Since my passion for watches began, the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso has always been one of my favorites. Even during times when i was wearing watches with the average size of 44mm (like the Panerai PAM1 i used to have) i still considered it as very desirable. And i still do…
To explain the title of this little story i have to go back to september of last year whni visited New York City for a week. One of the things on my to-do list was to visit Wempe near Central Park. My goal? To try a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso and possibly buy it. The dollar-euro ratio was still excellent, which was a big advantage for anyone from Europe.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date
Although i knew the Reverso is a small wristwatch, i didn’t expect i would feel it was too small. But i did… it just didn’t feel right. The sales person (excellent service by the way!!) suggested i’d try a larger Reverso and he brought the Reverso Grande GMT and Reverso Grande Date. I told him these where out of range, budget-wise, but he insisted i’d try them and figur out which model i liked best. With another espresso for me and a bottle of water for my friend, it was time to try these two larger sized Revero’s. The Reverso Grande GMT was very nice, but the Reverso Grande Date was love at first sight. This one had it all… style, good size, a manual wind movement with no less than 8 days power reserve, a stunning movement to admire. In my opinion the excellent watch for wearing to the office. Not too much complications, just a plain and beautiful watch with a large date and a small second hand.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date
A few months later, november of last year, i was invited by Jaeger LeCoultre Le Club, to participate in the JLC Masterclass. From what i read from other participants of a similar Masterclass that took place in Singapore orgnised by JLC and Sincere Watch Academy, it was going to be awesome. Jaeger LeCoultre organised 10 masterclasses, partially togeher with Watching, which meant 160 watch enthousiasts could learn more about the beauty and complexity of Jaeger LeCoultre caliber 875.
Jaeger LeCoultre caliber 875
That was when i realised caliber 875 is the movement of the Reverso Grande Date that i tried on at Wempe in New York. That even made the Masterclass better than it already was. After a nice welcome and a cup of coffee to wake up (it was saturday morning) we where shown a presentation about Jaeger LeCoultre’s 150 year existance and it’s numerous highlights.
Jaeger LeCoultre 175 years advertising
We started practicing on a computer simulation of the movement, which was perfect for getting to know the movement without distroying it immediately. The Jaeger LeCoultre watchmaker explained a lot about movements in general and the caliber 875 in particular. It was time to digest all that ‘knowledge’ during lunch, before starting loosen the first screws of the movement. To the most of us this was not really difficult. But than the difficult part started… assembling the movement again… oh my… and to thought practicing on an old Moljina pocketwatch movement would have helped. Well, let’s just say it was a good thing nobody got injured.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date
Beginning of this year i was offered a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date and of course i couldn’t resist. The joy of owning such a beautiful watch was absolutely great and it got quite some wrist time. But unfortunately i have to admit, that from time to time i had the feeling this watch ‘was just not me’. I know this sounds strange, but i couldn’t have come to this conclusion by trying it at the AD. This had to be experienced by wearing the watch for a longer period, so now i feel pretty confident in my opinion. But sad nevertheless…
Since i’ve been madly in love with a watch from Finland, so i decided to go for it. Unfortunately my watch budget has restrictions and sacrificed have to be made. The Jaeger LeCoultre has to go, so it’s time to say goodbye.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date
Milan made an excellent report about the Jaeger LeCoultre Masterclass he attended during TEMPUS in Singapore.
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Having a go at the calibre 875 was great! The parts are so small and putting them at the right place is difficult. This was the best way for me to get the right idea of the complexity of a mechanical watch. I was one of the lucky ones too. It was a great day!
Sad to hear you have to let go of the Reverso. It’s that the Sarpaneva is such a different watch… Feelings can change, nothing wrong with that. I’m still totally in love with my Grande GMT and wear it every day with much joy.
Cheers!