gup502
577
Gran Sport revisit
Fans of JLC are familiar with the Gran Sport even if they don't like the series.
What I would like to share is to point out thoughts were put into the design of the dial face.
First is the font type, it is referred to as Linton but I really cannot find this font type on the Internet. I have looked through a lot of Reverso produced since 1931 and found the same font type only used in 1935 and 1936.
What is so special about it? If you look closely the "2", "0", "8" and "9" , they have a little "acutus" not the literally meaning of it. But you can see them in the picture. That is a unique font type.
The other design of the dial face is the second hand with the triangle surrounded by red to match the 3, 6, 9 and 12, each has a red rectangle.
The other design of the dial face is the second hand with the triangle surrounded by red to match the 3, 6, 9 and 12, each has a red rectangle.
Jaeger Lecoultre is printed on the top, Reverso in the middle and Chronograph the last on the dial face.
The dial face has this three dimensional guillotine pattern in the middle.
I can see the designer at the time must have put in a lot of thoughts to make the dial face of the Gran Sport unique in the entire collection of Reverso.
On the other side of the dial, the red tip is there to show the second counting of the chronograph and again the red indicator at 15, 30, 45 and 00. They are there to match with the second hand.
At the bottom half moon dial, again there is a red indicator at 15 and 30 minutes.
What really attracts my attention is the three dimension round pattern in the centre.
Today the trend is to wear something you can go anywhere, i.e. a pool, the great ocean, mountain hiking, sitting in a board room or just going casual in a shopping mall.
The Gran Sport was designed to fit all those scenarios. The first sport watch of the Reverso. Regrettably they are also the last (the Squadra is too square to be included).
No one should be surprised how much money was poured into the development of the time pieces. The 960 of the automatic (the same movement used by AP Royal Oak), the chronograph calibre and the dual time (possibly the only one with a date and 24 hours indicator on the main dial).
Yet, the trio was a failure only because the sales figures could not recover the development costs.
It was perceived a bit radical? Those who saw the launch at the time, by now would be close to 20 years wiser.
Is the design of the casing radical by today's standard? Whether you like it or not, the Gran Sport has all the DNA of the Reverso.
A few wild cards in the pack, maybe the joker which will not be forgotten but everyone knows it is there.
I have been wearing my GS chronograph for 14 days and it is running 10 seconds fast.
The bracelet is super comfortable and the extension is a generous 4 mm at each end.
The mechanism makes Rolex easy-link so much at home with someone who owns a GS.
JLC GS a really underrated piece of engineering in the horology, period.
Gran Sport revisit
Fans of JLC are familiar with the Gran Sport even if they don't like the series. What I would like to share is to point out thoughts were put into the design of the dial face. First is the font type, it is referred to as Linton but I really cannot find th...
Superb post, my friend. Oh yes, there is a lot to say about the Reverso Gran Sport Chronograph.
I reviewed this watch some time ago. A watch which is not in my collection but in my wish list. I think it faced two problems: - A bit bold for its size, - A bit too high in price. A pity because I can say it one more time, it is one of these great watche...
The raised markers are incredible! That has always been on my radar. Not that I need to purchase another piece but to look out for.
Sizing in my opinion is perfect. Chronograph movement is a die hard piece of work.
Design issues hurt the chronograph’s sales prospects, in my opinion
This is all purely subjective and “eye of the beholder,” but I think two design faults mar the chronograph. (The movement, of course, is exceptional.) 1. Lugs. The crenellated lugs draw the viewer’s eyes away from the dial, which is not a good thing. The ...
Have admired this watch for a long time
and may end up with one. Can find good deals used if one is patient. Love the bracelet but can't decide between white and charcoal dials.
There are some bargains around. I thought an overhaul would cost a fortune. Couple of years ago, mine was serviced by JLC and it cost US$850.
It was reasonable considering the previous service was done ten years prior.
Fantastic post!👏👏👏
The commercial failure of this watch can only be seen as a potential long term benefit to the collectors. Yes, this wasn’t a watch that resonated with the masses but perhaps it will be something that will be looked upon more favorably a little further dow...
What surprises me is the Gran Sport Chronograph was launched back in 2002, to me it hardly looks vintage. But like you said, time will tell.
Perhaps another ten years, the movement will be much more appreciated.
Other than the 829, this movement is unique. Most manufacturers make a chronograph using a base movement or adding a chronograph module on top.
The 859 had to be designed from scratch. JLC use KIF shock absorber which is superior in its own right. Which JLC has a manual winding chronograph extending beyond the Reverso line? Which JLC has a manual winding chronograph retrograde ? ...
I guess you have the info
But here are two (bad) shots from the catalogue. Best, E. ...