Review
Ed. W presents a compelling case for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gran' Sport Chronograph, a timepiece he argues was largely overlooked in its era but remains an excellent piece. His detailed review explores its unique proportions, innovative dual-sided chronograph movement, and enduring appeal to collectors.
I understand that this watch is very old and was largely ignored during its day, but I'll try to make a case for why it was, and still is, an excellent piece.
In looking for something quite innovative, I had always thought that dual sided Reversos represented the most logical use of the Reverso case. What impressed me the most about the Gran' Sport is its uniqueness amongst Reversos. While the Squadra is proportionally (1:1.6) not a bona fide golden ratio Reverso, the Gran'Sport line is (and is the only other Reverso that bears the same proportion other than the traditional reversos. Another appeal of the watch is its size, at a modest 28.3 mm x 43.5 mm x 12.6 mm, only a hair larger than the Reverso GT I reviewed previously. The movement is an original chronograph movement and as far as i know the only dual sided chronograph.
Slightly barreled case, compared with the GT cased Reverso Duo
Basics Specifications:
Functions: Recto: Time, date. Verso: Chronograph with seconds hand and 30 minute retrograde counter.
Water resistant 5 atm (not 1000 Hr control)
Caliber 859, based on caliber 829
Manual wind
45 Hour power reserve
38 Jewels
317 components
28,800 vph
4.5 mm high
Column wheel control of chronograph functions
The only real photo of caliber 859 anywhere, from the old PuristS site
MSRP (Last known in USD). Steel version on steel bracelet 15,000. Steel on rubber strap 14,250. Gold on gold bracelet 30,400. Gold on rubber strap 23,750.
Dial versions: White or grey, with applied triangular markers or printed linton numerals
Released 1998, discontinued 2006
If you want more technical information about the merits of this watch, Purists has a wonderful article linked below.
I can only comment on the overall experience of wearing the watch. Personally, while gold is an admirable material, the Gran'Sport is in all essence a sports watch and is better in the steel version. Although I prefer the steel bracelet for comfort, the rubber strap is a suitable match as well. The back of the case has two curved ridges that elevate the case back off the wrist for comfort. The watch wears similarly to a 38mm watch and wraps very well around the wrist. The integrated bracelet has brushed center links and polished outer links and is wonderfully comfortable with two 4mm adjustments at the clasp (standard on newer JLC sports bracelets).
The bracelet is designed with removable spring bars all along the bracelet, and the case is attached via a notched bar and a screw securing the notch which should prove more reliable than a spring bar.
Accuracy is excellent and within 1 second a day and the seconds hand glides smoothly. Chronograph pushers are not wobbly and the chronograph function works just as promised. After trying the pushers on the Patek 5960P I was surprised about how the JLC's pushers were actually more comfortable and smooth to push. With the possible exception of the price, it's probably the ultimate sports watch. In theory it's possible to go swimming with it but I certainly haven't tried and sometimes I wish the water resistance was a healthier 100m.
Well, Ed, I am very happy that you posted a review on this Gran' Sport Chronograph. I have long been a huge fan of the calibers 829/859. Although I would really like to find its older brother, an Anniversary Retrograde Chronograph with the cal. 829, for my own collection someday, the Gran' Sport might serve as a fine alternative and an easier watch to wear, perhaps, on a daily basis. I am delighted to hear your comments on its good performance. That is helpful information. This is one of the mos
It is one of the first models I knew from JLC when I started in this madness of watches in the late nineties. Ruckdee
As you saiid, not very popular during its short life. Maybe it was sue to its chunky look? Imean the thickness is important for a relatively small watch. But the movement is great, as well as the dials. I think it will gain in popularity, with time. After all, in house and manual chrono movements are not legion. I will save your pos,t in you don't mind. Thanks; Ed, fdor this well wrtitten article. Nicolas
Perhaps it will make its comeback, I'm now casually looking for a 829 reverso chronographe which I think also represents a great value.
is even more spectacular than in today's context. I believe retrogrades were very rare and this was also one of the few original chronograph movements to be introduced (in the form of the 829) in some decades.
very comfortable, especially with the curved back in humid weather. The bracelet is quite wonderful too.
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