Last night I made an irREVERSOable change to my watch collection

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It was back in 2019 when posts from @Duracuir1 brought me to realize that watch straps don’t just come from stores, people actually make them. That sent me down a rabbit hole of discovery into a very enjoyable hobby of leathersmithing. Some of my earliest efforts were in designing and making pocket watch lanyards, and I am grateful for them being much ballyhooed on the forum by @Canuck , @Mad Dog and others. I started selling the lanyards online and tucking my pennies away. This was my first real “side-hustle”, that allowed me to save – away from my paycheque – for that “next” watch. One day I realized I had over $2k in my account, and I thought “huh, maybe a grail watch is within reach!”.

I kept working the side hustle and growing my treasure chest, and fast forward to last night when I picked up an absolute dream, a stainless steel JLC Medium Reverso. It was a local in-person purchase, which was sweet, as I avoided those nasty taxes and paypal fees and shipping and insurance and the dreads you can get awaiting delivery. The seller was nice and made for a fun experience. The watch was purchased new last spring at the local boutique, and came with box, papers, receipt, 4 straps, the remainder of an 8 yr warranty. I was especially happy to get this now amongst rumors that the medium size will be discontinued this year, and that JLC will be anointing the Reverso line with an apx 30%+ price increase in February (a recent Fratello podcast). It has a few scuffs, but nothing that can't be addressed in the next service. And, now I don't have to worry about that first scuff. Brilliant.

My wife insisted that we go out for drinks after to celebrate. What a gem she is!



Though I’ve tried the Reverso on in the boutique a few times, but the sparkle in the dial is even more stunning out in the wild amongst various lighting conditions. Incredible. It is even more legible at a glance, which is surprising for a smaller watch. And on this strap, wow, I really think the Reverso is the “comfortable, confident and classic Italian leather, horsehair-stuffed, fancy club chair of the watch world, served with a side of bourbon”. JLC marketing team, you’re welcome to use that. I think I’ll make a black shell strap for it, that’d look amazing.

I remember buying my ’61 Seamaster a few years ago, my first and only other expensive watch. In some ways I felt equal parts elated and ridiculous for spending more money than a good Timex would cost. But this time around, I felt more like I deserved it. A celebration of success, a love for a hobby and it’s community, and acquiring a new sidekick for life’s adventures. Do you remember when you first crossed that threshold? It’s a bit of an awakening, the world get’s bigger.

https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/ca...noface-small-seconds-stainless-steel-q2438522

A big thank you to those that offered guidance & support, especially @Duracuir1 (AKA the devil on my shoulder 😀) @Archer and @johnireland
 
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Congratulations Dave! You deserve it. And yes folks, I (and some of you for sure) was an enabler. So much fun to spend other people’s money! Here is a shot of one of many text messages to Dave during his careful decision… and last night I was sending him suggestions for a thread title. And he used part of my first one! The watch is spectacular Dave! Well-done and hats off to your supportive wife.
 
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Well done. I posted a bit of a tutorial a year or two ago on use of a Cape Cod cloth on mine. Works well but you need an hour or two of quiet concentration and extreme restraint. Enjoy!
 
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Such a nice story, and a such nice watch too. It feels extra special that you were able to save for it by learning a new craft, and that your wife supported you in the venture 👍
Not to mention the little devil on both your shoulders; he did wall too.
 
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Congratulations - this is pretty high on my want-list, too, and exactly in this configuration. Stunner!
 
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Yeah, baby, yeah! I love my Omegas, but when I want to wear my best watch, it's an easy choice. Congrats on your acquisition. It's a beauty. 😀
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Well done. I posted a bit of a tutorial a year or two ago on use of a Cape Cod cloth on mine. Works well but you need an hour or two of quiet concentration and extreme restraint. Enjoy!

Thanks Larry, it would terrify me to try. Interesting how the seller's pictures (and hats off to him for the honesty and effort) showed the scuffs clearly, but in person under most lighting, I can hardly see it except for the bigger scuff at 11:00
 
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MtV MtV
Congratulations - this is pretty high on my want-list, too, and exactly in this configuration. Stunner!

I hope you find one! I found there were a lot of large size for sale at any moment, but the medium (AKA Grande Taille) are harder to find.
 
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Yeah, baby, yeah! I love my Omegas, but when I want to wear my best watch, it's an easy choice.
1335052-c40dd3b0f81efb6b187ca4060aee48e4.jpg

A moon phase is a beautiful complication. That is a great watch. I also find a power reserve to be a fun complication that is too rarely seen or executed well. Oddly, the Reverso is the world's most obvious candidate for a display back, yet they don't offer it that I'm aware of.
 
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The title of the thread is good, but @Duracuir1 'not flipping' quip suggestion is also brilliant!
Congratulations on a beautiful watch.
 
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Very nice story, and congratulations on reaching your goal!
Such a classy watch! It is also on my target list, just not right now 😀
But please don't stop the leather hobby 😉
 
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The watch is beautiful and one piece I have never tried on my wrist.

The pint of Guinness in the back ground has too small of a head, ask the barman to change it or at least give you a bread roll and spoon to eat it 😀
 
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The title of the thread is good, but @Duracuir1 'not flipping' quip suggestion is also brilliant!
Congratulations on a beautiful watch.

That was a particularly brilliant idea that he had.
 
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The watch is beautiful and one piece I have never tried on my wrist.

The pint of Guinness in the back ground has too small of a head, ask the barman to change it or at least give you a bread roll and spoon to eat it 😀

LOL, it was a local porter, and sadly not a great one. I'll go back tonight to demand the bread, I can't let barmen push me around like that. 😀
 
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😁

It comes in a really nice wooden box in a subdued gold tone. The front flap falls open when the lid is removed, really slick. It reminds me, in a good way, of Apple packaging in the way it all fits together so nicely. It feels very special. The receipt folder doesn’t fit in the box, quirky to fail on that easy win.



I’ve been looking at this all day, and I’m very glad that my colleagues aren’t watch nerds haunting OF all day 😁

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Well done Dave.
I can't wait to see the strap you come up with for this beauty.
Always had a yearning for JLC, maybe I could sell one of my Rolexes and start hunting 😁.