday.

[@SF-ev5nm]

JLC to be sure. The case itself, with its multifaceted look, is a work of art.

[@rayleeaustralia]

Always enjoyed your videos. I've always preferred the better quality watches so it will be the JLC for me☺️

[@aleksandersiemaszko6027]

I love my Zenith Elite diver

[@jorge23483]

Although Zenith got a great watch at a killer price point that JLC's it's just gorgeous!!!

[@iHaejeog]

Love the dial of the Zenith over the JLC

[@deepkag]

Piaget launched the thinnest watch lineup at SIHH. Don’t know the exact model but looked amazing...

[@CHICOSHAY]

What a beautiful dilemma, both are stunning but I'm drawn towards the Zenith. Can you do a video on Bulgari's Octo Finissimo?

[@shamaldass241]

JLC - hard to beat for classical refinement. Zenith is all about the sports chrono for me - el primero all the way

[@loaded2820]

It is a privilege I am fortunate enough to be making tonight... Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Memovox or Zenith Captain Winsor...

[@SpaceWalkTraveller]

I've got a JLC and I'd go for the JLC over the Zenith. It doesn't really matter which one you choose as you are going to have a great dress watch with either one.

[@westleygreenhalf2338]

I'd love to see you review the 38.5mm version of this watch. Even better would be a companion between the pink gold and steel models; to see those two dial finishes side by side would be great.

[@niceguy100000]

Citizen Eco-Drive One is my favorite thin watch (that I don't own).

[@tomzielinski9506]

I like both watches, they both have impeccable workmanship, and history. But I own a Zenith. And yes I love it dearly.

[@sbsb4995]

I will opt for a quartz watch for the ultra thin's.

[@algorithm007ify]

Zenith and JLC are both class...equal 1st place.

[@tannerbennett6365]

Great videos, I honestly "watch" them for hours haha. Keep em coming!

[@watchfinder]

Ha ha, thanks!

[@westleygreenhalf2338]

I would go for the Jaeger-LeCoultre. However, I would choose the 38.5mm version of the MUT Small Seconds. It is a fair degree thinner and the slightly smaller dial wears very well on the wrist. Also, the newer ones have the rose gold rotor, which is an extra aesthetic treat added to the solid and reliable caliber.

[@sandsmine]

the zenith 18k ultra thin is a classy looking dresser. prices and endorsments aside it looks every bit as good as the calatrava

[@MadhuryaKakati]

I like the look of the Zenith.

[@ThornEternal]

Kind of misleading on the price in regards to information. The Zenith shown is the heritage edition. Which retails over 10K~. Yes the normal Ultra Thin Elite retails at 3K~, but not this one.

[@rahulmali7527]

The reference in the description seems to be a white gold cased model, cannot find the graphite dial in stainless Steel anywhere?

[@richardcross5532]

Wonderful description and comparison. I think the jaeger!

[@canonyeo4286]

From the pictures, it seems that the zenith is better finished. Any way, the diameter and the thinnest are not proportionate. For that thinnest, the diameter at 37mm is ideal e.g Credor gcbe993 at 37mm X 6.5mm. It has the beautiful manual wind calibre 6898. For a robust manual wind, there's the gclh 977 in leather strap and 979 in bracelet. It has a proportional dimension of 39mm x 9.5mm with an even nicer new caliber 7R88. Both are affordable Credor in SS.

[@tat8johny]

I have the zenith and I love it. Great video.

[@leeevans7853]

Both are great watches but I would rather get the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950. It has a platinum micro rotor with a sapphire crystal back showing off the exquisite hand made movement with the petite perlage finish. It may not have the heritage these 2 companies have but they have established themselves as one of the best. Especially when you consider that they have supplied movements to Patek. Watchfinder please review some of these great watches.

[@741852Cyrilaqwzsx]

Maybe in that price range the A.lange & Söhne Saxonia thin ? It isn't automatic but still, it rocks !

[@zuuz84]

Ok n terms of ultra thin watches ones of my dream watches is the Blancpain villeret ultra thin white gold blue dial with 30 seconds retrograde, would love Watchfinder do a review on it..

[@RinsCube]

Jaeger FTW.

[@dwilliams851]

I'm normally not into dress watches, but that JLC is stunning.

[@waynecoskins2668]

could you review the JLC sector dial version of the Master Control? I want to buy one but would love an in depth review of it. Prettiest watch I've ever seen under $10,000

[@pablebin]

Excellent video as usual! It would be great to watch your take on the Breguet Classique Chronometrie 10Hz

[@giangvu7902]

That JLC is beautiful.

[@Sovnarkom]

This JLC doesn’t use a silicon hairspring, which will be enough for some customers.

[@gainsbourgchartier8906]

I have a 38mm zenith elite from the 2000's and i love it. Nomos also create 6,9mm watches, like the Tangente. I got that watch too and she work well. If Jaeger do the same watch with numbers and 38mm i'll probably buy it. There's not a large range of choice for simple and automatic watchs under 8mm: Piaget and Bulgari are too expensive in comparaison.

[@hoffmancapote]

I am quite biased really because the watch I am wearing while watching this video is a Zenith Elite with with the 680 movement made in 1995 with a dark blue sun ray dial but similar case as above. Honestly I like both as much as each other

[@blablablablabittybla561]

Either would be nice. Even better with a date complication!

[@danielalbala3119]

Hi . Thanks for all your videos . I love the way you are telling the stories of watchmaking. Thanks again

[@watchfinder]

Appreciated, thank you

[@9time007]

The watchmaker of the watchmakers surely wins. It's rightly said that if you want to choose between two similar watches, just take a close look at the movement, you will know.

[@arturgarncarz3631]

Love JLC. Superb manufcture but don't see any point of double the price of Zenith.

[@jameswong6590]

Really enjoy this video presentation. Another home run! Congrats!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks very much!

[@afterthought9]

Oh hey it’s those talking hands again!

[@arnoldduran4953]

Henry hahaha omfg i KNEW some one else was thinking that! Bro. . . They seriously do look like talking hands dont they😂🤣

[@watchfinder]

Oh hai! 🙌

[@DEXVD]

Would love to see the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classique Medium Thin compared to the new Cartier Santos Medium. I like the new Cartier Americaine in medium as well but with its non in-house movement I feel its not a fair comparison to the LeCoultre. I think a fairer comparison for the LeCoultre Master Thin as in the video, would be to compare a gold version to a Piaget Altiplano of the same case diameter, complication and metal.

[@glyderau1815]

My Mido Baroncelli Heritage is less than 7mm thin and has a date window. All of that in a watch 1/6 the price of the JLC. I like the JLC but to praise it for its thinness is rather daft.

[@thenewexeptor]

Nicholas Wong What a great watch. Thanks for this one.

[@bashasilvian]

Excellent review. And I just adore the way you find the words to express it

[@fpostolache]

JLC for sure but for a ultra thin take the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony ;)

[@pilotstyle123]

What kind of monster presses the downvote button to a video like this?

[@ApriliaRacer14]

pilotstyle123 Orient watch fanboys

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

pilotstyle123 one with no understanding. Basically a troll

[@divyegandhi7911]

Apple watch user's

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

Somebody in the Patek design dept.

[@Enemji]

Somebody who thought Skagen would win this round