Jaeger-LeCoultre

Big_Reverso
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LE: JLC GRANDE GMT REVERSO No. #01/04

This timepiece was released in conjunction to its mass produced version at the 2004 SIHH Event.  There were only 4 piece produced in this Reverso GMT  limited run.  It was purchased from a well established Zürich Boutique and came with a very, very interesting story.  In 2001 JLC's REVERSO model celebrated their 70^th anniversary and due to the enormous public and critically success of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Septantieme model JLC was eager to capitalize on its new GRANDE size.  When JLC began designing the Grande GMT, the designers were given a simple but essential directive from Janek Deleskiewicz, Jaeger-LeCoultre Artistic Director; produce a timepiece that cultivates the simplicity of the GRANDE DATE REVERSO and amalgamate the COMPLICATION & COMPONENTS of its newly crowned superstar, the CALIBER 879 inside the Septantieme.

Before JLC determined to go down the path that we're now all so familiar with; JLC GRANDE GMT REVERSO 240.8.18 [2004-2011] , JLC and their design team were split over several major styling decision.  Half wanted to create an entire different “look” while others loved the Septantieme, dial color, sun/moon disk, & utter beauty design.  The vote was so close that the two opposing sides designed and manufactured fully functional “prototypes”.  In time - 2 different models were produced in 4 different metals [white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and stainless steel ] .  At the end 8 watches were presented to the JLC Executive Leader for their consideration.  The design group that ultimately lost out only because the cost-in-materials ratio was 3.2% better than the other.  Please note; 97% of both watches shared the same mechanical components and complications.

"How did I learn of this internal battle of proprietary information? I'm sure you're asking yourself?  Well, I learned of its history from a gentleman who is highly regarded in both Germany and Switzerland for his knowledge and kindness to strangers.  He introduced me to the store’s owner and after many laughs I was shown this masterpiece!  Along with a letter of authorization from both JLC & a special hand written letter of thanks from Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO, Mr. Jerome Lambert & Janek Deleskiewicz, Jaeger-LeCoultre Artistic Director.  When I presented this watch to JLC service center in Dallas last year I was overloaded with questions from many of its parts administrators and repair officers.  The decision from the service director was to have my watch sent back to Switzerland for service, and any needed repairs.  Thou I left Dallas without my beloved watch, I walked away with 12 new friends and 12 pictures with my new friends who all wanted to have their picture taken wearing the watch on their wrist and with me shaking hands. 

The biggest difference between the two timepieces was between the designing of the HOME [white] side of the watch.  The TRAVEL [black] dial to the best of my knowledge has only one small alteration; Rose Gold Hour & Minute Hands, including sub-dials.  With that small innocent change, JLC singlehandedly transformed that watch into something outstanding!  I never have seen the other siblings to mine, the YG, or RG model but I’ve been told that the WG version is even more amazing due to its Slate Gray HOME and Dark Blue TRAVEL colored dials!

The following are several major modification to the HOME side of the dial

1.     The SUN/MOON disk is the same as the Septantieme & Grande Sun/Moon Reverso models                     

2.     The BIG DATE feature is designed more like the GLASHUTTE BIG DATE design [no middle window boarder ]

3.     Instead of the traditional JLC BLACK BLOCK ARABIC 12 located at twelve o'clock, the watch instead has a beautiful white gold and blue enamel JL logo

With these major departure from the stock version, I and 3 other people have been fortunate to be able to own ONE incredible timepiece!  I've been asked, badgered and even probed over the years regarding this watch.  I've been accused of wearing a fake or manufacture my very own Frankenstein watch.  Neither are correct, but frankly I do not care!  I only care about 2 things re: this timepiece…1). This watch one day will be pass it down to my child and to his/her new family line.  And until that days comes, the second most important issue I have towards this watch…it tells the accurate time!

When the piece comes back from its spa, I'll take the time to take pictures and upload for your enjoyment and probably your cynicism .

I hoped I was able to answer your question, and you enjoyed the interesting history that surrounds it, even without actually seeing any pictures.

Take Care,