When I first saw this Reverso in 2015, my immediate thought was that if I ever owned a Reverso, this would definitely be the one. Now, in 2020, having rediscovered the Reverso, and learning a lot more about Jaeger-LeCoultre, I was disappointed that it ceased production in 2015. Quite simply, I have never been one to buy pre-owned unless I can first see the watch in real life, and also I am very hesitant to buy online. So I got two new Reverso models, both of which are exceptional.
Nevertheless, I knew that I would have to own this Tribute to 1931 model, to ever be fully satisfied. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that, although the model has retained it's value - and in many cases increased in value - there are still some excellent pre-owned models to be had around the original MSRP of $7800USD. Thanks to Crown & Caliber, I got a fair trade for another watch, and a good price for the new one. Not to mention exceptional, friendly, caring and knowledgeable service! As far as I'm concerned, the watch I received is just as good as a new one. This has dispelled any negative thoughts I once had about buying pre-owned and online.
Having owned this watch for barely one week, it has quickly climbed to No. 1 spot in my collection. Oddly, it is also the most comfortable of my 3 Reverso models. Perhaps due to the large case dimensions, and the incredible thinness of just over 7mm. JLC had changed the lug design in 2014, angling the lugs downward so that they better fit the wrist. However, this one with the straight lugs is even more comfortable for me. I loved the watch so much, I thought that I would just have to compromise with the fit. So that is a bonus.
I was a bit surprised, before I purchased the watch, to know that the hands and markers are lumed. Not normally a feature I would associate with the Reverso. I had not seen any really good photos of the lume, so I was not sure what to expect. I should have know, however, that whatever JLC does, it does extremely well, and this lumed dial is no exception. Not only does it glow brightly, it remains glowing well into the night.
There must have been a brand new alligator strap installed as well. Beautifully done, and thick enough so that it really supports the watch in a good position on my wrist without having to tighten it. JLC tang buckle, which I much prefer over the deployant, for reasons I won't go into here.
Being used to watches of all sizes, I am thrilled about the wrist presence of this watch. Matter of fact, even the smaller Classic Medium Reverso has a nice presence. Considering that I was wearing my Panerai Luminor of 47mm when I picked up my first Reverso, that is saying a lot.
One feature that most impresses is the case. Although the design appears simple on the outside, it is very complex, using no less than 50 parts. While some might consider the Water Resistance rating of 3 bar (30metres/100ft) to be insignificant, I consider it quite an accomplishment given the number of components.
I simply love the simplicity of the dial, not even a small seconds, simple baton markers and sword hands. The off white color used for the lume, which I hesitate to call "faux patina" as it is so very well done and appropriate, truly adds to the vintage appeal of the watch. Although significantly larger than the original 1931 Reverso, the design elements still remain intact. Including the lack of Jaeger-LeCoultre branding, only "REVERSO" as the original. I won't go into detail about the history and why the lack of branding. There is an exceptional article about Reverso history, written by Tim Mosso of Govberg/Watchbox:
https://www.govbergwatches.com/blog/...ultre-reverso/
So much for my incessant rambling. I did feel, however, that this gorgeous watch does rate a review. Here are quite a few of my better photos:
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Fits like a glove!
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Thanks for looking!
Cheers,
Carl