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L&JR launched at Baselworld in 2018 after a soft opening, introducing Step 1 as a design-led Swiss quartz collection that brought its founders’ high-end watch experience to a more accessible price point. Its Chronograph S1503 was reported at CHF 1,380 at launch; that is a historical sticker price, not a current valuation.
When did L&JR launch?
L&JR had a soft opening a few months before its public launch at Baselworld in 2018, according to co-founder Jörg Hysek Jr. in a May 26, 2018 interview. Contemporary coverage of the Chronograph S1503 appeared on April 4, 2018. The S1503 launch report places the watch in the context of the brand’s debut.
Who founded L&JR, and what were their roles?
The founders named in the interview were Philippe Cros, Lionel Ladoire, and Jörg Hysek Jr. Hysek Jr. described their responsibilities as divided across the business:
- Lionel Ladoire: creation and design.
- Philippe Cros: production.
- Jörg Hysek Jr.: sales development and marketing.
Their stated concept drew on experience in the high-end watch segment while targeting an entry-level price point with the first collection.
#1 Best Overall
- Round watch featuring corrugated unidirectional bezel, luminous hands/markers, and magnified date window at 3 o'clock
- 40 mm, Length: 210mm, 23k gold-plated stainless steel case with mineral dial window. Movement Caliber: NH35A
- Japanese automatic movement with analog display
- Gold & Stainless steel tone bracelet with foldover clasp with safety closure
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving.
What was the Step 1 collection?
Step 1 was L&JR’s first collection. It was presented as an accessible, design-focused Swiss watch proposition rather than a mechanical-watch project. The S1503 chronograph was one of the collection’s launch models. Contemporary reporting listed a 45 mm stainless-steel case, Swiss Ronda quartz movement, and 50 m water resistance.
Why did L&JR choose quartz?
The founders framed quartz as a deliberate choice, not simply a cost-cutting compromise. In the 2018 interview, Hysek Jr. said: “The reason we chose to go with a quartz movement is because we think quartz is under-valued; most quartz watches are boring.” He argued that quartz could support reliability and a lower price while requiring less mechanical servicing. Those are the founder’s reasons for the design and pricing strategy, not independent performance findings.
Rank #2
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 155 grams
- Stainless steel band, 210mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Diver stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
What did the Chronograph S1503 cost at launch?
Watch Collecting Lifestyle reported a CHF 1,380 sticker price for the Chronograph S1503 in 2018. This figure describes the reported launch price, not a present-day retail price, resale value, or verified current offer. The launch report also specified the watch’s 45 mm case and 50 m water resistance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about L&JR watches today?
Current brand activity, official support, authorized sellers, and stock are not established by the available sources. A retailer catalog lists L&JR models and describes a 45 mm chronograph with Ronda caliber 8040.N, sapphire crystal, and a 22 mm strap; its collection page includes both listed and sold-out watches. Those are retailer-provided catalog details, not confirmation that L&JR remains active or that the retailer is an authorized seller. Check the specific listing and seller directly before relying on availability, service, or strap compatibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ⌚【Design Inspiration】This is an all-steel octagonal design with the characteristics of a classic sports adventure watch. The shape is exquisite and exquisite. Through amazing proportions, high-tech materials, and anti-magnetic structure,You can see the precise operation of each mechanical part, its unique masculine beauty injects new blood into the sports watch.
- ⌚【Unique Octagonal Design】The front of the octagonal bezel is polished with a polished and brushed process, which is resistant to scratches and presents two different metallic textures. The most classic and legendary aesthetic design has finally conquered the world as the ultimate octagonal case of sporty elegance. The 1.61inch large dial with high quality stainless steel watch band makes the watch more durable. The total length of the watch is 8.26inch.
- ⌚【Mechanical Movement】NO need to use BATTERY, but AUTOMATICE SELF-WINDING! The back of the watch adopts a back-through design, through the sapphire glass back we can clearly observe the movement beauty of the movement.The watch is equipped with a stainless steel bracelet that is comfortable to wear and has a very elegant posture. The whole is meticulously polished to bring a more refined wearing experience.
- ⌚【30M Waterproof】Daily life waterproof design which bear daily wash hand, swear,accidental rain or water splash.Please keep it away from swimming and hot water bathing in case consume the watch.(Note! Mechanical watch is different from quartz watch. Insufficient mechanical kinetic energy will cause the watch to stop, please winding it in time.)
- ⌚【Perfect Gifts】With a independently designed FORSINING watch box, is the perfect gift for yourselves or for that special and important someone. The fashion design watch can be easily matched with a variety of clothing and suitable for all occasions.
Rank #4
- Capturing the daring style of Marc Anthony, one of music’s most influential artists, Bulova presents the all-new Marc Anthony Series A.
- The bold, angular silver-tone stainless steel case features brushed finishing with polished accents, a silver-tone bezel with grey accents, a flat mineral crystal, and a screw-down crown. The stunningly vibrant blue dial combines sunray texture along the hour track and a central dial with a radiant sunburst finish, complete with hands with luminescent treatment, polished indices, and a grey running seconds sub-dial.
- The dial is further accented with diamond hour markers at 1, 3, and 5 o’clock, chosen by Marc for their personal significance. Visible through both the dial aperture and an exhibition case back, the open heartbeat automatic movement features 21 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.
- The 44mm watch has 200m of water resistance and is complemented with a matching silver-tone stainless steel bracelet with a push-button deployant clasp. Uniting Marc Anthony’s iconic music with Bulova’s proprietary technology and Bold at Heart spirit, this new men’s timepiece will keep you always within style’s rhythm.
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #3
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
