Jaeger Lecoultre SIHH 2015: Grande Reverso Automatic Seconde Centrale.
amanico
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
Comments:
blomman Mr Blue April 14th, 2015-00:35
Beautiful! :) Presonally I prefer without seconds hand... But here I find it very nice and balanced! :) Well done JLC! Best Blomman
Sandgroper April 14th, 2015-00:43
Very nice model indeed..... 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? Cheer...
amanico April 14th, 2015-01:26
Totally agree with you, here. I would have done a last one with a manual movement, BUT... 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 April 14th, 2015-01:48
Absolutely splendid !.. In love with the Sec. Central !.. A little bit I would have hoped .. 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 :)
amanico April 14th, 2015-02:04
In steel, that would have been more affordable. But it is a very short life product.
watchthatman April 14th, 2015-03:47
Very cool and austere I think, very nice! The layout they went with is my preference. 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 ...
Tim_M April 14th, 2015-05:25
The Appeal of White Gold... 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...
amanico April 14th, 2015-05:41
I think that this last " opus " marks the end of Tributes To Reverso. And we can predict a big year, next year, for the Reverso, of course. It will certainly be a thrilling year. I hope! Best, Nicolas
watchthatman April 14th, 2015-05:49
"Special secret shared between the owner and his watch" I like that! And I can understand that. Discretion and quiet luxury hold a very special place.
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