Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Skeleton SIHH 2012

11 years after the unveiling of the lovely Reverso Platinum Nr 1, Jaeger-Lecoultre decided to modernize this superb watch.

Did this watch have to be changed?

Definitely not, as it still is very modern, timeless.

The Platinum Nr 1:





Goodbye the GT platinum case, hello to the white gold bigger case.

This is the first thing which can be noticed.

Indeed, JLC opted for the modern ....

Is it a good choice?

Let's say that the GT case had its charm, with some nice volumes, but the " new ", or should I say more recent case keeps the natural and undisputable elegance of this watch, in its proportions.

Indeed, the new Reverso Skeleton is big, and but thin, which gives harmonious volumes to its case. For the comparison, the dimensions of the Platinum Nr 1 were 42, 25 x 26 x 9,35 mm, which was far from being bad, while the new one is 46 x 27 x 7,2 mm.





You will object that there is always a risk to loose some coherence when the case gets bigger, when the movement ( Cal 849 SK ) doesn't improve in size.

And, in most of the cases, you are right.

But here, JLC used a clever, astute trick...

As the skeleted movement is not only a movement, but a whole part of the watch, and also a dial, JLC framed it with some blue enamel, which matches with the heated blue hands, for a superb outcome.

You almost forget that the movement / dial didn't increase. You just admire the outcome, and if you pay attention to the blue enamel, you will notice that it is .... delicately guilloché!

" Metiers D'Art "... Enamel, skeleton and guillochage in the same watch... Best of both worlds? A nice summary of all the Talents from a Manufacture.

A jewel, a watch and a piece of Art, of Arts, at the same time, whose movement is realized at the " Atelier des Ebauches, Terminaisons et Décoration ", a workshop, at the Manufacture which is dedicated to this kind of pieces, and it is hand finished, and decorated.



A view on the back side, which is worth a look, too:



A regret,though: The small sapphire cabochon, on the top of the crown, is not here anymore, which would have been a very pleasant complement to the other blue parts.

Maybe will we see it in the definitive watch?



In conclusion, I would say that I'm very happy to see the re birth of such a fine watch, modernized, even if the previous model was and still is very appealing.

Now, I am curious to see if JLC will give us the option between this one, which is limited to 50 pieces, and a more modern skeleton, ala Reverso Platinum Nr 2 Skeleton, with or without the Tourbillon, just for the pleasure of it.

One old, one modern school in the fine Art of Skeleton... That would be the top.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-07 08:11:35 This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-10 08:12:20