Jaeger-LeCoultre

She was my first JLC, the Reverso Classic GT – a perfect start!

 

 

 

Actually my first “real” watch was a Rolex. Like many others I wanted not only a great watch, I wanted a great watch that people saw and recognised as great!

 

I have always been interested in watches and after I got my first I started to read and learn more and realised that there was more to watches then meet the eye. 

 

That knowledge lead me to JLC and more specific to the Reverso.

And that’s not so strange, back in 2000, if you browse the Book of Timepieces you will find that it contains ~140 pages about Reverso’s and ~40 pages about Master Control watches and a few about the Atoms.

If I started my journey today it would probably look very different with JLC pushing hard in so many different areas.

 

 

 

For me it was a perfect start.

I had a big round sports watch and was seeking a high quality dress watch.

So what could be more opposite than a small rectangular dress watch?

 

On a tight budget I started on the entry level.

The smallest and simplest men size Reverso.

I think that was my big luck and the perfect start for me.

 

By starting on the entry level it gave me the opportunity to explore the big and various assortment of JLC.

I think if I had started on a higher level I would have missed out on a lot of wonderful pieces that have helped me become the “watch person” I am today.

 

I know there are different approaches to how to find the perfect watch.

Some think go with your gut feeling…, some read the specifics and compare data…, some say wait until…, some say go for it… and so on.

 

Of course, we are all different, so different techniques are suitable for different persons.

 

 

 

It also depends what you already have in you w-box.

If you already have a bunch of watches, of course you probably have a clear view of what you like and dislike.

 

But if you only got one, two, or maybe no watch at all.

Then aim for one that you have to save for a very-very long time to afford.

You stand the risk of putting her on a pedestal, in your mind she is perfect and once you bring her home you realise she is not…

Sounds familiar? No I am still talking about watches

 

It’s one thing to try a watch in a boutique for a couple of minutes, an entire different experience to wear the watch for a longer period.

Then you start to see the flaws – yes every watch has a flaw!

And that is actually a good thing! 

Because if there was the perfect watch and you got it, your interest would fade… and you life would be boring, and you would be forced to find a new area to put your energy in.

 

Now I am rambling on again… Sorry, back to my first.

 

 

 

Movement; manually-wound, Cal 822 (1992 specially made for the GT case), hour, minutes and small seconds.

21600 v/h, 21 jewels, 134 parts, 2,94 mm high. Power reserve ~45 h.

Case; 42 x 27 mm including lugs and crown, 36 x 25,5 mm without, 9 mm high, SS.

 

 

 

This was my perfect start to JLC!

 

Which was yours?

 

Best

 

Blomman

and there is only one man I trust: JC Randell, in Spokane, Washington. Up until the Richemont takeover, he was the only one they authorized in the US market, and his work is 2nd to none!

-Dean

I have seen your avatar Dean, and it looks great!

Maybe you could share a close up?

 

Which Reverso is it you have? Was it your first JLC?

 

Best

 

Blomman

Like you, my first valuable watch was a Rolex, a GMT.

Why?

Because it was a Child's Dream since I saw Thomas Magnum wearing his Father's Rolex...



My first JLC love?

The Master Géographique, with the black dial, closely followed by the Memo ( black dial, too ), but the one I had in my mind was the Polaris.

So, my first JLC Watch was a ..Master Compressor Memovox!



I sold it some years ago, quite at the same moment I found a ...Polaris.

The Strenght of the first love, perhaps...

Best,

Nicolas

We started out almost the same; mine was a Rolex Sea-dweller 16600.

 

After that we have gone very different ways and now we meet again by the black dialled memovoxes.

How wonderful!

 

And who knows, in time I might be able to break out from the modern JLC’s and start to look in the vintage direction…

Or maybe even other brands…

Who knows… Time will tell!

 

Best, my friend

 

Blomman

...a Polaris 65 Boutique Edition. I firstly fall in love with the Polaris 68 but I bought the 65 (and the 68 few weeks after ) And I'm quite sure I'll keep those for ever!

The very first JLC I bought was for my wife, an MC Chrono Lady.
I have a short experience with watches. Actually my very first watch was a Tag Monaco Vintage (in 2006). Why? because of it's 60's look (and Steve McQueen)!

My next JLC could be a Duometre this year, still 9 months to acheive this goal

Best,
Pascal

Which Duometre?

The Quantieme Lunaire or the Chronograph?

Aaah, you meant both? !!!

You learn fast, my friend.



Best,

Nicolas

Both! I would love, but I guess I won't be able to do like I did with the Polaris Both Duometre are so nice that I haven't decided yet...
Maybe a slight preference (for now) for the Chronograph YG

Best,
Pascal This message has been edited by tripon on 2010-04-03 08:44:53

YOU take the Duometre à Chronographe, I take the Quantieme Lunaire ( when they release it white metal ) !

Greediness...

Best,

Nicolas

And I've learned a new word today: "Greediness" (but still looking for the right translation in french )
Thanks

Pascal

I am curious... when i was in Basel, i saw a picture of teh Quantieme Lunaire. It captivated me. I love JLC, and while i have been somewhat distracted by my Patek/Rolex/Tudor additions, my heart always sits with JLC. I have visited the manufacture base once and was shown around. I still have my father's 1958 JLC that the manufacturer took from me at the visit and authenticated with a certificate. Just my family connection will always keep JLC in my blood. So when i saw the picture of the yellow gold duometre QL, it captured me. I mentioned it at the time to you, and you said you wanted to wait for the white metal. What gives on the yellow? I also wonder how hard it is to order this YG. Is this a watch that is in super-demand?

Both Polaris -65 and -68!

Which one does you like the most? Do they get equally amount of wrist time?

 

I to, have both of them, got them at the same time.

The one that caught my eyes at first was the -68 with the big index.

But after a while I realised that the -65 is the one I prefer, she probably get the double amount of wrist time then the -68.

 

Please keep us updated how it goes with the next one!

 

All the best to you and your wife, she got great taste!

 

Blomman

Hi Blomman,

Tough question
Actually I've already asked myself the same question and there is no definitive answer.
Almost same story for me, because the 65 was annouce only in platinum I've forgot about it and I was "dreaming" about the 68. Few month later I met with a french guy (guess who ) to see in flesh the 65 and the 68. At this time I had a slight preference for the 65 (and bought it) but few weeks after I was thinking about the 68...and bought it as well (I've been told it was the only way to go ).

I wear both of them almost equally, I would say it depends what I wear. If a suit and tie probably I'll wrist the 65. When more casual, then the 68. But this is not an exact rule...because of the mood, the color of the suit, because...

Thanks for your message, and I hope it will go very well with the next one. For sure I'll keep you updated!

Best,
Pascal

That is the only way to go!

Actually I would love to have all three…

Plus the two original!

I know – crazy! But if I could, I would…

At least I am honest

 

In many years from now, it will be interesting to see the patina on the -68.

On the -65 as well, but specially on the -68:s index.

 

Best

 

Blomman

... a Master Hometime. actually i did not have much idea of which model i like to get at the time of buying.

i remember just before i bought my HT, my friend showed me his JLC Reverso Squadra Hometime which caught my attention. i tried his watch, but it seems too big for me. i asked him to go along with me to the AD. because of seeing my friend JLC with second time zone function, i thought if i can get a JLC with the same time zone function that may be quite nice as well. then i found one JLC Master HT displaying at the shop, after fitting it on my wrist, felt that it did fit me quite fit and confirmed it is the one i fell in love

honestly, another main reason to consider this HT was due to my limited budget. but in any case, i love this HT very much, especially it can go along with me when traveling overseas, besides, the caseback is transparent which can allow me to appreciate more the movement in closer details, i also especially like the gold rotor which runs extremely efficient because of its ceramic bearing inside. if you have a Master HT, you will definitely know what i am saying about,

stefan

I know exactly how you feel about the HT and I do it too!

What a wonderful start!

 

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

for a very nice post,I really enjoyed reading it very much, with some very good points. Your Reverso is lovely, an absolute classic you cant go wrong with.

Best

Christian

For your kind words!

 

May I ask which JLC was your first?

 

Best

 

Blomman

my first...was our beloved MC Memovox in 2005

best

Christian

That’s a great start!

 

The MCM was my first memovox, the one that led me into to black memo madness!

 

Hope to read your 5 year review soon

 

Best

 

Blomman

is also my only one up to now. But I am quite sure that this will change as time goes by.

You got it well, Blomman; it is not easy to enter the JLC universe because it is hard to figure out where to begin.
I had strayed around the Hometime (old model) for quite awhile but never took the plunge. I was just not sure which one sould be my JLC. Master Control, Master Hometime, Reverso Automatique (also a "Hometime"). Unfortunately it is hard for me to follow the "get them all" advice.

Then I hang out in this JLC place here and someday I got hooked on the vintage Memovoxes. Mainly it were Nicolas and clavi how gave me the fix with their brilliant samples. And then, while in Paris I stumbled into a vintage watch store with Nicolas and another newly acquired Purist friend and I was very sure I would not buy anything because I had other plans with my funds. And then - suddenly - it was on the table. And two hours later (it was a long afternoon/evening in that store) I was sure I would not leave without it. Now here it is:



One of the nicest things is how the dial can change its color from hard silver to a warm bronze tone depending on the lighting.



Some may object that it is very likely to be a redial, but I wanted the watch for wearing (like my other watches) and so it is absolutely ok for me and I got a reasonable discount in account of the fact.

I love this one and I am wondering if new 2010 Memovox should be my next one. I have to see it in the steel!

Best,
Martin

Unforgettable!

As for the new Memo, I think you will love it!

Just try it, you'll see.

Best,

Nicolas

almost being kicked out of the store....

(partly/mainly my fault... lol)

excellent choice my friend....

Happy Easter....

cheers

the result.....

this photo for the moment... anther shall follow.... cheers ps. my banker did not enjoy it either lol

You got it, finally?



Nr 7 says welcome!

Best,

Nicolas

says thank you....

and will present soon.....



cheers

Huge congrats, PP!

 

Wear her in good health!

 

Best

 

Blomman

it is indeed a great one.....

I will review it soon....

cheers