Brand comparisons usually run on opinion. This one runs on settled transactions: 723 recorded sales of Jaeger-LeCoultre and 330 of Ulysse Nardin, all in US dollars so the figures are directly comparable.
What each one actually costs
The median Jaeger-LeCoultre result is $5,980. The median Ulysse Nardin result is $8,850. On typical examples, Ulysse Nardin carries roughly 1.5 times the price of Jaeger-LeCoultre at auction.
Half of all Jaeger-LeCoultre sales land between $2,760 and $10,800. For Ulysse Nardin the middle half runs $3,750 to $18,750.
Which one surprises the specialists
58% of Jaeger-LeCoultre lots beat their high estimate, against 46% for Ulysse Nardin. That gap says the trade is more often caught out by Jaeger-LeCoultre, which is a sign of demand outrunning the published guide.
Breadth of the record
Our archive covers 207 distinct Jaeger-LeCoultre references and 125 for Ulysse Nardin, with results going back to 2001 and 2003 respectively. The top recorded result is $314,500 for Jaeger-LeCoultre and $164,500 for Ulysse Nardin.
What this does not tell you
A median is not a verdict. These brands overlap heavily at the edges, and a well chosen example of the cheaper one will outrun a poor example of the dearer one. Condition, completeness and model matter more than the badge on the dial.
