I emailed JLC uk and after a week of radio silence used the web to find out that my local Watches of Switzerland branch was authorised. The service I received there wasn’t fantastic but I was able to order (and made to pay up front) but haven't collected as yet.

Then I got mail from uk corporate JLC apologising for the delay and offering to sell me the strap direct. I pointed out that I was sorted so all is well.

 

Though it is not a watch pic or link, I thought I would share this amazing Reverso book by Nicholas Foulkes. A bit pricey at $195, but a price I am willing to pay for such a beautiful book filled with extremely high-res photos and Reverso history

https://www.assouline.com/products/jaeger-lecoultre-reverso

 

Wow ... 4 pages ... great to see the Reverso getting some love.

 

If I am correctly sensing the sarcasm in your reply, I am inclined to agree with the surprise in the Reverso's lack of popularity. I recently showed a friend, who is beginning to take an interest in watches, a few Reverso references and his response was "looks like an old man watch". As someone who loves the Reverso and its heritage it was interesting to hear his perspective That thought has never crossed my mind. Albeit, we're both 22, so his taste in time pieces may change as he learns more about the Reverso heritage; who knows. I find that it is an acquired taste and those who find its design elegant and beautiful do so with conviction rather than ambivalence. It's like the Cybertruck or a cult movie.

 

if they dropped the tribute to 1931 more often, i bet theyd get more love

 

It is indeed a polarizing design. You either love it or it simply does not resonate. That said my Grand Duo is one of the few in my collection that has gotten noticed and complimented on a number of occasions. It makes me very happy, and once on my wrist, tends to stay there.

 

agreed, I have a duo but the model i want most is the ultra thin plain reverso tribute, shame they arent easy to buy. seems like they get snatched up and held on to. My reverso doesnt come out too often, as dress watches arent the norm for my day to day.

 

It is a classic, but the Grand can work with jeans and a T Shirt.

 

Agree, my one is worn on most occasions.
The only thing i fear is going to play in the sandbox with kids with reverso on. Dont want sand getting in the railing system, as i believe it wont be easy to get it out of there.

 

Good to know
i got a reply from Richmond that i can only order an ostrich or aligator strap for my model. The other ones would have to be custom made.

 

Been wearing mine since Thursday.

 

I am beginning to feel like there is a select club within a club in this thread. Only Connoisseurs need apply.

JLC, the thinking man's Cartier.

 

Thinking man’s PP.

 

I was thinking more in terms of the family of brands in which is sits but I see your point alright.

 

Pricing on books about watches is always on the higher end, I guess they know collectors can afford it!

 

For me, my two JLC watches were the direct result of gagging at the price of PP and the attitude of its sales people.

 

Cartier has some nice pieces but they make a lot of crap too.

 

My interest was because for about 30 years I have had a fascination with that mad crazy flippy round thing. I had a 1950/60s/70s (not sure) original in hand once and it was just too damn small which dampened my ardour but once I saw my slightly larger duo I was smitten. I totally get why people would overlook these. Your average fair weather watch fan, buying a Rolex because he think it is a totem that says he has made it will wonder why a small rectangular Art Deco throwback is relevant. Like I say, lets save it for us that know!

ps I have handled a lot of Cartier watches, some are great some are not. My wife has a couple...

 

Just a little update on my Reverso strap mission
Was at the local AD who sells JLC/ALange/Omega and other brands and noticed a few nice looking Nomos watches on good looking straps.
The watchmaker showed me all their Nomos straps they had in store. And must say those felt incredible! Cost is 80,-€ incl buckle, for a Handmade in Germany quality product.
I felt like a kid discovering some special secret. Bought two straps straight away and ordered two more in other colour/sizes which they didnt have in store.
I am not saying that 80,-€ is cheap or anything, but for a Handmade in Germany product it felt very fair!
Now that i saw Nlmos straps i strongly consider looking at their watches as well it feels like they have a lot to offer.