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Old 1 June 2020, 09:11 PM   #1
Trane
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JLC Rotor Noise

I’ve been considering dress watch options and have been looking at the Jaeger Lecoultre Master Control line as one of the main contenders. I’ve stumbled across a potential issue in my research that had never come to my attention before and that is the loud noise the rotor makes as it winds due to the ceramic bearings.

I’m wondering if JLC owners can let me know if it’s typical to most models and how bad it really is. I’ve heard people saying that it can be heard over 3 feet away and some say that their particular model is silent.
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Old 2 June 2020, 05:08 AM   #2
Skyrider01
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I have 2 JLCs - a master calendar and an ultra thin moon. The rotor noise on both is about the same as on all my other automatics. Unless you are holding the watch up to your ear or shaking it vigorously, you shouldn’t notice it.
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Old 2 June 2020, 05:12 AM   #3
WatchEater666
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I have a Master Ultra Thin Reserve De Marche and haven't noticed anything. It's quieter than my AP was.
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Old 2 June 2020, 05:48 AM   #4
Trane
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Thanks for the feedback! I’ve heard it referred to as a “zipping” or “whizzing sound” but glad to hear that it’s not all models.
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Old 2 June 2020, 06:09 AM   #5
Skyrider01
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trane View Post
Thanks for the feedback! I’ve heard it referred to as a “zipping” or “whizzing sound” but glad to hear that it’s not all models.
That’s about right as far as what it sounds like. I would guess all watches with ceramic bearings will make a certain amount of noise. Of those I have, it is just not loud enough to be noticeable while wearing.

See if you can go and check one out in person at an AD if they are open again.
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Old 2 June 2020, 10:41 AM   #6
JR16
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I owned a UTM 39... it had that rotor noise. Normal for the movement. My 5167 has the same sound. You grow to like it...


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Old 3 June 2020, 02:48 AM   #7
Rrpdc
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyrider01 View Post
I have 2 JLCs - a master calendar and an ultra thin moon. The rotor noise on both is about the same as on all my other automatics. Unless you are holding the watch up to your ear or shaking it vigorously, you shouldn’t notice it.
Totally agree.
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Old 18 September 2021, 10:05 PM   #8
raymondap
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I just bought a pre owned master ultra thin moon today, and when I got home I noticed the rotor sounds quite loud (like zipping/ creaking), something that I don’t notice during my experience with rolex explorer. However I’m currently in love with this watch.
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Old 18 September 2021, 10:59 PM   #9
vitalsigns
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Normal but quite annoying, IMO. JLC should find another solution. Rattling ceramic bearings make make the movement seem less like a finely crafted machine.
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Old 14 October 2021, 05:24 PM   #10
nickorette
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I have also noticed zipping sounds from the Nautilus and Royal Oak. OP36 and Seamaster Aqua Terra are silent. Omega DeVille and Longines have swinging type sounds but I've never noticed when on the wrist.

I have a MUTM on order so we'll see how that stacks up when it gets here.
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Old 14 October 2021, 09:34 PM   #11
cascavel
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If you buy a manual wind you won't have this issue.
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Old 15 October 2021, 11:09 AM   #12
stockjock1975
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I own a Geophysic 1958 and do notice the rotor noise a decent amount. But my Patek Aquanaut also made noise at about the same volume.

I guess it just depends if it will annoy you. The upside though to ceramic ball bearings is the dramatic reduction in friction/wear….so it’s got that going for it.


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