SIHH 2012: JLC Grande Reverso Calendar.

Feb 01, 2012,23:29 PM
 


This is one of the real new watch we have the pleasure to discover, this year.

New?

That is the point we have to discuss, to well get its interest.

It really seems that the Reverso Calendar fills a gap.

In 1938, Jaeger-Lecoultre conceived a perpetual calendar movement for a Reverso, the Cal 410. But to know if it was ever cased in a Reverso is another question.

Some speculated that it existed as a Prototype, I asked the Heritage Gallery, who didn't find any evidence of that. But they are still searching.

In 1949, in hommage to Jacques-David Lecoultre, who died one year before, we had the reference 2726, a very nice Triple Date Moonphase ( Credit pcitures: Zaf Basha )





Then, we saw the arrival of the Reverso Date born in the late Nineties, with a Day Night indicator ( Cal 835 ), or without the Day Night indicator ( Cal 836 ), which is a Day Date, without any indication of the Month.

Here is Dje's magnificient specimen:



Without forgetting of course, the famous Reverso Perpetual Calendar, born in 2000, in a limited edition, of 500 pieces, in rose gold:



So, as you can see, the closer in the aesthetics was the Jacques - David LeCoultre, with its triple date ( Day and Month windows ) moonphase, but it was not a Reverso, and when it was a Reverso, it was a Day Date, or a Perpetual Calendar, but no complete calendar.

Yes, this Reverso has to be seen as a new watch, which therefore, houses a new movement, the Cal 843, a manual winding movement, reasonnably high ( 4, 29 mm ) offering a power reserve of 45 hours, and beating at the quiet pace of 21600 vibrations per hour, which you can see trough the case back:



A regret, though: The movement looks a bit too small for the case... I wonder if a soled case back wouldn't have been better...

Not only new, but a classic beauty, here!

Let's see it now, or should I say on them, as the Reverso Calendar is available in stainless steel and in rose gold, in the details.

To avoid any confusion, this is a complete calendar, not an annual calendar.

The case is borrowed to the Reverso 976, which means that the dimensions are 48, 5 mm long, 29,5 mm large and 10, 24 mm high, which represents some nice proportions, and good balance, to this not too thick watch.

The stainless steel and the rose gold case share the same dial: Silver, vertical satin brushed the interior being guilloché, with painted black numbers, and blue hands.

One small regret, here, about the day and the month, which are written in black... A light blue would have been a killing choice, in my opinion.

Aaah, you want to see pictures of the watches, now?

smile

Here you are!

1/ Stainless Steel:









2/ Rose Gold:









A wristshot, now, for the good measure, to show how nicely it " falls " on the wrist



Stainless Steel or Rose Gold?

It will all depends on everyone's taste.

If you prefer the cold understated and modern look of the complete calendar, the stainless steel is for you.

Now, if you're falling for the Vintage look, much warmer, the rose gold is the one to go for.

In any case, you will get a new classic beauty, very elegant, and refined.

Isn't that some excellent news?

One of my favourite from the new collection.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thought,

Best.

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-01 23:30:57 This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-05 04:28:41


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Very nice understated beauty..

 
 By: moc : February 1st, 2012-23:57
I like it a lot....maybe movement is too small?YES but fantastic visual solution to frame it with the same cote de Geneve around it and a very nice art Deco inspired guillochet on the outside,so see through case back,why not? Thank you Nico for the beauti... 

Thanks for your input, Mo.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-00:23
I ma not disturbed by he see through case back, but I am not completely crazy about sapphire case backs in general, I have to say, uness there is something really exceptional, or, at least, very nice to see. But, as it is, I am sure it won't be an issue f... 

Nicholas, what would be the approx price of this Reverso...

 
 By: kpk : February 2nd, 2012-00:19
...for both the SS and RG versions?

Between 9 and 9, 5 K Euros in Stainless steel.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-00:21
Count around 5 moreK Euros in Rose Gold. Best, Nicolas

As someone who is obsessed with symmetry AND moonphase...

 
 By: Ruckdee : February 2nd, 2012-00:43
...this watch is a winner! It fills the gap as you suggested. A gap which should never have been there in the first place. Because when you think about it, the Master Control line has always had the Master Moon, the Master Perpetual and later the Master C...  

I was very pleased to discover it when I was at the Manufacture.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-04:49
And I felt that it would please to a lot of people, immediately. Timeless look, elegant, but polyvalent ( it can be worn on casual time, as well as with a suit, of course ), this watch brings a lot of pleasure, and will certainly be a hit for JLC. As for ...  

Thank you for the pic and the information on the 822. It completes the education for me.

 
 By: Ruckdee : February 2nd, 2012-16:48
Months to wait now. But at least I have my two Reverso watches to keep me company until then Ruckdee

Never two .... Without three. ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-22:21
No message body

It does not get easier....

 
 By: stromer : February 5th, 2012-00:03
Strange post title? Well, if you think so you may never have tried to make up your mind about which JLC to own next. Even choosing from the range of Reversos has been too much of a task up to now. This may be because up to now I stick to a "one of a kind"... 

Totally agree with you, on all points.

 
 By: amanico : February 5th, 2012-01:20
I am not too fan of the sapphire case back, unless, as you mentionned it, there is something really exceptional to see. Fro the rest, we have a superb and timeless watch, I think. Good to read you, Martin! Best, Nicolas

Thank you Nicolas for the review

 
 By: Wizir : February 2nd, 2012-01:06
And thank you for these very nice pics. I like this watch a lot: especially the totally symmetrical dial. I would need to try it on my wrist as I found so far that the GT size was for the best size for my not too big wrist … but as you said; it’s reasonab... 

Welcome here, Gilles. Good to read you.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-04:13
The size is one thing, and I do agree with you that the GT case was and still is a milestone in the Reverso family. But Coherence, Harmony is as important, if not even more important... For example, among all the Reverso cases, I have a big preference for... 

Thanks very much!!!

 
 By: PET- : February 2nd, 2012-01:17
Its one of the nicest watches I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing it.

My pleasure, PET. Thanks.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-04:09

Great Post

 
 By: Nicko16 : February 2nd, 2012-02:28
I love both of these pieces! So this will need adjusting for months of February and months with 30 and 31 days?

Silly me!

 
 By: Nicko16 : February 2nd, 2012-02:32
I answered my own question!

I liked it at first sight

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : February 2nd, 2012-02:53
But have only seen pictures of it and not of it in the 'flesh'. However I heard that some collectors think the date aperture is a bit too small and puts a strain on the eye. I personally like the look though - very vintage looking :- )

And you will certainly love it more at 2d sight. :)

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-04:58
Seriously, I feel this watch is really mature as some of the other watches released by JLC this year. Now the question will be to know which one to choose, among all these tempting offers. Try to see it in the flesh, my friend. You will know. Best, Nicola... 

That Cal. 843 looks familiar to me!

 
 By: HerrK : February 2nd, 2012-04:08
Is it just my imagination or is it a derivative of the "old" Cal. 822 from the 90s? If so, than it should (really) fit into the smaller GT-case. It is so sad that GT has been pronounced dead by JLC. Christian

No, it is not your imagination, Herrk.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-05:02
See my answer to Ruckdee, above, you will have the opportunity to compare in pictures... And yes, it could go into a GT case, ginven the dimensions of the movement. The death of the GT case has been programmed years ago, my friend. But I must admit that I... 

MY favorite of 2012, for sure!!!!

 
 By: watchme : February 2nd, 2012-04:10
One the one hand, as can be seen by my Avatar, I REALLY like a solid back for personalization, and the 976 size makes for an awesome canvas! However, the base 822 movement - with it's classic long bridge and layout - is reminiscent of the movements that J... 

I am with you about the verso side...

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-05:11
I don't know if it is a good or a bad thing. I guess it will depend on everyone's taste. I would have a slight preference for the solid case back, but I think this is not a too serious issue. I also share your enthusiasm on this Reverso Calendar... It is ... 

Wonderful balance

 
 By: sclamb : February 2nd, 2012-05:01
I love this watch. I think the SS would be my choice and it would make a nice companion for my Reverso Date (like Dje's one). Thank you for the fabulous pictures and commentary as always. Regards. Simon

I didn't know you also had the Reverso Date!

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-05:13
That would be great to try to complete the thema with this one, and to try to find a good Vintage Triple Date, for the beauty of it... But I thought you were on another way? Unless your legendary greediness is back! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Well Nicolas....

 
 By: sclamb : February 2nd, 2012-05:42
I am actually pursuing three ways at the moment! Although one is a secret for a special lady One of them I hope I got lucky - it will be so great if it works out and of course you'll see it here first Regards. Simon

Clearly a tempting watch

 
 By: Dje : February 2nd, 2012-07:54
hi nicolas, That Reverso is clearly a tempting watch. I'm sure it is a watch that grows on you, as it is qsomewhat discreet for a triple calendar. This watch too may be slightly too large for me, but perhaps just at the limit (I don't know for sure on whi... 

Yes, but it is not a Triple Date! :)))

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-07:57
Just kidding, as I am totally in love with your Reverso. Well, it comes just after your Black Memo, in my heart. But this Triple Date is really timeless... Luckily, I have other priorities, this year. Best, my friend. Nicolas

What's not to love....

 
 By: Andy : February 2nd, 2012-09:08
this will be a BIG hit for JLC i'm sure and if I didn't have the Sun Moon I think I'd have one. However, just one niggle is the 45hr power reserve so I hope the calendar is easy to set as it would mean daily winding to keep the date correct and if it's in... 

8 Days would have pleased me a lot, Andy, but there is a price to pay...

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-11:24
Thickness... Have a look at the XGT cases, which are housing 8 Days movements... Best, Nicolas

This one is something soooo nice .. Appealing, timeless & trés chic !

 
 By: hs111 : February 2nd, 2012-09:35
Simply like to say - thank you for this enjoyable report - to me somehow a treat for the senses, and in a way the connoisseur, maybe: - truly enjoyed this parade of the Reverso Calendars, highlighting one of my real favs for this year. In a way low-key bu... 

A timeless, mature offer, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-11:28
Which doesn't mean boring... I can tell you that in the real, this one is a fest for the senses. Maybe we'll have the opportunity to see it in the real together, when you come in Vladland... Best, my dear friend, and thanks for your input! Nicolas.

Thank you for my new Desktop wallpaper image

 
 By: cazalea : February 2nd, 2012-10:51
which usually means I'm going to buy a watch! (doggone it this habit costs me money - thanks to you, SteveG and others...) Cazalea

I discussed with JLC about the visible movement or not.

 
 By: foversta : February 2nd, 2012-12:59
And it appears it was not an easy decision which was made. I do believe that in a commercial point of view, the visible movement is better. For a more logical point of view, I would have hidden it with a solid caseback. Thanks a lot for the presentation o...  

I too think it was not an easy decision, here.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-13:29
But consensus is an impossible thing, in horology, and especially when it comes to design. Well, Triple Calendars were / are typically, classically round, at JLC... For once, a rectangular offer is welcome, IMO. But here, again, it is a matter of personal... 

Might have found my watch for this year! [nt]

 
 By: mpiz : February 3rd, 2012-06:39
No message body

I'm in ;-) .....

 
 By: sclamb : February 3rd, 2012-09:14
I did say I was pursuing three ways Regards. Simon

Ah that would be telling.....

 
 By: sclamb : February 3rd, 2012-10:36
Let me just say this Reverso, somethiing nice for my wife's 50th birthday later this year and the word lunaire should give a good clue to the third. Regards. Simon

Ok. Now I know.

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2012-13:29
But I already knew that you were after something lunaire... What I ignored was the 2d one... And the TTR 31 is an excellent choice! I already see the thing coming: " Darling, can I borrow your Reverso? ". Well done, my friend. Well done. Best, Nicolas

Thanks Nicolas...

 
 By: sclamb : February 3rd, 2012-14:52
The Lunaire I hope will be a rarer and special one, but I will say no more as I don't want to tempt fate ;-) As for the gift for my wife, I am hoping to create a piece unique with the help of the London boutique. If we can make it happen I think it will l... 

Reverse...oh....

 
 By: bjacknot : February 5th, 2012-14:38
I absolutely love the symmetrical display of the full calendar with moon phase, but this is a Reverso! IMHO, the back-side should contain a simple hour/minute/seconds dial. I realize the Reverso line includes engraveable faces, display-case faces, and add... 

Wow! This is an original input, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : February 5th, 2012-23:09
BUT wouldn't you find the two " eyes and the mouth " of the Triple Calendar a bit lost on the verso side? Best, Nicolas

The case is made for two great faces!

 
 By: bjacknot : February 6th, 2012-22:08
I love the dial side but the back side needs another complication; I always ask myself when I see a Reverso with only the movement displayed on the back, if the watch could have been executed without the incredible Reverso case! The best Reverso designs h... 

I see your point...

 
 By: amanico : February 7th, 2012-02:58
... And I am pretty sure we'll see some complicated Reversos coming in this case size, with two dials. Best, Nicolas

I HAVE BEEN ITCHING FOR THIS POST!!!!!! wooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 
 By: Miranda : February 2nd, 2012-13:40
I LOVE THIS WATCH.................. did you hear ,me??????? I SAID I LOVE THIS WATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WANT IT............... btw..... I thinks it nice watch huh... (time to screw someone for a discount LOL) Imra... 

LOL, Imran. Knowing you a bit, I think this is really a watch for you.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-13:45
Screw, my friend, screw! Best, Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-02 13:46:32

Excellent, indeed!

 
 By: marcelo : February 2nd, 2012-14:41
And the SS is the one for me: love at first sight! Thank you for the report, Nicolas! Marcelo

The RDM thinks the same, NIcolas ;)

 
 By: marcelo : February 3rd, 2012-02:43
Thanks!

So, a serious love affair in the tube? ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 3rd, 2012-02:45
No message body

If "in the tube" means the same as "in the pipeline"...

 
 By: marcelo : February 3rd, 2012-16:12
Unfortunately not...  

I can understand why they would house it on a 976 case...

 
 By: Echi : February 2nd, 2012-20:10
but i still prefer the GT case. I wonder if that movement will fit the GT case? I'm thinking it would. I've seen the 976 and it is bigger than how i would like it to be... it's the same feeling that i get with the Tributes, actually. How i wish we can hav... 

AFAIK, the 843 being close to the 822 it can be encased in a GT case.

 
 By: amanico : February 2nd, 2012-23:06
Watch cases sizes as available as tee shirt sizes... Didn't think about that. it is hard, not to say impossible, to get a consensus on a size, more seriously. Some find the GT case too small, others like it, and it is the same for the 976 an the Grande Re... 

nice but ..... I need to see it in person

 
 By: jml_watches : February 4th, 2012-10:01
Hi Great post, its good to see a triple date in a Reverso case. Though as as others have mentioned I do have reservations about the size, for me a GT case is a much better fit for my wrist, I unfortunately struggle with the larger ones. However, I think i... 

Good thoughts, JML.

 
 By: amanico : February 4th, 2012-10:13
Especially on the size of the case. To each his own( wrist ) but I do agree that a tad smaller would have been nice, too. There wll always be intense discussions about the size of the case, though. Funny that you mentionned the use of the red for the day ... 

Looks great except..

 
 By: gup502 : February 5th, 2012-19:11
Thanks for sharing this with us. The watch looks great as with most Reverso. To pick a bone in an egg, I'd have to say no minute markers between 5 and 7 can make precise time adjustment difficult. Stainless steel and rose gold are definitely a good pair j... 

Yes, but what to do without ruining the dial?

 
 By: amanico : February 5th, 2012-23:13
You can always do time adjustment before of after this " time zone ". Thanks for your input, gup. Best, Nicolas

i love this GR Calendar so much...

 
 By: FanFrancisco : February 7th, 2012-06:44
... it is really a refined, elegant classic piece, and it is very balanced and well designed, especially like some little features that MJLC puts on it, e.g. the applied "JL" instead of print logo on the dial, just superb!!! stefan

An instant classic, yes. Let's wait and see if they will give the piece some

 
 By: amanico : February 7th, 2012-06:47
Improvements, such as a blue or red writing for the day and the month, for example... Best, and thanks for your input, my friend. Nicolas

In your list? [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 30th, 2012-09:38