JLC Gran Sport Reverso Chronograph Retrograde 2002
£7,000
100% Genuine & All Original
Fully Inspected, Serviced & Guaranteed
A Simply Incredible & Completely Original Example
Simply Incredible JLC Reverso with Chronograph Function
Large Size 28mm x 32mm Steel Case, Excluding the Correct Crown
Completely Original, Unrestored and Untouched Black Dial with Date Window Dial
Very High Grade, Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.859, 38 Jewel Automatic Movement
Complete with Original JLC Stainless Steel Bracelet and JLC Clasp
Complete with Original JLC Box and JLC Reverso Booklets
All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition
VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*
VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee
Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery
Free UK Special Delivery
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Jaeger-LeCoultre
It’s not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for all its own watches, has also produced movements for many other famous watch houses, such as Vacheron & Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and IWC. Indeed for most of the 20th Century, Jaeger-LeCoultre even supplied bare movements to the great firm of Patek Philippe. Then as now, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always been considered one of the very finest watchmakers in Switzerland and so of course, the world.
Since the founding of Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1833, the company has had a very inventive history, developing over 1,249 mechanical calibres, registering over 400 patents and playing a tremendous role in the development of the industry as a whole. Whether it is the winding crown, i.e. keyless watch, Calibre 101, or the iconic Reverso, it would be difficult to imagine a historical account of watchmaking without the mention of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The company has always been a true ‘Manufacturer’ of the finest quality watch movements. This is unusual because, more often than not, high-end brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron & Constantin would often buy in movements for particular needs. For example, in 1967 when Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron & Constantin needed an ultra-thin automatic movement, it was to Jaeger-LeCoultre they turned to produce one for them. Furthermore, the exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 920 is still in production and in use today by both Vacheron & Constantin and Audemars Piguet.
Description
Throughout the 1990s, Jaeger-LeCoultre, along with all other mechanical watch manufacturers, struggled to recover from the quartz crisis. But not many realise it was the Reverso more than any other model which saved JLC. The design, first produced in 1931 remained dormant after 1948 when it fell out of fashion. However in 1972 the company stumbled on 200 cases stored away in a draw and in answer to a request from its Italian distributor, JLC decided to create a movement holder to fit a JLC caliber 840 small oval-shaped movement, into the old Reverso cases. These all sold out within three months in Italy, leading to further orders and the relaunch of the model in 1975. The real Reverso boom then followed in the 1980s with the introduction of the larger “Grande Taille” Reverso case. In the 1990s still fighting to reclaim some of its market, JLC developed its Gran Sport duo face complications range as a flagship line, not only to give a new life to the Reverso but also to distance itself as much as possible from electronic watches, by showcasing high-quality watchmaking at its finest. So, in 1996 JLC launched its first Reverso Chronograph, the Cal.829 500-piece limited edition Gran Sport Reverso Chronograph, in 18ct gold.
The model you see here, the Gran Sport Reverso Chronograph Retrograde, followed soon after, and it’s a phenomenal timepiece. Jaeger-LeCoultre has always been the most creative watchmaker, but with this model, it outdid itself. The Cal.859, model ref 2958120 was painstakingly developed over 3 years through the late 1990s and released in steel in 2000. It remained in production until 2006.
In terms of case, movement, dial and bracelet design this is one of the most innovative watches ever produced, not just by Jaeger-LeCoultre, but by any watch manufacturer.
During this period, Jaeger-LeCoultre was still an independent watch company with limited means. So it only sold in limited numbers, mainly due to JLC’s limited marketing and distribution channels. However, this flagship model was undoubtedly a masterpiece. Presented here on the Gran Sport design stainless steel bracelet it was priced in the UK at around £15,000 in 2006, so it’s incredible value today.
Incidentally, if you’re ever fortunate enough to visit and tour the JLC manufacturing facility in Le Sentier you’ll have a wonderful experience. But while there please be sure to take note of the watch most worn by the watchmakers and general staff. You guessed it, it’s this one.
The Dial
The anthracite front dial carries white applied markers with a hobnail guilloché recessed inner dial. This preserves a remarkably clean and simple design for such a complicated watch. In fact, apart from its tell-tale side pushers and the chronograph script, there’s almost nothing to indicate this is a chronograph at all. This in itself makes the watch quite unique when you think about it. But then notice an indicator in the bottom right-hand corner of the dial. More on this later.
Turn the dial over and we’re looking at something really special, a retrograde 30-minute chronograph. These are really rare complications even today but on a Reverso developed during the 1990s this was a huge achievement for JLC.
Start the chronograph with the top pusher, and the larger hand counts seconds around the large circular dial. Now notice the lower crescent register minute hand counting up the minutes from 0 to 30. If left running, after 30 minutes, the minute hand will fly back to zero and the chronograph will keep on counting both seconds and minutes with no loss of accuracy. The chronograph function is stopped and reset in the usual way with two pushes of the lower pusher.
If the dial is swivelled back to the front face while the chronograph function is running, the indicator in the bottom right-hand corner of the dial will indicate this is running by pointing to Marche (French) for running, or Arret (French) for stop.
The Movement
This full-in-house, fully integrated column wheel Cal 859 38 jewel hand wound movement took JLC a painstaking three years to develop, comprising 317 parts, all housed in quite a small case.
This amazing watch carries a rectangular column wheel chronograph movement specially developed for this model. The word is that it was so expensive to design and produce, it was not continued or used for any other watch, and JLC lost money by producing this watch.
Not just a chronograph, but the movement includes the added complication of a retrograde 30-minute crescent register on the second face. Seconds are counted on the large circular dial above. A flag showing activation of the chronograph can be found on the front dial in the bottom right hand corner..
This 28,800 bph movement has a 44-hour power reserve and really is a tour-de-force. It is manually wound with a quickset date and hacking seconds.
The watch has been fully serviced Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number 859 and with the movement serial number 2020281, making the year of manufacture 2002.
The watch is running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +4 seconds per day which is outstanding. The watch has a runtime of 44 hours from its fully wound state which shows the movement is particularly strong and running and well within expected parameters. It is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty and we will be happy to assist with servicing again whenever you wish.
It may also be of interest that JLC introduced 1000 Hour Control testing to all its watches from 1992 onwards. This is a comprehensive testing protocol applied to every new watch before it leaves the factory, spanning over 1,000 hours, or approximately 41 days, this test assesses the watch’s performance across several dimensions. Accuracy: Watches are tested for precise timekeeping under various conditions. Temperature Resilience: They’re exposed to different temperatures to ensure reliable operation. Atmospheric Pressure: The watches undergo tests to simulate pressure changes, akin to real-life scenarios. Water Resistance: Each piece is tested for its ability to resist water ingress to specified depths. Power Reserve: Watches are monitored to ensure they meet their stated power reserve capabilities. Impact Resistance: They’re subjected to shocks and vibrations to mimic wear and tear. This rigorous examination ensures that every watch meets Jaeger-LeCoultre’s high standards of quality, durability, and accuracy before reaching the wearer.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
Almost unbelievably a 90+ years old design, the Reverso case dates back to 1931 and has since become a 20th-century classic. The ingenious swivel case made the Reverso the world’s first sports watch as was created for Polo players in India, and others who wanted to wear their watches while playing sports. It was always a famously expensive case design to manufacture and remains so today.
Here the stainless steel sports design Reverso case measures 28mm in width, excluding the correct JLC signed crown. The case measures a mean 32mm in length, or 50mm to the furthest extent of the lugs. And measures 12mm in depth, including the lens.
The slightly barrel-shaped case and brick design bracelet give the watch quite a substantial look without being in any way inelegant. While it carries a lot of presence, nonetheless the watch wears comfortably and very compactly.
It’s always a surprise for the uninitiated when one swivels the case to reveal the second dial, providing a completely different look. The action is silky smooth and precise. In fact engineering excellence at its best!
Externally the case-back, carries the serial number 295859, and its date of production ref 2020281. And the further ref 580M. The marks of a limited production quality piece.
This watch was specified as water resistant to 50 metres when new. Please note – we recommend vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Bracelet
The original JLC very high-quality brushed steel Gran Sports design ‘brick’ bracelet has a masculine look yet is very comfortable. It’s very cleverly designed with full removable links on sprung bars and a beautiful micro-adjustable by 8mm, double deployant clasp. This bracelet can therefore easily be adjusted to fit almost any size wrist.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 2002.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
The watch comes complete with a high-quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12-month warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply; these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
A masterpiece from one of the very best watch manufacturers in the world.
Should you wish to view things this way, this is also an excellent investment and heirloom piece. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever greater, limited supply and high demand from the Far East, means prices will climb ever higher!
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.