Jaeger-LeCoultre

Guys & Gals,

 

Controversial I know, but I wanted to change the look of my JLC Gran Sport Chrono (Calibre Ref: 859)

 

My preference is the rubber strap and not the steel bracelet, but attaching the strap revels two centre lugs and I do not like the look. I’m a traditionalist re: JLC Reverso and wanted a straight edge across the lugs.

 

Achieving this was a serious journey involving:

-          AD advising that OEM knocked back a request to make a custom rubber strap.

-          AD advice that alternative reverso housing (i.e. for another model) will not fit.

-          Rejection by custom strap maker (i.e. non-rubber) due to the complexity of the task required to cover the centre lugs.

-          Various other attempts over two months...

 

Two of the above steps were extensively detailed in an email accompanied by photographs and diagrams illustrating how the look could be achieved. I will post the email and pics as a custom strap challenge!

 

Over a drink, i told my wife about the problem and she laughed and said give it to me...

 

The next day she handed me the watch fixed!!

 

The solution was very simple, black (satin) nail polish carefully applied to give a straight edge (which only cost EUR 10.00!!).

 

I was astonished by the simple and effective fix (so was the AD who thought it was PVD and wanted to know where i had it done), truly amazing!!

 

Please note, the watch as it appears in the pics is after 3mths of wear and tear, including lots of ocean swimming, so it wears beautifully!!

 

Hope you like the simple optionto change the look for the JLC Gran Sport Chrono 859!!

 

Enjoy

a completely different look, and nicely done. I doubt though you would have had her fix it if you would have known what she intended to do with it
Enjoy it the way you like it. I guess btw that it won't be to hard to restore it to former look, nor to redo it if it wears of to quickly?
Regards Robert

Robert,

Correct, easy to return to original, which is very important.

In truth, i told my wife what i was trying to do and she recommended the solution - i took a week to consider her idea (not sure why!) - then gave her the watch to see the result and i was really surprised (unfortunately the pictures do not really do it justice)

Her logic re: Nail polish was as follows:

- it is reversible

- its water proof and very hard wearing (i.e. designed to withstand anything the hand and fingers encounter)

- if that part of the watch is not banged around it will last for a long time (correct as i hate knocking, scaring or damaging any of my watches)

- its cheap

In closing, while i enjoy reading articles on new models, debates and purchases, i mostly enjoy reading about solutions, fixes or rare finds.

Regards

TJRB

  

  

I think your wife is a genius for thinking of this. I never would have thought of nail polish if you hadn't told us.
The other good thing about this solution is that you can reverse it back without any damage to the watch.

Neither would i have thought about it - it took a week to relent (not sure why!!)

Congrats to your great retrograde watch, a very

 

The Reverso Gran Sport line is not often seen here!

 

A much underrated part of the Reverso history, IMO.

 

Here is my Duo welcoming you and your watch!

 

 

 

 

Please feel free to post some more photos of the chrono-side!

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

 

PS. Here is a link to a post I wrote about the Duo some time ago: Reverso Gran’ Sport Duo

This message has been edited by blomman on 2011-04-28 12:09:09

I've never come across this Reverso in the 'flesh'. From the photo's, is the case slightly curved rather than square ? or is it just camera angles??

It's got a very slight curve in the case, but the pics seem to accentuate it (i'm no good with the camera!) 

Blomman,

Great watch, i really love this range of Reverso and i thought long and hard about your model (actually prefer the face on yours etc.) 

I will add some more pics in the coming week, i wish i was a better with the camera...

See the comment above to robert re: the story and logic!

Regards

TJRB

 

But the complication of the retrograde chrono!

 

More pics – yes please!

 

Looking forward to see them.

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

Polaris, Retrograde Sport Chrono movement...

Your wife did a great job.

Like you, I'm not a big fan of the SS bracelet, and the links in the middle of the rubber strap is disturbing me.

Simple but brilliant solution.

As for the watch, I thought a long time about it, and I took another direction, but each time I see one, temptation is back, like an not totally ended love story.

Enjoy it!

Best,

Nicolas.

Enjoy the combo! Perfect for summer!!

...modification makes the change even more interesting and appreciable. Great advice on the part of your wife.

Ruckdee