Reply With QuoteGreat write up 8)
I hope you enjoy reading this fairly short review with some pictures I have taken of this rather marvellous watch.
I stand to be corrected for any errors and omissions, but for technical details I have used the Jaeger-LeCoultre website as source for the movement details. The aesthetics impressions are my own opinions.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS
Well. I haven't been able to take this watch off my wrist for nearly a week now, which for me is quite an accomplishment! And in essence I really really enjoy wearing this watch!
The first impression if I may use an analogue - is of a rather fine vintage bottle of wine. It's shape is distinct and shows characteristics of finesse and high grade workmanship. It's general appearance is definitely from the Art Deco period of design which gives it a somewhat timeless and already 'aged' quality.
THE MANUFACTURE
Jaeger LeCoultre is apparently in the upper range of watch manufactures. History goes back to 1833 with Antoine-LeCoultre and in 1903 union with Jaeger. The company invents, designs, manufactures it's movements and is one of the few remaining Swiss to still do this complete end-to-end. The company has registered over 350 patents since the 19th century. The Jaeger-LeCoultre brand was formed in 1937 - the full history of the company is given in detail on their official website http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/eu/en/m ... re/history - well worth a look.
CASE
Here are some vital statistics of this - lozenge oblong cased
- 45mm lug-lug (across the wrist)
- 25mm x 19mm - watch face (oblong)
- 10mm height (edge) - tapering to 5mm (the movement is 5.3mm in height)
- 30mm width excluding crown
- 33mm width including crown
- 5mm radius at edges
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
In practice looks like this:
FACE, MOVEMENT AND COMPLICATIONS
FACE:
Dial is silvered guilloché with black transferred numerals and Bâton hands
As can be seen the face has in addition to the hour and minute hand, patented large date complication with independent numerals, 8 day power reserve (Reserve 8 Jours) supplied by 2 barrels to quote, "guarantee 8 days power reserve and unfailing precision". Small second hand lower right.
MOVEMENT
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre: 875
28,800 vph
Jewels: 25
Barrel: 2
Height: 5.30mm
Hand wound 8 day pr
1000h tested and 3bar/atm - and states in the manual, "you can use your watch for short swims and when diving from the poolside but nor from a diving board. It must not be used either for scuba diving or for sports where there are significant risks of hard knocks, such as windsurfing and waterskiing. Please also note that leather straps are not suitable for aquatic activities."
This movement is really of finest quality and finished to perfection. It can be seen through the reversed crsytal cased back in reverse - so can be worn 'movement out' just for your viewing pleasure. Being manual wind means there is no automatic counter-weight covering up half the movement. Pure joy
REVERSO - FUNCTION
First produced in 1931 to produce, "a watch capable of withstanding the hard knocks of a polo game" is the The Reverso Watch. This case design houses a number of Jaeger-LeCoultre calibres. It is designed to easily allow the whole case to be flipped over, without the need to remove the watch from the wrist. With a little practice this becomes easy to do.
QUALITY - FIT FORM FUNCTION (and COMFORT)
The quality measured in Fit, Form, Function is excellent. I find the watch sits very comfortably on my wrist. Looking at various JLC forums I see others have found the relative thickness compared to other dimensions maybe uncomfortable. I have had no issues at all with this, even though my wrist is 6 3/4" - perhaps it is the flatness of my wrist I find I can wear it all day without issues.
As you can see it appear to me to fit just fine:
On the coldest days I have had to adjust the strap on the deployant by one hole. I was lucky to have it supplied with 2 straps - brown with white stiching or very dark blue to match the hands. I've only had a chance to wear on the brown so far.
FINAL NOTES
I bought mine second hand at approximatetly -50% off MRP (originally bought in 2006). It came with full boxes and papers and valuation letter from 2009. I think second hand they are excellent value. Maybe rather expensive to buy from new, but even then - if you don't plan to sell then I would suggest JLC are excellent to buy. Properly serviced they will run happily for a lifetime and beyond. JLC promise to service any of their watches, however old, unlike some well know swiss brands!
I will be wearing mine all the times I need a stylish, reservedm unusual watch but not when swimming or for hard manual labour (just as I wouldn't wear my best leather shoes to dig the garden).
Subjective Scores
Movement 10/10
Finish 10/10
Value 8/10 - initial MRP high (but v good value if bought second hand)
Flippability rating - 4/10 (10 being most probable to flip)
Overall - 9/10
Hope you enjoyed this review. Here are some other close-up pics to finish with:
and a final wrist shot
Thanks for looking!!
“ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG
Great write up 8)
"I looked with pity not untinged with scorn upon these trivial-minded passers-by"
Great review and GREAT pictures! Thanks for the effort...
This is one of my all time favourites and I'll have one one of these days. It's a beautiful, timeless design and a classic gents watch.
Thank you for the review I enjoyed reading it :)
Rod
Great review, and although I'm not a fan of square watches in general, I really do like this one! Wear it well.
Although not a fan of square/oblong watches or numbers that are 'eaten' by sub-dials, this one does manage to overcome both my prejudices (somewhat)! Congrats on a superb watch!
Enjoyed the review very much - and the pics are excellent. Thanks for posting.
Absolutely stunning, I was so lucky to have my fingers on one last weekend, but it is out of my league, Im affraid.
Wonderful, wonderful watch. I just love the Reverso Grand Date, its one of my favourite JLC pieces.
I have the Reverso Squadra Hometime, and it's also great and fits my lifestyle better fro now. However, I don't thinks its as aesthetically pleasing as the Grand Date (hopefully I'll get this one too!!)
Lucky old you !!
Have an appreciative bump from a former owner (!) Great pics and review, and am seriously missing the watch. Keep telling myself that the 7 seater for the family was by far the most sensible option, but at least the review helps remind me how great a piece it was. Do you find yourself compulsively flipping the watch head back and forth, it's kinda like having a set of worry beads strapped to your wrist...(!)
So is it time to up the flipperbility raiting on this review ;)
I'd say still 4/10 - they don't come up for sale very often :wink:Originally Posted by MattH
“ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG
And hot news from my visit to the JLC Boutique.. the Grande Date has been discontinued!
Excellent, perhaps now it will get the recognition it deserves as a true classic 8)
"I looked with pity not untinged with scorn upon these trivial-minded passers-by"
Nice review ,great pics,wish I had one cheers. :bounce:
looks very smart and on a successful businessman wrist :lol: 8) :bounce:
If i buy one will the success follow?
Great review, I love JLC and this particular one is one of the best IMHO. A real quality watch
Great review, great pictures.
great review and awesome pics!
I want one! :cry:
Great review of a stunnig watch. Thanks for posting
That's fab! 8)
I'm embarrassed to say I've only just spotted this review and what a cracker. The finishing on the dial is just gorgeous.
Love it. A massive belated thanks for sharing.
Great post! I like the behind....mmmm.... 8)
Lovely review!
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L
- Normally spend my time scanning the divers and chunky pieces, however, you have shown me the error of my ways!
Thanks for the review....beautiful watch......one of my next target....
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