Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: Index Alignment Issue?

TheWindingStem · 2018-12-26T20:55:35Z

Is a misaligned index on a new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso an acceptable flaw or a manufacturing defect? A collector's dilemma sparks debate on luxury watch quality and expectations.

TheWindingStem

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

45 replies6011 views1 photos

TheWindingStem, a collector with a history of meticulous scrutiny, shares a dilemma regarding the alignment of indices on his new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. This post invites the community to weigh in on whether a minor aesthetic imperfection constitutes a legitimate manufacturing issue or an acceptable variation in a luxury timepiece, sparking a discussion on quality expectations and the nature of 'flaws' in watchmaking.

To those who know me, I always have some form of a problem with the first timepiece I buy upon which the concerned manufacture offers a fix either through straight out exchange( Lange in two occasions) or offer to fix it under warranty - it’s somewhat of a curse!

I have OCD and like things to be as aligned as possible - I understand tolerances are to be allowed as there is the human error factor but when I compare a certain timepiece I have aquired with multiple similar and see they don’t have that “issue” I do feel the need to bring it to the attention of the Manufacture.

Now, given that this is my first ever Reverso, I would like your input on whether this is an issue or not- I can be unreasonable at times so please feel free to tell me if I am!

So here’s a photo of what I can’t unseen on my new Reverso: At 12 o’clock the two indices are not centred properly - they are more to the left and kinda throws off the design symmetry. I can see it from 30cms away but I’m posting a close-up to show it clearly here.

Key Points from the Discussion

The author distinguishes between acceptable hand-finishing variations in brands like Lange and unacceptable 'sloppy' machine-made flaws, arguing that an $8,000 watch should not exhibit manufacturing errors.
Some argue that absolute perfection is unrealistic for an entry-level luxury watch around $8,000, suggesting the concern over a fraction of a millimeter misalignment might be overblown.
Collectors prone to OCD should avoid features that irritate them, and excessive use of loupes for inspection can detract from the enjoyment of a watch.
One user reported significant and recurring movement issues with a new Reverso Duo Face, leading to a cash refund, suggesting that quality control problems are not isolated to aesthetic flaws.
A JLC representative confirmed that such alignment issues have occurred before, advising the author to return the watch to the AD for resolution.
When paying a premium price, collectors are justified in expecting a high-quality product, and minor flaws can legitimately irritate even if others might overlook them.

The Discussion

sham1

Dec 26, 2018

Perhaps, Jaeger is more hand made than I first thought! Still worth mentioning it to your AD to see what they say. Ensure they do ask Jaeger if they are unsure. One of my close friends in the manager of the Jaeger boutique in Kuala Lumpur. I shall ask her too.

TheWindingStem

Dec 26, 2018

I have the curse of noticing the tiniest of details when they are not symmetrical or something that impacts the harmony of a surface!

sham1

Dec 26, 2018

They need to give you a job in quality control at Jaeger!!

TheWindingStem

Dec 26, 2018

In all seriousness though, I suspect there is a lot more hand work Involved in a JLC than people give them credit for- it would be make if someone here with first hand knowledge would share with us!

jenjames

Dec 26, 2018

I have the pleasure in playing with a few and i am certainly impressed with the level of perfection they are delivering. Certainly my incoming next if I can get the one I wanted. 😉

Ares501 - Mr Green

Dec 27, 2018

On this forum we always have spoken with one another with respect. If something is bothering someone it is either to help a man or just leave it alone if you can't...Moe find an issue with his new watch...some would say ah well... but trust me many here would be irritated with such flaw...I for once...when you pay something fair and when you pay good then you expect good product... getting life has nothing to do with it. Cheers

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