Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hi guys,

As I got my first JLC, a Reverso Grande GMT, a few weeks ago, I thought it would be a good idea to post a few pictures here as well, along with my impressions of this watch. Especially since the choice of the right size for a Reverso seems to be of interest on this forum, judging by recent threads.

Pictures first.

Brown OEM alligator:

 

 

 

Hirsch Riva:

 

 

Impressions:

- my wrist is only 16.5cm, and I thought the watch would wear a bit large, but in fact it fits just perfect. And under a shirt cuff too, as evidenced by the picture above. I had tried the Reverso Duoface, a beautiful watch, but a tad too small for my taste. As for the 986 has fantastic proportions, but it was way too big for my wrist. It's an incredible luxury to have the choice of 3 different sizes for a somewhat similar model

- I find the Grande GMT particularly versatile. It can be dressed up or down very easily. It's a good compromise between the dressiness of a Duoface and the boldness of a 986

- some find this particular model too thick compared to a GT or Duoface, but I find it incredible that a watch that boasts as many functions plus an 8 days power reserve remains as thin

- OEM strap is not the greatest - average at best. Clearly, I expect much better for a $ 10,000+ watch. JlC are not the only culprits, but I find it hard to accept that a company of such reputation would cut corners on this. I just received a custom made strap in black alligator from the Atelier du Bracelet Parisien that cost me EUR 200. There is a world of difference in quality of leather and craftmanship. I will post pictures on the watch on this bracelet in the future.

- the metal / polishing of the case is quite soft and prone to scratches. More than any other brand I have ever owned (Rolex, IWC, Panerai, Tudor,Grand Seiko). I knew this before purchasing it, as I had seen a number of scratched Reverso, but it's still surprising, especially as I tend to be careful with my watches

- having two faces, one really has the impression of owning two watches in one. The black dial gives a totally different feel than the silver one

- I really thought I'd be wearing the black face a lot, but end up wearing the silver dial most of the time. The details are just beautiful

Altogether, despite the minor reservations on the OEM strap and the softness of the polish, I am extremely happy with this watch, which I think is fantastic value for money.

Boris

together with the Septientime and Reverso Tourbillon.

No message body

The Grande GMT is an excellent watch with some minors flaws, like the strap, which is recurrent with JLC watches, and the softness of the case.

BUT, this is nothing compared to the qualities of this Reverso.

Thanks for this very interesting post.

Best,

Nicolas

but do I really care

Bruce

It would have been more coherent, IMO, but I don't really care, on the 70eme...

Best,

nicolas

This could be due to the fact that the hands and indexes are small, and luminova's efficiency is directly proportional to the quantity of lume used. Then again, the black dial was never going to be the most legible given its size.

Having said that, JLC is hardly the only culprit: check the latest generation of Fliegers at IWC, and the lume is of shockingly poor quality despite the massive size of the hands.

my one is on bracelet. it is almost my daily wearer! stefan

Hi Boris,

Superb watch you have there! I like this model very much too and I too have small wrists so it is good to see how well it suits you.

That Hirsch strap is an interesting choice - its lines sort of complements the "Reverso lines".

Br/Nikolaj

Just wondering, is the bracelet any 'softer' than stainless steel bracelets from other brands? Does it pick up scratch easier than other ones I mean.

No message body

An amazing modern Reverso you have there.  I am seriously thinking about this one mysefl.  Your photos are making me think harder..uh oh!

So, we have had a lot of discussion about Reversos the past few days.  Good stuff, I think.  One of my hesitations about the Reversos has to do with the grande date function.  I have never been keen abou the double window grande date.  I kind of prefer the way GO handles the grand date with a single window.  To me it looks less odd for the first 9 days of the month when we have a single digit.  In the Reversos and Langes, for instance, the first window is blank for a third of the month.  I am really just speculating that this woud bother me since I do not own a grande date watch.  How do you guyes who own the grande date Reversos feel about this?

Congratulations on your Grande GMT.  I may be joining you one of these days...

Best,

respo

Hi Respo,

For the first nine days of the month there is a leading "zero" and I prefer this as I often write the day of the month that way myself.

I suspect it would be something that you would get used to, but then again, when there are so many great watches to choose from it just takes one little thing to move a watch down the 'hit list'.

Andrew

which is beautiful, by the way.  Actually, I don't think I would mmind the leading zero.  I think I have seen Langes (although perhaps I am mistaken about this) where the first window is simply blank, and I do not care for that so much.  But the leading zero on the Reversos with the grande date seems fine to me.  I am just surprised to see it.  I think I have rearely if ever seen a grande date Reverso captured, as you have done, during the first nine days of the month.

Thanks again for coming through with your thoughts and an educational photograph.

respo

 

 

The hard line on the day-night indicator was the bigger aesthetic problem for me. I've long gotten over it and am enjoying this wonderful watch!

OdinLoki

From the 1st to the 9th, there is a "0" showing in the first window. Works for me.

Boris

...JLC Boutique?  Lots of options are available that might please you more than the OEM strap, which you seemed not to care for.  Congrats on your great watch pickup! 

To give you an idea of what kinds of custom JLC straps are available.  Here are a few I've seen recently at my local boutique...

Pretty, right?

Cheers,

Daos

These are nice indeed, I will drop by the JLC boutique here in Singapore to check them out.

Any idea about the price? I am a bit weary about what a brand (not only JLC) might charge for a strap sporting their name.

By comparison, I can get a custom made alligator strap from ABP, with a choice of at least 30 different colors and my own specifications for stitching, shape etc. for a bit over 200 EUR.

Boris

 

hi Boris,

i just purchased a leather strap from our Singapore boutique. I know the latest price. I just sent an PM.

stefan

Stefan has sent you a PM regarding your local pricing.    I'm glad you liked the pictures.  I posted a few more in response to Stefan.  Check out the gray strap in my post to him!  I love that one!

Cheers,

Daos

Daos, i went to our Singapore local boutique last week and purchased a leather strap in chocolate color for my Grande GTM since i wanted to have a change for bracelet GMT for some time. the staff told me that they only have 4 colors i.e. black, chocolate, brown and blue in stock. other colors if i like, which needs to make an order.

stefan

...actually keeps many custom straps in the store, because our friend Seth at the BH Boutique is great about ordering them to have on hand for customers.  Check out some of the other gorgeous "shoes" I saw yesterday!  Thanks for helping Boris with your local pricing in Singapore! 

Daos 

Will try to see them in the flesh at the Paris Boutique.

It would be superb on my MMR...



Best,

Nicolas

I hope your Paris shop is equally well stocked with custom straps!    I think gray gator would look fantastic on your MMR too!

Cheers,

Daos

exactly like mine... It was weird to see your live photos at first... hehe.
Congratulations on this terrific watch! I hope you wear it with as much joy as I do.

Thank you for your insights. I can agree with all of them. Being able to flip the watch and change its appearance is a great feature!
Although I have no problems with the strap I need to say.

Cheers!

It has a strong presence on your wrist, I find it a bit too large for your wrist even if the wristshots always enlarge the feeling of size. But you have a stunning watch, one of my fav Reverso.

Fr.Xavier

Salut FX,

I know what you mean: the wristshot doesn't do me any favor, but I swear in "real life", it really works OK. I need to come up with a way to shoot a picture "en pied" to get a better rendition of the proportions.

Amities,

Boris