nautilus
597
Contemplating between a reverso grande date and the automatique
Hi,
I am currently looking at getting either the reverso grande date or the reverso grande automatic (hometime). Having read through all the reviews and comments on both so far in this forum, i find it very hard to make a decision on which to get. Some of the points that i have thought of are listed below:
1) Dial - the hometime clearly wins in this category. I find the dial very clearly laid out with a nice sense of balance. The date placed at the 11 o'clock position is very unique indeed. Also, the full JLC motif can be clearly seen. The RGD on the other hand looks a little cramped and messy. I love the 8 days power reserve indicator at the front. However due to space constraints, JLC couldn't sqeeuze the full JLC logo onto the dial. Instead, the small prints "reverso" and "Jaeger LeCoultre" appears on the second dial instead. This has caused the dial to look a little imbalanced and cramped.
2) Case - The RGD has a transparent caseback as compared to the hometime with a transparent SS back. I would much prefer JLC to include a nice open back on the hometime but i guess this is not going to happen. As
I would prefer if there's a window to show me the workings of the heart of a watch. Would it be possible to retrofit a transparent caseback on the hometime? This alone is giving me the biggest dilemma between the two watches.
3) Power reserve - The RGD has JLC's reknown 8 days power reserve movement while the hometime has the new autotractor movement with ceremic ball bearings. I'm fine with either but which would be better in the long haul.
4) Escapement - I understand that the escapement of the hometime has some improvements due to the autotractor mechanism. Does this have a significant impact on the reliability of the movement when weighed against the older escapement in the RGD? Are there any advantages on the new design?
5) GMT function - very useful when i travel overseas but not a necessary essential item. I've read conflicting reports on whether the date follows the hometime or local time. Could someone enlighten me?
6) Price - both are very similar (which is the reason why i'm having a headache) 
Please kindly give your comments and suggestions. Thanks.