The Rally Monte-Carlo collection of watches from Le Jour is the company’s entrant into the “trendy integrated bracelet” family of timepieces. Le Jour does a good job of offering detailed designs in cost-effective packages, so I was curious to see what the Swiss company would do in this increasingly crowded space. The LJ-RMC collection champions itself as being inspired by rally car racing (such as in Monte Carlo) with a masculine sports chronograph profile, and the flair of geometric case design that hints at Gerald Genta at least a few times.
As the vintage racing theme of the Rally Monte-Carlo timepiece goes, this watch is also decidedly old-school in how it feels on the wrist, how you operate the functions, and how the product is put together. For example, the chronograph uses vintage-style screw-down pushers (though they are functional given the case is water resistant to 100 meters) and a dial that is effective yet highly reminiscent of the 1970s.
While the Le Jour Rally Monte-Carlo isn’t a perfect watch, it does sell itself well thanks to a lot of personality and a welcome, bold-wearing experience. Those benefits help make up for the two principal drawbacks of the LJ-RMC collection, which are the top-heavy case and the sharper edges on the steel bracelet links. Even though the polished and brushed steel Rally Monte-Carlo case has a lot of sharp-looking edges, it is actually not as sharp as it looks. This is especially thanks to a lot of softer edges on the caseback. This is not true for the matching steel bracelet, which is by comparison a lot sharper and less pleasant against the skin. The Le Jour Rally Monte-Carlo bracelet is far from the worst I’ve tested, but it could theoretically chafe a bit if worn either too tight or too loose.
The bracelet is otherwise pretty nice looking with a tapering style, contrast-polished center links, and closing with a butterfly-style deployant. The watch case itself is 40mm wide and 14.5mm thick (48mm lug-to-lug distance). Indeed, some people are going to find the Rally Monte-Carlo family to be a bit too thick. Personally, while I feel that the caseback piece is too thick, I find that Le Jour made pretty good use of the case space in offering the LJ-RMC a deep dial display as well as room for the thick Swiss Made Sellita SW500 automatic movement (similar to the Valjoux 7750). With that said, thick lines and components are a signature look of the Rally Monte-Carlo, which is probably most pronounced in the quasi-Nautilus-style bezel that is extra tall and chunky.
In my opinion, it might have been nice for Le Jour to put the Rally Monte-Carlo’s bracelet on quick-release straps and offer a dial-matching rubber strap to also go with the watch. That said, any user can remove the bracelet with the right tools and choose a different 22mm wide strap to use on the Rally Monte-Carlo case – which could be a great idea actually. This particular version of the Rally Monte-Carlo is the reference LJ-RMC-005, which has a “light blue” dial that is evocative of “Tiffany Blue.” Le Jour also makes other dial color variants of the Rally Monte-Carlo – if this hue isn’t to your personal taste. The dial overall is a nice combination of straightforward utility and a bit of flair. The face is mainly embossed horizontal lines, with snailed and recessed chronograph subdials. The applied hour markers are given a deep gunmetal color and are painted with Super-LumiNova luminant. Nothing on the Rally Monte-Carlo dial is overly reflective, allowing for excellent overall legibility for all hands and markers.
The LJ-RMC’s sapphire caseback window is given some simple thematic artwork, which is appreciated but hardly original in its feel. The movement isn’t decorated, but that is something we can forgive at this price point. The Sellita SW500 operates at 4Hz with 48 hours of power reserve. It features the time, date, day, and 12-hour chronograph complication. Even though the watch is 40mm wide, it “wears larger” given the wider lugs, thick case, side flank, and overall big proportions. Larger wrists will accommodate the heavier case and bracelet nicely. Smaller wrists might want to think about swapping out the metal bracelet and finding a fun color-matching strap to compliment the Rally Monte-Carlo dial, and to help show off the very interesting lines of the case, which aren’t as apparent when it is connected to the accompanying bracelet.
While the shape of the Rally Monte-Carlo is weird at times, and the bracelet edges are sharp, the overall package is fun and feels like a good value. These certainly aren’t watches for everyone, but I feel that Le Jour has packaged a classic look in a fresh way and in line with current trends. The Rally Monte-Carlo isn’t the cheapest watch of its type, but it is nevertheless priced with affordability for the decent components and movement it offers. The SW500 is a great performer, and it is true to say that you can find it powering much more expensive timepieces as well.
Given the broad scope of the market for integrated bracelet sports lifestyle watches today, I am curious to know the types of people who gravitate most toward what Le Jour is doing with the Rally Monte-Carlo. Certainly, the LJ-RMC collection is focused on value-minded enthusiasts, but it could equally work for a mainstream buyer simply seeking a handsome daily wear. Price for the Le Jour Rally Monte-Carlo LJ-RMC-005 (as tested with the light blue dial) is $1,580 USD. Learn more at the Le Jour watches website here.
