Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Automatic Seconde Centrale

amanico · 2015-04-14T00:00:45Z

Discover the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Automatic Seconde Centrale (SIHH 2015). Amanico reviews the new central seconds and automatic movement.

amanico

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Amanico introduces the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Automatic Seconde Centrale from SIHH 2015, highlighting a significant development for the Reverso line: the introduction of a central seconds hand and an automatic movement. This post delves into the design choices and technical specifications of this new model, inviting community discussion on its place within the Reverso heritage. Readers gain insight into the evolution of JLC's iconic reversible watch.

I don't think I am wrong when I say that many were waiting for a Reverso with a central second.

Till now, when Jaeger Lecoultre revisited their emblematic model, we had the choice between a dial without seconds, such as the Tribute To Reverso Red, or 1931, or with a small second, such as the Tribute To Reverso 1948.

But, till now, this one was missing:

It is now done. With a big difference, compared to the Tributes To Reverso, which were all manual winding.

Indeed, this year, Jaeger Lecoultre opted for an automatic movement, which is not a first since last year, we saw the birth of the Grande Reverso Night and Day, which housed an automatic movement, too.

The 2014 Grande Reverso Night and Day:

The choice of an automatic movement has a direct consequence in the height of the case. While the manual winding Tributes To Reverso were 7, 2 mm high, there will be 2 extra millimeters ( 9, 2 mm ), while the size remains the same ( 46, 8 x 27, 4 mm ).

The bad news is that is is available in white gold only, so the retail will be much above from what we are used to see with the Tributes, habitually...

The movement is not a novelty, since it belongs to the Cal 96x family: Here, the Cal 966A.

It beats at 28 800 alternances per hour, is 4, 20 mm high, and offers a ( short ) power reserve of 38 hours.

As for the dial, there were three possibilities.

The one JLC opted for, as shown on the picture above, a second one with the " plain " central second, like this one:

And a third, white dialed, one:

While I think JLC made the right choice to go for a black dial, I would have had a slight preference for the " plain " central second, like the one I own, to tell the truth.

But let's not spoil our pleasure, it is far from being bad as it is.

What about some live pictures, now?

One detail I didn't get is why Jager Lecoultre called it Grande Reverso 1931, as the central second and the Jaeger Lecoultre signature came a bit later, in the mid thirties.

My guess is that it is due to the line of the case. But it is pretty confusing.

I am happy to see that this watch will come with a pin buckle, as I find it more comfortable than the folding.

A last world about the Grande Reverso. It seems that the Tributes are over, now. And, with them, manual movements. We'll see next year, as it will be another anniversary for the Reverso...

This one will be a one year production, then.. Basta, as use to say our italian friends.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-04-14 00:06:21

Key Points from the Discussion

White gold is valued for its subtle, discreet luxury, appealing to owners who prefer personal enjoyment over external recognition. It offers the satisfying weight of precious metal without being overtly showy.
Some collectors find a blank Reverso case back disappointing, preferring an interesting display or complication on the reverse side to enhance the watch's unique flipping mechanism.
The new Grande Reverso's dial, with its radiating hour markers and two-level central circle, is aesthetically pleasing, though the watch's availability only in white gold is a drawback for some.
Many enthusiasts express a preference for manual-winding movements in Reverso watches, viewing them as more aligned with the model's heritage and offering a cleaner aesthetic than automatic versions.
The high retail price expected for the white gold Reverso makes some collectors consider vintage models as a more appealing alternative.
The stubby central second hand, seemingly driven by the minute track, is an aesthetic point of contention for some, who would prefer a cleaner design.

The Discussion

blomman Mr Blue

Apr 14, 2015

Presonally I prefer without seconds hand... But here I find it very nice and balanced! :) Well done JLC! Best Blomman

Sandgroper

Apr 14, 2015

and JLC has succeeded beautifully in encapsulating the Vintage spirit onto this piece. The only pity, in my view, is the automatic movement. Practical, certainly. I guess that this is what the market wants but if it is so, why make it in white gold? Cheers Francois

amanico

Apr 14, 2015

That would have required a new movement, as they have no manual movement with central seconds... Same problem than for the TT Geophysic... Best, Nicolas

hs111

Apr 14, 2015

.. that there might be a ss - version .. - Dommage !! Also because given the to be expected retail ( I guess beyond 10k ??) , I would have been more happy to obtain a Vintage one .. ;);) Best, hs :)

watchthatman

Apr 14, 2015

To me this watch has a very simple, cold beauty, more than any other reverso, I've seen, and I think it would be great in either stainless or platinum. I don't understand the appeal of white gold. And I agree with everyone else who would have preferred a manual movement. Photos here are better than the JLC website, as often happens :). Thanks for the writeup Nicolas!

Tim_M

Apr 14, 2015

As an enthusiast of white gold watches, I can offer one perspective regarding its desirability. White gold is subtle, discreet, and luxurious, much like a Jaeger-LeCoultre. It is precious, less common than its colorful cousins, and white gold appeals more to the personal emotion of the owner than the recognition or affirmation of observers. White gold bears the satisfying mass of precious metal without declaring itself. For the enthusiast who values all of the foregoing, white gold is a private

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Automatic Seconde Centrale

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