Jaeger-LeCoultre

I cannot remember with any level of precision the year I first came to know Jaeger-LeCoultre. It was a few years after I developed my interest in watches so that should put it around 2001. At that time, I was researching IWC and their products. The name JLC was referred to many times, occasionally as a sister company, and I wondered why some IWC watches used JLC movements. The more I read, the more I became intrigued by Jaeger-LeCoultre as a respected brand with products I would be proud to own. That led to the eventual first purchase of my Master Moon in 2005 after a year or two of savings. It was round, seemed nice to wear and featured a satisfying level of sophistication as far as displays were concerned.

But there was a specific JLC model that caught my attention even before that. The reasons I took a pass on it were the lack of moonphase which I like and its rectangular shape which I was not accustomed to at the time. Later, I went on to buy three other Reverso watches but none of them is as iconic as that reversible watch with two dials.

My situation is corrected this year with the arrival of this box.



No surprise here. I welcomed the 2013 Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface to my small and hopefully growing collection.



When I first saw the photographs of this watch from SIHH 2013, I said to myself, this is it. This is something I have always been waiting for. I did not by the Reverso Duo in GT case size because I was saving up for my Reverso Grande Sun Moon. Later, the Grande Reverso Duo's arched date window also proved to be a dealbreaker for me. Life went on without a two-dialed Reverso until last week when the watch I ordered arrived at my AD.



The use of blackened markers and blackish gray hands gives this watch a very sober character which I feel is quite cool.



I really like this clean and resolute dial. I find it to be very inconspicuous, especially more so with the Reverso inscription instead of the brand's name.



As you will agree, this Duoface is not an ultra thin watch in the strictest sense of the term. But still it is reasonably slim and the leather strap integrated to it has also been designed to offer an enhanced sense of thinness. One matter of note is the crown which is not on the same axis as the second timezone setting button but nearer to the plane of the silver dial side than the black one. This may or may not be the same as the Reverso Duo and the Grande Reverso Duo. Owners of those models are welcome to shed some light for me.



On the black dial side, the rectangularity and boldness of the silver dial are contrasted or should I say complemented by the roundness of the dial frames. Second hand is replaced completely by the 24-hour hand.



I have no idea how JLC decides to give deployant clasp to one model and tang-type buckle to another. This one comes with the latter which happens to be a sensible choice as the deployant clasp would have rendered the watch somewhat more bulky while it should concentrate on being ultra thin.



This case dimension feels right at home on my small and flat wrist. There is plenty of meat space left for the strap to wrap around, unlike my Grande Reverso Calendar where the lugs of the case threatens to protrude pass the edge of my wrist at certain angles when taking photographs.



For the first time in my JLC ownership experience, there is another dial on the other side which also gives a completely different feeling on the wrist. I do not believe turning the case every time one wants to check time in another country is practical though. I fear it may take too long and generate unnecessary wear. But of course that is only one person's opinion.



Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface appears to be a nice daily wearer. It looks like it can readily go with more formal and also more casual attires, as long as one puts on a pair of proper shoes that match the watch strap's execution. Will I wear it to work? Certainly. Will I wear it when traveling? Probably not because I prefer the water resistance of the metal bracelet.

This may or may not be the watch for you. But I hope you enjoyed the photographs as I do not foresee a new JLC for me this year and the next. I have been too aggressive with my watch purchases in the past two years that I am experiencing financial discomfort already. The fact that two watches I ordered (an Omega and this Reverso) and expected in August or September did arrive in May does not help either. The only consolation I have at this moment is the smooth transaction I have selling my Grande Reverso 976 in black to help pay for the new watches. If that did not go through, I would be in a very bad shape no kidding!

Okay. So enough with my rambling. Here's one last shot for those who are considering the GRUT Duoface. Thanks for bearing with me this far down the page. Thank you.



Ruckdee

This is an excellent purchase, my friend.

One remark, though. No need to always flip the watch to see what is the time in the country you are travelling.

When you travel, you set the second time zone, you flip the dial, et voilà.

I like a lot the grained silver dial, which I find really captivating.

As for your financial situation, you are not alone, Ruckdee. Many of us live the same thing.

Time for a rest and to enjoy what you already have, which is already awesome.

Bravo, huge congratulations.

Best,

Nicolas

...the new Master Calendar which is also sublime and features the moonphase which is my penchant as you know. But in the end, I decided that the Master Calendar is too similar to the Master Moon I had and sold. The calendar layout is also redundant with my Grande Reverso Calendar. I reasoned that perhaps it was time to experiment with something different and let the moonphase theme rest for a while.

You are right. There is something very alluring about that silver dial. I will show more wristshots as soon as I get to go to places with this watch.

Thank you also for the kind words about the reality of life and financial possibilities. Looking at the amazing range of watches on display here and elsewhere on the Internet, I cannot help but feel like I belong to a different league. It is the genuine friendship all around that saves me from feeling like a fish out of the water!

Ruckdee

Such as good taste, education, and friendship.

Passion, too.

Don't worry about what the others own, which interests me is your fine taste, and the way you selected each of your pieces.

Best, Ruckdee.

Nicolas

 

 

This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-06-02 22:19:53

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"Looking at the amazing range of watches on display here and elsewhere on the Internet, I cannot help but feel like I belong to a different league. It is the genuine friendship all around that saves me from feeling like a fish out of the water!"

Ruckdee, You speak my emotions! I have felt that way many times. However, I found - as you also did - that all those breathtaking pieces were rarely posted to show off but rather that their owners genuinely cared for them and that they were ready to offer advice and opinions - and equally important - to respect that of you and me and all the other "little league" players I guess this forum rewards passion and opinion over finacial ability. I take my hat off for those who can acquire and enjoy those marvel watches, cars, boats and houses we see here, but I bow deep to those who go to the effort of reviewing, arguing, debating, living and telling those acquisitions to the rest of us. And I enjoy it all the way

And, while it is true that there are some astonishing collections here, I am sure that most of the watches we see are part of collections of more humane size whose owners made some efforts to be able to secure that special piece. Or at least, I tell myself that...

And now for that new Reverso on your wrist... What a stunning piece. Somehow it has escaped my attention, but now that I see your pictures, I have to see it in the metal. I love its quiet appearance with superb classicism. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing the story!

Nikolaj from little league

Thanks a million for your beautiful and expressive observation of our community. I could not have said it half as well as you did.

Ruckdee

You've purchased a very nice JLC Ruckdee.

My other Reverso watches all have display back. I wear the movement side out every once in a very long while, when I feel like it. But for this one, with dials to tell time on both sides, I can imagine myself switching between the two much more often. Let's see when the excitement or novelty of this will wear off.

Thanks again, Mark, for your comments on the watch and my pics.

Ruckdee

An excellent post to showcase such an exquisite piece. Wear it in good health!

Best

fernanndo

...despite my vision being not as perfect and my hands not as steady as when I was younger. I wish the sapphire crystals had anti-reflective treatment on them. That would make more of my shots usable whereas, as things are now, one-third of the shots must be thrown away due to flash glare on the crystal.

Anyway, I managed these shots so far and thank you for looking and stopping by to share a few words.

Ruckdee

Sincere congratulations, Ruckdee !

Such a well received piece, great in its functionality but also its beauty.

As for the utility when travelling, wait and see:
- I can onl say that from the perspective of my loved Reverso Grande GMT
( somewhat less sophisticated in finesse on the A side - but having day and night, with sun and moon, second AND 8 days power reserve,
and the verso side with the GMT related functions ),
- I am sure you will soon apprehend her potential even more, as I trust
- this is a piece which sinks into your brain AND soul.

SO, well done and give her a good home -
- which for sure she will have,

Thx for kind sharing your initial story and experiences,
enjoyable pics, as well !

Best and kind regards,


hs

PS:
- don't worry, the wallet will fill again, somehow
this time it was the time to feed your soul
- we all have periods like this

Surely I will give it time to become more accustomed to and appreciative of the functionality of this watch. Your example of the Reverso Grande GMT is perfect! I really like the black side of your watch. It was a serious contender for my first Reverso. I would have chosen it if I did not have weakness for the moon and ended up buying the Reverso Grande Sun Moon which I still keep to this day.

"Wallet will fill."

"Feed my soul."

Those phrases kept replaying in my mind as I went to bed last night. Thank you very much for the encouragement. That is very much appreciated.

Ruckdee

Well done

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I really like this new version of the Duo -- A LOT!  This is a great choice. 

Your photos are superb, as always, and I enjoyed reading your story of getting this one as well as the review.  But then, I always enjoy witnessing your horological journey.  Even if your wallet says slow down, the journey continues. 

May this Reverso only tick away happy and prosperous moments for you.

respo

And it is very nice to know that you appreciate the chapters I share from the years of this journey. I will continue, of course, although at a necessarily slower pace. I wish I was addicted to more affordable things than watches. Ha ha.

Thanks again, respo, sincerely.

Ruckdee

NT

I will not be surprised to see the gold version in your army of Reverso watches

Ruckdee

Had my eye on the 1931. And was waiting to see this b4 a decision.

Was hoping soemone would share their experience, might as well be u !

Thank you for the excellent review! And it looks great on your wrist !

Looking at the bright side, they are both characteristic in their own way. I prefer the Duoface certainly, as it offers added gimmick of a second dial. You may prefer the front dial design in black instead of silver which in that case you must buy the 1931. Do not forget to let us know which one you choose in the end, flamenco. Good luck.

Ruckdee

of the added "complication" as well. Not necessarily using it for a second time zone.

Was thinking along the lines of matching my business wear. A light / dark coloured dial would certainly make it very versatile !

I actually found the 1931 a tad too thin for my liking .... stange but true. Although it must must say the red dial is very unique & appealing !   

 

Looks like Christmas came early, congrats on a great piece!  As they say, wear it in the best of health Ruckdee!

-MW

But money difficulty aside, this is the time for joy and celebration. Thank you very much for your well wish.

Ruckdee

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This watch was a very pleasant surprise at the SIHH.  Last week I went to Madrid to see and touch all the JLC 2013 novelties, and again I had the feeling that this is my fav "affordable" Reverso from the current collection, no doubt, pure beauty. The white dial is something else.