wisPete pens an 'Ode' to his Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface Blue, offering a deeply personal and passionate account of his first month of ownership. His review transcends typical pros and cons, focusing instead on the emotional connection and aesthetic marvels of this specific timepiece, particularly its captivating blue dial and versatile dual-face functionality.
I confess outright that this is not a review. This is an Ode to the Duoface Blue.
I love each and every one of my watches, but when it comes down to it, they all have a price tag; if I get an offer above it, I will move the watch. The Blue is the sole exception.
First, the date on the papers matches my daughter's birth date, so there is an element of "meant to be". However, beyond that, there is also the fact that this watch mesmerizes me; and I can't part with it.
Unlike my previous review for the TT1931, I won't bother listing pros and cons because I simply can't review this watch rationally. Instead, I will just give my perspective after a month of ownership.
If you are looking for a one-sentence takeaway, here it goes: if you love the ocean, you will likely love the Duoface Blue.
1. The Bleu Face:
Much has been written about this face. Before committing to the watch, I've read them all and had very high expectations. When I unboxed it for the first time, I was rendered speechless nonetheless. For a good thirty minutes, I stared at the blue face while tilting it in various angles to watch it come to life. Yes, the blue lacquered background does have different shades. However, I find that it is the contrast between the dense blue and the highly polished markers, hands, and railroad track that really gives depth and life to the dial. At different angles, the hands and markers may reflect or deflect light, making them brighter or darker than the background; they twinkle amidst the deep blue like ripples on the ocean surface. I am mesmerized by this dial, just as I am captivated by the sea.
I would buy the watch on the merit of the Blue face alone. However, this sentiment is not shared by all. So please don't do what I did and jump on the watch before seeing it first. If that's not an option, then I would say this - if you enjoy staring at the ocean, chances are, you will love this dial. And if you love this dial, you won't regret getting this watch.
2. The Silver Face:
Much less has been written about this face. It is gorgeous as well, but in a more outwardly fashion. The combination of the circular dial layout, the opaline silver hue, and the Clous de Paris guilloche' delivers vibrancy and elegance. Whenever I need a mental/visual stimulus, I turn to this face from the blue; catching a glimpse of the guilloche dial sends my heart racing, as if I am taking a peek at beautiful woman. And in general, this face demands more attention. So when I'm in a situation that I want others to notice what I am wearing, I turn to this face.
3. The Dual Time Zone Functionality:
Before owning the watch, I thought this is a super cool idea. I equated the Blue with Home, and Silver with Away. What actually ends up happening is that I set both faces to the same time zone, and choose which side to wear based on my need/mood and not location. And when I travel, I set the watch as I normally would via the crown. Therefore, I would personally prefer a second hand over the 24hr day/night indication on the silver dial.
4. Other comments
- Compared to the TT1931, this watch is very easy to catch hairline scratches. I believe this is because the case is thicker, and thus more likely to come into contact with things.
- There are 200 of these Duoface Blues out there currently. JLC is releasing more in the fall, but I do not know how many. Nicolas, do you know?
- The dial is slightly smaller than the TT1931, even though they have the same case length and width. Whether that's good or bad depends on personal taste.
In Summary: Even though the watch is sometimes advertised as a dual time-zone tool, to me it is simply a watch with two faces: one side is radiant, the other mesmerizing. Of the watches in my collection, this is the only one that I won't be able to part with, and i will proudly pass this one to my daughter, who turned 1 today. Happy Birthday, my most beloved girl =)
Peter
