Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Jaeger-LeCoultres original 1931 reversible case served to protect the fragile glass on the dial side by flipping the case on the wrist. With the steel case-back facing up, the glass beneath was less prone to damage. The necessity for this design was born out of British polo players wanting to track time without damaging the crystal during polo matches in post-war India. Its a well-known legend, but these days sapphire crystal has become strong enough to withstand whatever life throws at it. The scratch resistance of sapphire is so much that many of JLCs Reverso collection have sapphire displays on both sides yet retain the iconic reversing case.New for 2021 is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tr [...]

?The JLC Reverso is one of the most admirable watches around. It's one of the few concepts in horological history that constitutes its own category that few dare to copy. ?You could mimic a Reverso, but you run the risk of looking ridiculous (of course, as a vintage collector, I have seen some similar concepts but none quite like the slide-out-and-back-on-itself that makes the Reverso so robust and, thus, respected). Even if you made a solid fist of it, it is unlikely anyone would pay attention. And that's probably why nobody even tries. The random and quite unexpected vintage branded Tellus (still shrouded in mystery) soon to feature in our ? TBT column is as close as you can get to a Rever [...]

Welcome one and all to a very personal journey. Today, Ill be discussing my experiences of sourcing a new and entirely appropriate strap for one of my all-time favorite dress watches the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee. There is often a lot of discussion surrounding the nature of dress watches. And yes, it is true that the nature of formal attire is changing. But here is an example than can be defined no other way. The Master Ultra Thin Jubilee is a manually-wound, super-slim, two-handed slice of heaven. And while that pared-back simplicity might make it sound like a strap monster on paper, nothing could be further from the truthPairing new straps with old watch heads is fun. It i [...]

It's no secret we love a chronograph or two here at Fratello. There's the obvious Moonwatch, but Navitimers and Daytonas get some attention too. But there are plenty of cool chronographs outside of the trifecta of iconic two pusher timers. Today's Pre-Owned Picks selects chronographs worth a punt on the largest online watch marketplace. All watches are offered with original box and papers.All these watches were selected carefully by me without any influence from Chrono24. I chose the topic and found suitable wristwatches that related to the topic. I only request the high-resolution photos from Chrono24 without the watermark. As these are only my suggestions, it is worth always carrying out y [...]

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame where you can choose whether youd like a serious watch or not. Well find out with todays Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Perpetual Calendar. But firstLast week I gave you the Seiko 6159-7001 Professional diver for consideration. Even though it carried a stiff price tag, the watch swam away with a 67% Wrist Game win. I was happy to see Seiko get some love in this Swiss-dominated arena. Today, well do a serious 180 with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Perpetual Calendar.Growing upI know that the world has become more casual and as a native South Floridian, I could live in shorts and flip-flops for the rest of my days. I dont think it would make me [...]

I came up with the idea for this article almost two years ago. Anytime I spotted something unusual that belongs to this category, I saved it. Last week I?finally shortlisted the TOP 10 craziest seconds hands Ive seen (so far). Let us know which models you would add to this list in the comments section below.Its probably no surprise to learn that a few odd-ball brands have made it onto this list. Strangely, however, you more established (and often more conservative brands) such as Longines Citizen also make an appearance. Alongside some classic central seconds hands, Ive added a couple of curveballs for your pleasure. Enjoy!Sicura SatelliteIt's humongous, my wife says looking over my shoulder [...]

When you think of a mechanical watch with an alarm, it is very likely you are thinking about the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox.The Memovox has been around for 70 years now, and Jaeger-LeCoultre used this complication in many movements and watches. One of my favorites was the Master Compressor Memovox. Quite a bold watch for its time, but I like it. It is discontinued for quite some years now, so no need to ponder about it for too long. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing their new Polaris Mariner Memovox.Polaris Mariner MemovoxI hate to say it, but its been a long time since?Jaeger-LeCoultre brought out a proper sporty watch. Not since the Master Compressor have I seen anything in that vein th [...]

Traveling out of the central GWD hub to visit Jaeger-LeCoultre might sound like a slog when you consider how packed our schedule was, but trust me, this is a brand that rarely leaves me wanting. While Im often a bit on the fence when it comes to press shots of JLCs master collection, they truly come to life in the metal. Jaeger-LeCoultre has a magic touch. When it comes to imbuing the simplest almost plain designs with just enough je ne sais quoi to transform them into wearable classics, there are few brands able to compete.When I saw the new Master collection released online earlier this year, I wasnt just unbothered. I was actively bored by it. Flat, lifeless white dials in pedestrian, uni [...]

Welcome back to This Week In Watches for August 8, 2020 the Retro Edition. Ive been on vacation for a couple weeks, but Im back and ready to share the news.Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Sedna Gold BlueThe new Blancpain Fifty Fathomas Bathyscaphe Sedna Gold Blue is a watch that blends a retro case design with modern touches. Its hard to dislike this clean looking model, but I just cant pull of the 43mm case. If you can, though, this Sedna Gold piece adds a new blue dial and comes on either a nylon or sail-canvas 23mm strap. The brands caliber 1315 automatic works away inside the 300 meter diver. The price of entry for feeling blue is 22,660. More information can be found on the Blancpai [...]

This is now my fifth article in the Pre-owned Picks column, and I thoroughly enjoy scouring Chrono24 for inspiration. This week I am looking back in the not too distant past at three modern timepieces from Jaeger-LeCoultre.Readers may notice I often side-step the likes of the Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi or the Rolex Daytona Cerachrom. That is not to say these are not worth the time to seek out. Quite the opposite, these watches are in such demand that secondary market price is typically double the asking price brand new.Rare beastsInstead, I select the rare and perhaps unloved darlings in the deep, dark corners of watch collecting. Watches such as the Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3, or IWC Aqua [...]

Although its one of the more straightforward horological complications, the alarm function is still rare among modern timepieces. Then again, most watch complications are obsolete these days. We can use our phones instead of a chronograph, a moon-phase, triple date, and, of course, timekeeper. But watchmaking is not always about practicality. Sometimes its about style and tradition. And what could be more stylish than a mechanical alarm? Specifically, a Master Control Memovox by Jaeger-LeCoultreThe Vall e de Joux, where JLC resides, represents the unspoiled and peaceful nature, Switzerland is famous for. It was here, where during the long winter months, watchmakers of the valley developed an [...]

The manufacture from Le Sentier had big plans to properly launch the new and updated Master Control series in Geneva this year but unfortunately had to change track to make it a digital introduction only.Too bad, I have to add, because I would love to go hands-on with the new Master Control watches. The entire line receives an update, from the Master Control Date to the Master Control Chronograph Calendar. My favorite JLC complication for many years, the Geographic, also is part of the new line-up.The Master Control collection is a classic looking watch, without being too classic. The danger with very monochrome looking classic watches is that they tend to look or becoming boring. Nobody wan [...]

Have you noticed how many brands have jumped on board with the matching-strap-dial trend? Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a striking design that falls in line with this years hottest look. Deep red juxtaposed with a stainless steel case gives JLCs most famous model a shot in the arm. This Reverso One has bags of character and demands your attention.If you're into bold colors, your prayers have been answered. The next time youre checking your watch collection for something striking, remember?Jaeger-LeCoultre's take on red. The rectangular design features a 30-m water-resistant case that is 40mm length, 20mm width, and 7.9 mm thick. Made of stainless steel, it features 27 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.3 [...]

Only three watches, but a lot of style, individualism, and charisma. Today more about the sharp-edged rotating UG Cabriolet watch, the timeless Futurematic with a surprisingly high price tag, and the first European electric watch LIP R 27. Let's go!Want to know why we didn't feature a vintage watch (wish)list for October? Because I continuously fail at one of the rules of sane collecting C one in, one out. I believe this rule is a good principle, and honestly, I plan on sticking to it. My only problem is that I am not sure at what stage I will start to apply this rule. So if you've read the TBT articles over the last two months, you know I haven't stopped growing my vintage watch collectio [...]

We understand that a review of a visit isn't half as good as visiting the manufacture yourself. Just like a review of a watch is never as good as owning the watch and reviewing it yourself. But both might help you to get some insights which might trigger you to go and get your own experience. [...]

Inspired by the iconic Memovox Polaris, a watch that was initially produced between 1965 and 1968 and aimed at the USA market, Jaeger-LeCoultre now introduces the Polaris Date.This watch is being launched exclusively for the US market until October 1st. Jaeger-LeCoultre speaks about a pre-launch, but I am not convinced you can talk about pre-launch when youre launching a new watch. Anyway, the watch will be available for the US market only at first, and then the rest of the world will follow. In total, there will be 800 pieces of this Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date.Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris DateAs you can see, Jaeger-LeCoultre used beautiful tones of blue for the dial. The dial consists of mul [...]

When I picked up the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds with the red dial at the SIHH last January, I was convinced it is some limited or special edition.At first, I thought I wouldnt even ask whether this is the case, but as soon as I put it on my wrist, I wanted to make sure. It is not a limited edition, but its for our regular collection.. Wow. It was my first appointment at the SIHH, and I already was smitten by the first thing I saw. That sounded promising. Unfortunately, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is about the only watch that stuck with me from the SIHH. Although weve seen lots of great new watches, the red dial Reverso was the piece I love best.Red [...]

This year its 350 years ago that famous Dutch painter Rembrandt passed away. He is known as one of the greatest artists in history and Hollands most renowned master. During the?year of Rembrandt?the artisans at Jaeger-LeCoultre re-created the The Night Watch. Transferring the main characters of this iconic masterpiece on the dial. Together with boutique partner GASSAN they present the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso in tribute to Rembrandt.Rembrandt van RijnBorn in 1606, Rembrandt grew up becoming an innovative master and is considered as one of the greatest artists. During his career he created many biblical and mythological scenes. Many of them in dark, high contrast and large sizes. Thats also t [...]

With the Polaris collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre found a possible solution to attract a younger audience. In the past, the Master Compressor collection was introduced to do that, without much success.The new Polaris collection is inspired by their 1968 Memovox Polaris, as we explained in this article. We already reviewed the limited edition Polaris Memovox? (1000 pieces only), and now it is time to get hands-on with the regular collection Polaris Chronograph watch. There are a number of variations, but we asked for the one we liked best, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph on a brown calf leather strap.Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris ChronographI was looking forward to giving this Polaris Chronog [...]

Jaeger-LeCoultre is not only a high-end watch manufacturer but a very important one in the industry. The company, that came to existence in 1833, has been at the forefront of innovation. The company's founder Antoine LeCoultre's very first invention was an instrument that was able to measure the micron. It was called the millionometer. That set JLC on a path that brought them 1,200 calibers over time. Jaeger-LeCoultre has over 400 registered patents. Their manufacture, still to this day, masters old techniques in the decoration of their timepieces. Guillochage or grand feu enamelling just to name a few. JLC is also an expert in over 180 different watchmaking (and watch related skills) in the [...]