funny...

May 25, 2015,03:36 AM
 

This is funny that you talk about this watch just now because, on previous saturday I was with my cousin who is looking for a new watch for her husband and I see in the same local AD where I have bought my Polaris, this Reverso (again NOS; I have already noticed this watch after looking some informations about the Reverso Chronograph Retrograde that I truly appreciate ( both are not housed by the same mouvement, I am not good enough to explain the detail).
Here is a pic of the Retrograde which belongs to one of my local GTG partner.

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to get back to the Gran Sport, I really dislike the bracelet ( too bulk, too shiny etc.. ), I will like the watch in the GT case on leather. I have the same feelings that you had when the watch was released, maybe my taste will change.

Thank you for the article smile



More posts: Gran Sport

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A review on a totally underated watch: Reverso Gran Sport Chronograph.

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-00:18
I still don't get how this watch has such a small success. Released in the early 2000's, ( unveiled for the first time in the 2000 / 2001 catalog ) after the Rose Gold version which was born in... 1996, this Reverso came with two dials, one white, one bla...  

funny...

 
 By: Tyo : May 25th, 2015-03:36
This is funny that you talk about this watch just now because, on previous saturday I was with my cousin who is looking for a new watch for her husband and I see in the same local AD where I have bought my Polaris, this Reverso (again NOS; I have already ...  

The bracelet is a big No Go for me.

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-03:42
But on its rubber strap, it is a totally different look, much more convincing, in my opinion, and according to my tastes. Give it another chance, if you find one. You will see. Best, my friend. Nicolas

As forversta explained it on next post and I forgot to mention it... the lugs... truly " w

 
 By: Tyo : May 25th, 2015-03:54
I am more in the mood of saving money to buy the Chronograph Retrograde which is on the podium for my dream watches

Jaeger Lecoultre Chronograph Retrograde

 
 By: Tyo : May 30th, 2015-05:15
another pic of the " original " one. a true heartbreaker. it's fascinating to see how Jaeger Lecoultre succeed in doing such a complicated caliber in such a small and wearable case. Same case as my Duoface. Now if we want something sexy in term of complic...  

A nice watch but I know why I didn't like it.

 
 By: foversta : May 25th, 2015-03:50
Sometimes, we have a detail which is no go and with this watch it has always been the multiple lugs on the case. I don't like this. And despite its assets, I could never change my mind. Thanks for the review. Fx

+1 on not getting enough attention !.. Also overlooked at its time

 
 By: hs111 : May 25th, 2015-05:24
.. Meanwhile times have passed, and I appreciate it much more; yet, but now its a pretty rare bird !! Actually, have started to look a bit - As the Retrograde Chrono is a cool thing & As you described, the 2 dials do not compete, but complement each other... 

With the bracelet, the central link are not bothering. But the bracelet does!

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-05:43
With the rubber strap, the Watch looks cooler. If I find a T Swiss Made T dial, I tink I will jump on it. Thanks for your feedback, hs. Nicolas

sorry...

 
 By: Tyo : May 26th, 2015-06:51
but the dial isn't a T Swiss Made T first time I tried it, both dials are very beautifull, the buttons are softs... but the bracelet.... no comment [/URL] ...  

LOL! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : May 26th, 2015-09:00

The lugs make it a no go ...

 
 By: nilomis : May 25th, 2015-05:25
Nicolas, The single negative that I see on this watch is the proprietary only straps. One (or should I say more) was offered to me and I could see what your means. Great wrist presence, good volume, nice complications but, being a strap addict, I prefer w... 

what a real beauty!

 
 By: RicardetCie : May 25th, 2015-06:21
Indeed I agree with you, there is so many watches in the market with no soul but a commercial success...And as far as I can remember, the non chronograph model was the only watch reversible case on the market with automatic movement... Best regards, TGV

At that time, yes, it was the only one. With reversible case.

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-06:27
With a non reversible case, you also had the GP Vintage 45. But not reversible. Best, Nicolas

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I will say...

 
 By: watchme : May 25th, 2015-07:35
that there was an awesome review done by JAW, in this very same forum, about a decade or less ago, which stated that the Reverso Chronograph Retrograde was possible the most difficult chronograph ever built by ANYONE, and that JLC lost money on every one ... 

A longer case with slimmer lugs, without central lugs would have been a plus.

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-08:03
And yes, I share your point of view, this chrono should have deserved more interest. I spoke with some guys at JLC who confirmed me that it is part of these watches which were not a Financial exit, like the... Futurematic. ;) Best, and thanks for your fee... 

Ah, you have touched upon a subject I love

 
 By: respo : May 25th, 2015-08:44
I have given this Reverso a great deal of thought over the years. I want it mainly for the movement inside, which has never received the recognition it deserves and because it is an affordable alternative to the RG Reverso Chronographe from 1996. What has... 

Yes, the first years, it came with the tritium dial. As well as the Manual Memovox, or the

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-09:10
Black Master Perpetual... Among others. I think that, for this one, we have to think " coolness " and fine horology. Not the most elegant, I agree, but not the less interesting, by far! Best, and thanks for your feedback, Respo. Nicolas

A polarizing design...

 
 By: jmpTT : May 25th, 2015-11:06
Excellent review! As the responses suggest, the Gran Sport design is not everyone's cup of tea. Non-round watches are also a niche, so it's not too surprising that the number of potential buyers was and is limited. This chronograph's unique feature, two d... 

The servicing costs.... Yes, you are absolutely right to remind us that!

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-11:29
We have a curious tendance to forget that important point. Thanks for your feedback, jmpTT. Nicolas

There's lots to like

 
 By: jml_watches : May 25th, 2015-13:27
Hi There's lots to like here - but there are also niggles which might have put you off originally. Looking back its a whole lot better watch then given credit for. I looked at its cousin the Gran Sport Automatic and discounted it for some of the same reas... 

Thank you for a great review, Nicolas!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : May 25th, 2015-14:41
When the Gran Sport collection was launched I jumped on the duo directly! Love the design and the comfort of the case. To me the Gran Sport case is still one of the most comfortable Reverso ever made. In retrospect I do wish that the lugs would allow norm...  

Yes, the price point was maybe an issue at that time.

 
 By: amanico : May 25th, 2015-22:07
I guess many didn't understand why... And many didn't see the sophistication of the movement. Yes, my friend, give your Gran Sport some fresh air and wrist time! And don't forget to take some pics, too! Best, Nicolas

Meat on the bone-so to speak

 
 By: golden hands : May 26th, 2015-12:01
the gold Linton numerals(1-12 Arabic numerals) with white dial-ref 295-16-20-rubber strap Stainless steel case same numerals black dial-ref 295-86-50-rubber strap Stainless steel same numerals case and bracelet white dial-295-81-20 This is the England cat... 

Thanks for your input, Golden Hands. Yes, very useful to remind the details...

 
 By: amanico : May 26th, 2015-12:06
Behind this forgotten Watch, which is not fair. Best, Nicolas

Another one on the list

 
 By: KMII : May 26th, 2015-12:53
Thanks for the excellent review of this very fascinating watch. Definitely on the shortlist for the next chronograph for me. Now if only one could have it in SS with a leather strap...

very usefull

 
 By: Tyo : May 26th, 2015-12:34
it is pleasant to get information from someone who appears to be part of the adventure , or at least is well informed. @ Amanico , this watch would be a great Tribute To

Good info, many thanks. I always thought

 
 By: Asimut : May 28th, 2015-03:46
it was Vandel that designed this movement? Cheers, Asi

Definitely one of my favorite Reversos

 
 By: Asimut : May 28th, 2015-03:43
and it is also worthwhile to mention the two dial configurations, full numerals or 3/9. I have not yet decided which I prefer although I own the 3/9 tritium dial. Maybe it's time to talk again with the original designer of this marvelous movement, Mr. Van... 

and a few of my pics,,,,

 
 By: Asimut : May 28th, 2015-03:56
...  

Superb! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : May 28th, 2015-05:11

Finally

 
 By: gup502 : May 28th, 2015-08:30
a very good review coming from Nic. As you promised to write one long time ago. Thanks!! JLC Gran sport represents part of the Reverso history. It is thick, it has to be for it is rated 50m water resistant. It looks a bit odd compared to other 'traditiona...  

Excellent owner's feedack. Very useful. And yes, it is interesting to...

 
 By: amanico : May 28th, 2015-08:53
Know how much is a service for a Watch like this. Thank you so much! Best, Nicolas

Who was the designer of the movement?

 
 By: sery.vlk : May 31st, 2015-12:10
Firstly, thank-you, Nico, for your consistent attempts to bring attention to the complicated reversos of the past ("rose gold saga"). Regarding cal. 829 (the skeletonised original version), I noticed discrepancy regarding its author: acc. to some sources,... 

I just want to show you

 
 By: Tyo : June 29th, 2015-18:29
some information I took in the 2002 catalogue, by the way I prefer the " vintage " catalogues. They are more " storytellers " than the moderns I know it is written in small print and in French, but what is important is that several pages are dedicated to ...  

Yes, that was an interesting family. And the chrono was THE jewel.

 
 By: amanico : June 30th, 2015-02:30
Thanks for sharing the pages of the catalogue dedicated to it, Tyo. Best, Nicolas

A last picture to show you the coolness of the yellow gold version.

 
 By: amanico : September 11th, 2015-02:37
The rubber strap does a lot for the coolness of the watch. With a gold bracelet, it is too much. In my opinion, at least. Best, Nicolas ...  

Definitely on my watchlist for a potential future purchase

 
 By: KMII : September 11th, 2015-03:18
There was one being sold not too far from here but I was not quick enough to try it out before it was snatched up...

You really got me hooked but

 
 By: 4Js : September 11th, 2015-03:59
All th comments about the strap replacements, turned me off. There have been some good deals out there, whether for the steel or this YG. But, I don\'t want to end up with JLC telling me wait a year for a strap, or maybe never. Then, in the end, another p... 

I have some good news for you then...

 
 By: amanico : September 11th, 2015-04:55
I just asked JLC to explain me what was the situation with a rubber strap replacement, just the rubber strap, not the buckle... The answer is there: The straps and bracelets are available on order. The price of a rubber strap, alone ( without the buckle )... 

Very good to know :) [nt]

 
 By: KMII : September 11th, 2015-04:59

I was interested to hunt a Gran Sport Chrono, but wanted to make that point clear...

 
 By: amanico : September 11th, 2015-05:19
Before taking any decision.... Another precision: If you want to change your bracelet for a rubber strap, then you' ll need the rubber strap, of course, but also the technical buckle. That's 5 times more expensive, sadly. Best, Nicolas