Talking Hands: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso
By The Editors, published on 10 March 2011
Did you hear? The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso – perhaps the most iconic watch design in the world – turns 80 this year.
By now, the story of this watch is horological legend. While visiting India in early 1930, a wealthy businessman called Cesar de Trey enjoyed a game of polo with friends. He noticed that a common problem amongst colonial polo players was that the crystal on their watches would smash during a game.
De Trey approached his friend Jacques LeCoultre about making a reversible watch. By 1931, the Reverso was born and it has remained unchanged ever since.
So, designed originally as a sports watch, the Reverso soon become the toast of high-society, as people realised that they could engrave family crests and initials on the back. Edward VIII wore a Reverso when he was King. The then Prince of Denmark also wore a Reverso. Amelia Earhart wore a Reverso with a map showing her flight path from Mexico City to New York.
Not just worn by royalty, in the watchmaking world, the Reverso itself is royalty. As such, we didn’t think that one little celebration was quite enough for it. So, today, we’re bringing you the latest in our Talking Hands series, an episode entirely devoted to the Reverso – The Prodigal Fool‘s very own Grande Reserve model.
Go ahead, pour yourself a drink then hit the play button, sit back and join us for Talking Hands…
Talking Hands: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso – perhaps the most iconic watch design in the world – turns 80 this year. So, to celebrate, we’re bringing you the latest in our Talking Hands series, an episode entirely devoted to the Reverso – The Prodigal Fool’s very own Grande Reserve model. Go ahead, pour yourself a drink then hit the play button, sit back and join us for Talking Hands.
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18 Responses to “Talking Hands: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso”
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Bryan
10 March 2011
Great stuff guys! Talking Hands actually cemented my decision to get the 39mm Explorer I back in November as my first proper watch as a poor, struggling undergrad. And before that episode I was actually considering the Tag Cal. 1887 as an alternative. Needless, to say I have absolutely no regrets and love my Explorer to bits. It’s just a bit sad how easily it’s accumulated scratches here and there.
Anyway, I’ve got my eyes set on the IWC Portuguese Chrono or the Grande Reverso 976 for a second, slightly dressier watch. (Both with a black strap/dial combination) But for the life of me, I absolutely cannot decide between the two of them. What do you guys think?
Or should I simply acquire either a used Seadweller/No-date Sub for Nato strap for no-nonsense everyday use instead?
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Bryan
Some great choices there.
You definitely made the right decision picking the Explorer over the TAG. Well done.
As to your next dilemma…well, I’m a little biased since I own an IWC Portuguese Chrono, cream dial, black leather strap and I have to say it’s one of my all time favourite dress watches. I adore it. I love Reversos too but I always think they look better on a brown strap, slightly less dressy. As I say in the video, the Reverso was actually designed as a sports watch. Somehow, that’s how I prefer it. But, hey, that’s just me.
For no nonsense everyday use, I think you can’t get much better than a 14060M Sub. Again, I own one. It’s just fantastic to be able to slap whichever NATO I feel like on that puppy and then get on with my day. And whatever the day throws at you, you know the Sub will take it in its stride.
Thanks for reading TPG and please be sure to keep us posted on developments…
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Straight-Six
11 March 2011
Bryan,
We’re delighted to have helped you in your decision to pick up the new Explorer. My slight reservations about the size of the case aside, it’s the pick of the current line-up, alongside the Explorer II. We simply don’t like anything else in the Rolex range.
Now, I would strongly recommend that you investigate the JLC Reverso as a dress watch. The Fool is wrong when he says Reversos look better with brown straps. They are absolutely killer with black straps. And I’ve always thought the IWC Chronograph to be somewhat saucer-like…:) Yeah, it’s a bit large, so to consider only if you’re well-endowed on the wrist front.
The Sub/SD are fabulous, but you’ve already bought your Rolex toolwatch, so I would advise that the dress watch comes first.
You’re ready to be flipped? Fer real?
Best of luck!
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Hoops
11 March 2011
Hi,
Straightsix, what’s the watch you are wearing in the video? Some breed of Rolex Date, looks really great. Any info on the model would be great.
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Straight-Six
11 March 2011
Hoops,
The Rolex I’m wearing is a 1530, which was the prototype (automatic movement) for the Rolex Oysterquartz. My understanding is no more than 1500 were made, though some believe even less.
You might enjoy the post I wrote on it: http://theprodigalguide.com/2010/02/26/the-rolex-1530-a-rare-and-special-slice-of-vintage-watch/
Happy hunting!
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Hoops
11 March 2011
Thanks for that! I need to find the modern mass produced equivalent (oysterquartz 17000?) then if this is a rare beast.
Thanks and have a good weekend.
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Straight-Six
12 March 2011
Before I found the 1530, I fell for the Oysterquartz. Hard. Its integrated bracelet and fact that only 25,000 were ever made make it a collectible in my opinion. That the market doesn’t know this yet (you can pick up steel 17000 OQs for anywhere between $2,000 and $4000!) is as astounding as it is a huge opportunity for you to pick one up.
My pick of the Oysterquartz series? A first generation puppy with box/papers and a black one-line dial. Make sure the dial/hands have never been touched/relumed and you have a classic at a bargain price….:)
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Six, this is the latest in a long line of questions and shows of interest in your 1530. It’s time we dedicated an episode of Talking Hands to this piece, isn’t it!?
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Simon
14 March 2011
I have a question for both of you. I am graduating this year and wanted to purchase a watch that is in the 5000 euro range. The watches I have looked at so far include the Rolex Explorer, Submariner (no-date), Panerai Pam 312, and Omega Seamaster at the lower end. I just love the Panerai Historic series, especially the Pam 111 (I assume that is what the Prodigal Fool is wearing on the video). I really like the watch but just can’t get over the fact that it is a manual wound. How do you like the watch, and do you have any other suggestions? Thanks
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Ivan Y
14 March 2011
A really nice watch, but I’m fancy the upcoming 1931 tribute so much more. Just hope it’s not too popular in the US, so I can pick it up at a discount
The fact that JLC ADs don’t want to engrave more than two letters is absurd. Does it really have to be done by an AD? I can’t imagine how JLC can claim that third-party engraving could void a warranty.
1530 & 17000 are pretty nice, but small (36mm, I believe). One cool vintage Rolex watch I wish I had a ref. # for is Precision “UFO” model that came up in Gilt Men sale awhile ago. it was 40mm which is a nice size for a vintage timepiece. Haven’t been able to find any info on it though.
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Chris I
15 March 2011
Half the fun for me is see what you folks are drinking each episode.
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Chin chin, Chris.
Down the hatch!
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Straight-Six
15 March 2011
And all the fun for us is drinking what you see during each episode! At least until the next morning, that is…:)
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Boris
24 March 2011
Guys, fantastic job as usual.
Also appreciate that you did your best to prop up the Japanese economy by going through this bottle of Japanese scotch. They surely need all the help they can get.
About the proportion of this particular GMT: yes, it’s a bit thick but that’s what you pay for having an 8 days power reserve. It’s the same on my Reverso Grande GMT. It gives it a bit sportier look, but by no means do I find it out of proportion, and it still qualifies as a dress watch in my book.
As for strap colors, I let you be judge of what fits best. I have a custom made dark brown croc under way as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/flanker2000fr/JLC-ABPTS002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/flanker2000fr/JLCRiva010.jpg
Cheers,
Boris-
Very nice, Boris, very nice!
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Alex
25 March 2011
On top of my love for your timepieces, love your choice of the Yamazaki 12. The 18 has more of a caramel like taste – a bit too much rich sugar on the front. The 12 has a good amount of balance and makes you feel like you’re drinking whiskey, not a strong cup of cafe con leche.
We gotta get you guys onto peatier Islay based whiskeys. I’m partial to the Ardbeg myself.
Oh wait, this is about watches right?
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Alex, like pretty much everything we do, it’s mostly about the drinking.
You want to get us on to peatier whiskeys? It’s easily done: send a crate to Prodigal Towers. We’re prone to downing anything that’s put in front of us…
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sherwinajukic
10 March 2011
It will be absolutely good if its price is affordable. I cannot deny that the design is so luxurious. Own this watch once in my life will be cool.