To digress, the PP looks to be heavily inspired by watches of the mid 1930s to early 1940s. Period catalogs from that time depict PP watches with similarly rustic straps. See a few examples here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-p...uide-to-choosing-a-strap.154166/#post-2101751

 

Gimmicky in the sense that the reversible case lost its purpose as soon as sapphire crystals became available. Just my personal opinion, and I still think they are nice looking watches.

I think the white gold case and black dial on the Patek makes this watch very casual looking, so it works very well on a goat suede strap with something like jeans and a sweater. The same way you can very easily dress up or dress down a Reverso. Plus it matches its retro 40's design.

 

Have you considered the Patek Philippe Gondolo 5109? Was debating a rectangular watch and the JLC Reverso had a slight edge to the newer Pateks. Especially the newer Gondolos/Ellipses with the art deco flair I didn't like. But then I found this Patek model and it had a more modern case, amazing dial, and thin to show off the Patek Philippe movement ingenuity. It's also a great size at 43mm x 30mm and wears much larger compared to similar Calatravas, but ultra thin to wear under the cuff.

 

Great looking Patek Philippe Gondolo ref. 5109. I have admired that watch for years. Wear it in good health.

 

Is thickness an important consideration for you?

 

One person's gimmick is another person's "heritage and DNA of the watch." If we say it's a gimmick because it's lost purpose since technology got better.... that guts most of the heritage that Swiss watches are all about.

Not to mention, it makes all mechanical watches... gimmicks.

 

Another vote for the Reverso and an alternate suggestion. Had you thought about the JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon? Available with a silver or black dial and several case materials. It’s one hell of a nice dress watch.

 

It is kind of gimmicky, but there is a juvenile part of me that goes "Ooh there is a secret moving part!!!"

 

I’m not even going to dignify the g word used above with a response. However...

While sapphire crystals do render the Reverso USP less relevant, it now affords the opportunity for a second dial on the reverse which can offer GMT, or even chrono functionality so IMO it’s Duoface for the win! Two watches for the price of one. Now that's a gimmick! D'Oh!

But then as an owner I would say that.

 

And a lovely salmon version at that!

Just in case I ruffle someone's feathers, I own a Reverso myself too.

 

IMHO two completely different horological statements-

Patek's, especially square and rectangular cased pieces, always seem to me to carry a heavy "period" inference while Reverso's, for the most part, appear to transcend any consideration of "release" timeframes.

From a mechanical POV, I don't think you'll find Reverso (Lecoultre) movments standing close to the meticulous hand finishing characteristics of a Patek (especially when considering the absence of stamped parts and the abundance of beautifully broken and hand polished edges). .

 

Ellipse, the discreet charm of elegance

 

Beautiful movment-note adjusted 8 ways-you won't find that very offen!

 

What would Bruce Wayne AKA Batman wear?

I am liking JLC more and more and I think the reverso is as classy as it gets. On the wishlist.