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amanico
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SIHH 2011:Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Enamel.

I don't know if you remember that we often spoke about a Reverso with an enamel dial in the past months and, even, years.

We were a lot to secretely hope that JLC would hear our prays, and that the dream would turn into reality.

Such a Reverso already existed, like the Pavonia, or the " Eclipses ".





It also came with a simple enamel dial too, but with some enamel work on the case back, such as the " Mucha " series, in 1996 ( The 4 Seasons, by Alfons Mucha )

Actually, we were also waiting for a simpler execution, a milky white enamel dial, something like that, but with a solid case back:



This year couldn't be a better moment to turns our dreams and expectations in reality, as JLC celebrates the 80th Anniversary of its iconic model.

Let's have a quick look at it, now that it is true.

1/ The case.

Forget all I could say on the Tribute to Reverso 1931, the enamel, even if called Grande Reverso like the Tribute, is closer to the Grande Reverso Duo than to the Tribute.

Indeed, the dimensions are bigger and thicker ( 48, 4 x 29,9 mm and it is 10, 24 mm high ).

Is this an inconvenient or a week point, compared to the Tribute To 1931?

I don't think so.

The " Enamel " and th TT 1931 don't play in the same field.

One is a Tribute, which has to stick to the spirit of the original model with a lot of elegance, while the other adds luxury to the modern expression of an iconic watch, and takes some distances with the original.

So, the " Enamel " will look a bit less rectangular, a bit more square than the Tribute, due to its bigger dimensions, but I don't see that increase of size as a flaw.

Thicker than the TT 1931, it is, but the dimensions look very reasonnable, and, most of all, coherent.

How is it possible to not fall in love with this delicate marvel?



For the moment, and as far as I know, the " Enamel " is only available in rose gold.

One last thing, as we're having a look at the case, about the case back.

On the Reverso Enamel, JLC opted for a solid case back.



The housed movement ( Cal 822 ) is an explanation, as it is a small one, but we'll see that further.

The other explanation is that this solution will allow the owner of this marvel to personalize it.

An engraving, or an enameled decoration?

It is up to you, the only limlit being your imagination.

2/ The dial:

The dial makes all the difference between a fine watch and an exquisite one.

If you look at the case and compare it to other Reversos, there is no big difference between this one and another one, but if you focus on the dial, it is another story.

The good thing when we speak about an enamel dial is that it is a precious part of the watch, but discrete and totally understated.

Indeed, who will notice that detail at a first and quick glance?



Only connoisseurs will notice and appreciate it, like a secret hint of the value and importance of the watch.

The shape of the numbers is a classic for a Reverso, as we already saw the same with the Platinum Sun Moon, Platinum Nr 2 Tourbillon, Septantième and so on.

The centered black minute indexes are another distinctive sign of the Reverso, and the red 5 minute indexes give a discrete touch of life to the dial.

The milky - should I add " silky " - enamel dial is THE killing detail, for everyone who takes the time to put his eyes on it.

A fascinating depth, warmth... A magical moment of intimacy between the wearer and his watch.

Another nice detail to pay attention to: The heated blue hands, which pop up on the milky dial.



Undisputably, the strong, very strong point of this Reverso.

3/ The movement:

The Cal 822 is a movement, which was introduced in 1992, and which proved its reliability.



Pleasant to see, it is actually small ( 22 x 7,2 mm ) and a see through case back would not be of great interest, in my opinion, due to the size of the case.

Beating at 21 600 vibrations per hour, manual winding, it offers a correct autonomy of 45 hours.

4/ Some thoughts and complementary informations on the Grande Reverso Enamel.

A simple and elegant Reverso with an enamel dial... We were a lot to wish it.

To say all, I'm very happy to see that JLC decided to release it.

The rose gold case gives a nice and warm contrast to the milky enamel dial, and adds a kind of vintage touch to this iconic watch.



Now, I would have loved to see a white metal version, coming with some blue minute indexes, and keeping these blue heated hands.

It would look colder, indeed, but it would also go farer in the understatement.

One day, maybe?

For the moment, the Reverso enamel only comes in this Rose Gold version, is limited to 200 pieces, and the retail is

Looking forward to reading your comments,

Best.

Nicolas.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-01-27 22:35:59 This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-01-31 14:05:54

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