Wrist shots …

Jul 28, 2009,18:59 PM
 

Great review as we have come to expect, Nicolas.

 

Any wrist shots? I like the proportions of the watch itself, but it all comes down to how it looks and feels on the wrist. Personally I wouldn’t want anything larger than the XGT case on my average-sized wrist, but the thinness may compensate for this and, as Respo points out, it’s great to have a range of case sizes to choose from.

 

The Cal 976 on display is my main disappointment. Then again I don’t warm to ¾ plate movements even from the likes of Lange and GO. I like the Cal 875 on display in my Grand Date, but this has a much more interesting arrangement of bridges, barrels and the gear train.

 

Regards

 

Andrew

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A look on the Grande Reverso

 
 By: amanico : July 28th, 2009-04:18
Jerome introduced us to the Grande Reverso, which was presented by JLC during the last SIHH, in January 2009. In May, the first pieces landed, here and there, and I thought it was a nice opportunity to speak, once again, about this piece, the simpler one,...  

Classic JLC.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : July 28th, 2009-04:45
The reverso is the icon watch for JLC THanks for your report Nicolas Cheers

Well, I have mixed feeling on saying that the Reverso is an icon

 
 By: amanico : July 29th, 2009-14:00
As it would mean that the JLC Round watches are not... Which they are, too, actually. Timeless, certainly! Best, Nicolas

Yes & no.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : July 29th, 2009-17:42
I agree and disagree with you at the same time As you know, certain brands are "tied" to a certain model or recognized by a certain model, AP with the royal oak, JLC with the reverso. Of course it does not mean that they do not make other and important wa... 

Yep, there is a difference between " Icon " and " Most kwown " indeed.

 
 By: amanico : July 29th, 2009-23:26
An Icon can become a very well known watch, but a very well known watch may not become an Icon. I agree that the Memovox is not as known as the Reverso, too. That is a fact, and that's not fair... Best, Nicolas

Maybe....

 
 By: MiniCooper : July 30th, 2009-06:57
JLC should advertise its memovox line and alarms more Also a solution is to bring the memovox back :: )) Cheers

Expression of classicism with a touch of "Art Deco"

 
 By: AT : July 28th, 2009-04:53
Beautiful watches, simple elegant and beautiful, the smaller sizes always looked funny on my wrist but I love them so much that I bought reversos to my wife. Bigger size might fit me better Thanks for the report Nicolas.

Yep, AT

 
 By: amanico : July 29th, 2009-14:02
A watch to seriously consider, indeed. I must admit that I under rated it a bit, in January, this year... The evidence that a bigger watch can be a great one, which is not always the case... Best, my friend. Nicolas

Kudos to JLC

 
 By: respo : July 28th, 2009-05:37
for producing a nice, simple Reverso in a size that might better fit some wrists. It is good to have a range of sizes to choose from since the rectangular shape does not always sit well or equally well on all wrist sizes and shapes. I love the blued hands... 

About engravings on the verso side

 
 By: amanico : July 29th, 2009-14:06
I don't know if I would like this idea... I recently saw a gorgeous Vintage Reverso, with a big second. I was almost praying to not see an engraving on the case back, hoping that it was still ...Virgin. And it was! About the movement, in fact I was surpri... 

Interesting point

 
 By: respo : July 29th, 2009-16:47
Very interesting that it resembles the cal. 11. Would love to see a side by side comparison of the two movements. Thanks for the comments, Nicolas. respo

Would it change your point of view if

 
 By: amanico : July 29th, 2009-22:46
You see that it is aesthetically close to the Cal 11?

Probably not, but...

 
 By: respo : July 30th, 2009-05:30
...it would be an interesting point to see the connection between the two movements. One of the things I find interesting about JLC and other brands is the extent to whic they incorporate design elements, or the DNA as I think it is sometimes said, into t... 

There are more spectacular movements, indeed, Respo

 
 By: amanico : July 30th, 2009-13:59
In the Reverso Family, like the 70eme, The Tourbillon, skeleted or not, not to spea of the Gyro II, of course. And I wouldn't care if JLC would have opted for a solid case back on this one. But I'm not disturbed by this movement. I mean that it doesn't ma... 

I am waiting to read from you on that

 
 By: Clavi : July 30th, 2009-06:45
I must say that I am strugling myself to see a real connection between the design of the calibre 11 and the one of this new grande Reverso. Of course, the balance is placed at roughly the same place compared to the crown, an so are the main wheel axis, bu...  

Thans for having posted the pics of both the Cal 11 and the 876, Clavi

 
 By: amanico : July 30th, 2009-13:49
To me there is an " air de famille " between these 2, if you compare the architecture of these 2 movements. The 3/4 plate of the 876 is close to the 11, letting a small place to the balance wheel, which is located at the same place. Even the edges are cut... 

Well, I'd say that all "similarities" ...

 
 By: HerrK : July 31st, 2009-00:16
... are simply owed to the fact that the position of the balance wheel on both movements is similar, that both feature a subsecond at the 6 and that both are rectangular movements (that's it when it comes to "similarities" effectively). This will determin... 

Well, Herrk, I find the 822 less rugged than the Cal 11 or the 876

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-00:38
But it is alwayd good to have such discussions! Best, Nicolas

Will have to work a bit more on the movement

 
 By: amanico : July 29th, 2009-14:07
Will ask to the Manufacture pics of the original movement, to compare it to this one... Best, and thanks for your input. Nicolas

Excellent post Nicolas, thanks a lot ! [nt]

 
 By: foullis : July 28th, 2009-06:52
No message body

The movement shows itself to be...

 
 By: watchme : July 28th, 2009-07:10
a shaped, single-time, HW version of the autotractor - which in my mind bespeaks ruggedness. Truthfully, I would've preferred a flat back because it would give JC Randell a HUGE canvass to work with! -Dean

As I said, Dean, don't know

 
 By: amanico : July 29th, 2009-14:22
I get your point, and wonder if a solid case back wouldn't have been better, too. But, on another side, it may also be seen as a reminder of the original Cal 11... An Hommage? Best, Nicolas

it's a pleasure reading your posts

 
 By: Cookies : July 28th, 2009-08:13
as always, a treat for a tired mind. I just can't wait for them to do a re-issue of the early white dialed one.

Thanks for your nice comments, Cookies

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-00:40
If I'm lucky enough, I may show you something in the next months... something I'm hunting for a long time, which I may add in my collrection if all turns good... Best, Nicolas

Well Done !

 
 By: flamenco : July 28th, 2009-08:53
Loved reading your write up. What a timeless classic.

Thank you, Nicolas!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : July 28th, 2009-08:58
I saw this beauty a month ago at my AD and I must say that it has given me some sleepless nights ever since. I just love the mixed personalities it has, being classy and elegant, but also bold and sexy. Hopefully this will be my 2nd JLC and my 1st Reverso... 

A round and a rectangular JLC, Alex

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-00:44
Are difficult to beat! It would be a nice companion for your Polaris! As for the wrist shot, sorry, I didn't have the time to take one, and when I came back to try to do it, the watch was ...sold. Damn! Best, Hermano. Nicolas

can't beat the golden proportions

 
 By: time2tic : July 28th, 2009-12:43
the rose gold seems really interesting. I like the slimmer case.

That's really the most impressive thing, to me, Time2tic

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-00:49
When I heard that JLC released a Reverso wich my be bigger than the XGT, I had some doubts... But I was amazed, while seeing it in the flesh, by the fact that the ratio size / Thickness is excellent. Like if the balance point was reached... I'm wondering ... 

Wrist shots …

 
 By: AndrewD : July 28th, 2009-18:59
Great review as we have come to expect, Nicolas. Any wrist shots? I like the proportions of the watch itself, but it all comes down to how it looks and feels on the wrist. Personally I wouldn’t want anything larger than the XGT case on my average-sized wr... 

Agree with you on the Cal 976, Andrew

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-00:52
But you can't compare it to a more sophisiticated 875, IMO. The reasonnable thickness is really impressive on this new Reverso, a strong point! Thanks for your valuable input, my friend. Best, nicolas

US GQ page 21 Aug 2009 issue.... It looked like the model was wearing the 976!

 
 By: Bruce-YVR : July 28th, 2009-19:41
again... i dont have the scan...maybe others out here and take a look.... Ahhhhhhhhh.... I think I need a 976 as my daily beater The Flipper

Damn, you're a specialist, Bruce the Flipper

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-00:54
Each time you tell us that you saw on here and there, you don't have a ascan to share with us... You already have a nice Reverso, my friend. Is it worth it getting a 3rd one ( if I include your wife's Reverso? ). Best, Nicolas

I love the new 976

 
 By: Wildy : July 28th, 2009-23:55
it looks great on my arm...  

Reverso...

 
 By: david.graham : July 29th, 2009-00:14
I love this new model. It is everything that a Reverso should be in my eyes - classical and elegant and yet masculine and contemporary. Cheers David

Nicely summed, David.

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-01:03

Love it too

 
 By: Dje : July 29th, 2009-01:32
Hi, I really liked it when I saw it in January and can't wait to see it again on my wrist. I'm not too fan of small seconds, except on form watches like the Reverso, so it is close to my favourite kind of watches: manual wind, large balance wheel, free-sp... 

Well said, Jerome

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-01:02
It is not the most expensive watch, by far... so we don't have to wait the ultimate finish on the movement, IMO. A very honest offer, to me, and more, a very pleasant one! Best, Nicolas

perfect fit [nt]

 
 By: kit : July 29th, 2009-11:42

You obviously have the wrist for it, wildy

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-00:56
Very nice pics! Thanks for sharing them with us. Best, Nicolas

Thanks

 
 By: jaeger92 : July 29th, 2009-04:42
Thanks Nicolas for this wonderful post. the Gold Reverso is very attractive ! See you soon ! Fabrice

Thanks, Fabrice

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-01:08
That's funny that you said that in Gold it is beautiful... I thought exactly the same, while I'm not a colored gold guy... But in this case, I would have preferred a solid gold case back, because of the contrast with the SS movement. Best, Nicolas

Only one regret...

 
 By: dxboon : July 29th, 2009-05:02
...with this model, and that is the lack of sapphire caseback. Nine times out of ten, a solid caseback is not my cup of tea, but in the case of this Reverso I'd have preferred a solid back as opposed to the beautiful, but ultimately stagnant 3/4 plate des... 

Clarification

 
 By: dxboon : July 29th, 2009-09:59
What I meant to state above, but botched, is that I would've preferred this model with a solid caseback instead of the display back that it currently has. Apologies for the poorly written response, Nicolas! Multi-tasking, and my carelessness is to blame. ... 

I too would prefer...

 
 By: nwp627 : July 29th, 2009-10:07
...a solid case back on this model since what can be seen of the movement is not that interesting IMO. N

On the other side, and to be a bit provocative, Neil

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-01:23
What would people have said if JLC has offered a solid case back? Best, Nicolas

I got your point, Daos

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-01:21
The more I think about it, the more I wonder if you're not right... In fact, I wasn't shocked at all by the sapphire case back. The finish on this movement is not exceptional, but the range of price is really honest. So, I wasn't shocked, but if you lin i... 

Maybe it’s too “grande” for my taste...

 
 By: marcelo : July 29th, 2009-08:20
I had the opportunity of wearing both the Grande Date and the Classique last November in Montreal. The Grande Date is one of the watches I loved most, but after taking it off and putting the Classique on my wrist I think I’ve found a new and stronger love... 

Have to agree

 
 By: flamenco : July 30th, 2009-00:10
Gianormous, does not sit well on the wrist., even for a fat wrist like mine A la ROO, with the lugs/starp form a big gapping hole. Grande gone wild.

Thanks for your input, Marcelo

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-15:13
I under rated a bit this piece when I first saw it in Geneva... I learnt to appreciate it more and more with Time. Now, you're absolutely right, the wrist test is the ultimate test, and it won't og on everyone's wrist. The same for the 8 Days XGT Reversos... 

Always a pleasure, Nicolas!

 
 By: marcelo : August 1st, 2009-21:38
I completely agree with you on the 8 Days movement relation to the watch thickness – all this energy needs to be stored somewhere Have a nice Sunday, my friend! Marcelo

You've captured the essential quality that makes the Reverso . . .

 
 By: Dr No : July 30th, 2009-10:41
. . . such an appealing design, Nicolas, as it's golden ratio proportions allow the basic design to retain it's ineffable character with alterations to size. In my experience, most other case shapes don't exhibit this quality . . . cordially, Art

Agreed, Art

 
 By: amanico : July 31st, 2009-15:16
When an origina design is getting bigger, it is very often becoming disgracious. With this one, the miracle is here, and the spirit is well kept, at least to me. Best, my friend. Nicolas. I admire your perfect English, my friend.

My "perfect" English doesn't hold a candle . . .

 
 By: Dr No : July 31st, 2009-23:52
. . . to your charming "Franglish", Nico . . . warmest regards, Art

An evolution in the Reverso line.

 
 By: KCLQMULKU : August 1st, 2009-03:58
Thank you for yet another a fantastic feature post! Though I am a firm advocate of the new slim sized version of the Reverso, I am concerned by the escalation that JLC has taken to size. The Grande Reverso line, I would argue, is as large as one would wis... 

Thanks for your input, my friend

 
 By: amanico : August 1st, 2009-04:06
Well, as I previously said, I don't see this Caliber as a Champion of elegance, I rather see it as a honest one, correctly finished, IF you still have in mind the price of the watch. A Solid case back would have been a better, easier solution or compromis... 

A fair point and very true!

 
 By: KCLQMULKU : August 1st, 2009-04:17
I agree, the price is an obvious reflection on a very modest, basic, yet acceptably pleasing to the eye (without the grandeur of course!) watch. A solid back would have, as you rightly said, been the key solution to the 'back' problem. Still, I am a big f...