Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Septantième Anniversary

amanico · 2021-08-12T22:04:33Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Septantième through a 14-year ownership review. Amanico shares insights on its design, wearability, and market value.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico's 14-year ownership review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Septantième offers a rare, long-term perspective on a significant reference. His candid reflections on its design, wearability, and market positioning provide invaluable insights for collectors considering this unique piece. This article delves into the nuances of living with a horological icon, highlighting aspects often overlooked in initial reviews.

2007 was a rich horological year for me, as I got the Jaeger Lecoultre Master Minute Repeater in July and the Reverso Septantième in August, 2 " heavy " pieces in my collection.

The Reverso Septantième was one of my targets as soon as it was announced, in 2001. It took me 6 years to find and fund it. Each time I tried it on my wrist, I was more and more convinced that it was a watch for me, despite its three " cons " which were the size of the case, the luminous hands and the retail.

The retail, at around 300, 000 French Francs ( 45, 000 Euros ) shocked me a bit. Especially when Jaeger Lecoultre issued the Reverso Grande Date in steel, one year after, for much less. Of course, the metal is different, the movement of the Grande Date was not made in 18 Kt white gold and the decoration of the dial is more " basic ", but still...

The case size ( XGT case ) looked like a giant, or a Reverso under testosterone, as it was the first to receive such generous dimensions, after the saga of the GT case. I had to get used to the 46, 5 x 29, 23 mm big and 12 mm high case, I have to confess, and the bigger the case is in platinum, the heavier it is. It is not the most comfortable watch I own, I have to say.

The luminous hands still are the detail which disturbs me the most. The lume is not important, in the night, as the surface of the hands is reduced, and there are no luminous indices, so their utility is questionable, and aesthetically, I would have preferred full blued hands, without lume.

A last point is the fact that with 500 pieces, it is a too big limited edition, most certainly at that level of price. 100 or 150 would have been enough, I think, especially when you keep in mind that there were 500 pieces made in rose gold, too.

Now, the Septantième is a watch which, with time passing, I enjoy more and more, for what it is: A very elegant Reverso, with its ruthenium dial on the recto and its superb 8 days movement made in 18 Kt white gold embellished by it sensuous swan neck, and, last but not least, its list of firsts ( 8 Days movement, White Gold movement, Grande Date, XGT case ).

It was, with its horological qualities and its originality, a very good " anniversary watch ", for sure. And a sign of a certain era, too, since the XGT Reversos are not in the catalogue anymore, and for more than ten years now. A certain vision of Horology, by Jaeger Lecoultre.

It is not the watch from my collection which I wear the most, but each time it is on my wrist, it is a renewed love story.

A last point I wanted to mention, here. As you know, Ginotti passed away, a few months ago. This watch came from him. He was a friend of mine. So this watch has a special taste for me, because of its provenance, and the friendship linked to this watch.

Long life to her!

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Reverso Septantième is appreciated for its large date, high finishing, gold movement, and the platinum version's incredible dial with special treatments and colors.
The dual-color hands are aesthetically appealing to some, and the absence of lume on the dial is seen as a benefit, avoiding potential degradation and flaking issues over time.
The Septantième is recognized for its numerous top complications on the dial and the stunning movement visible through the case back.
A comparison of the Septantième's weight with other large Reverso models, such as the Grande Réserve, would be interesting to assess its wearability.

The Discussion

athens7

Aug 12, 2021

Thanks for sharing this beautiful and imposing watch with us.

Rhyzen

Aug 12, 2021

.... To see how much pleasure the Septantième has brought you! Thank you for sharing, always a good read when there is a personal touch to the story. May you enjoy this for many more decades in good health, my friend!

HK852

Aug 13, 2021

With so many top complications on the face and a view on the stunning movement on the back, it is an amazing piece. Thank you for sharing the story around it.

patrick_y

Aug 13, 2021

I've always enjoyed this piece. Large date, high finishing, gold movement, and an incredible dial with lots of special treatments and colors (in the platinum version). Aesthetically, I find that the dual color of the hands is very appealing to me. I'm really glad there is no lume on the dial, as I find lume on dials a potential liability when it starts to degrade and flake. A gorgeous piece that is even more gorgeous in the metal!

hs111

Aug 17, 2021

Thank you for this share, including your reflections on it, plus the personal link to its provenance & your friend ! I can imagine, that this one covers a very special niche in your collection.! Continue to wear it in the very best of your health ! Best, hs

eklektik

Aug 18, 2021

Always good to hear the story of your specifically chosen watches! I would be interested in comparing the weight between this one and my "simple" Grande Réserve. I wear mine very easily. Thanks for the nice shots and take care. Best, E.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Septantième Anniversary

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