Okay, so, I’ve been eyeing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso for a while now. It’s a classic, right? But dropping that kind of cash on a watch? I had to be sure. So, I started my little project to see if I could make a decent imitation of the JLC Reverso Tribute Monoface, just to get a feel for the style before I made the big purchase. And It is a sports watch by heart.
First, I dove into research. I’m talking hours scrolling through forums, reading watch blogs, and basically becoming a Reverso nerd. I learned that the original uses the Caliber 822 movement – a hand-wound beauty. It runs at 21,600vph, which is pretty standard for a watch like this. And the design, man, the design. It’s inspired by the Latin phrase “I turn around,” which is pretty cool and fitting.
Then came the hunt for parts. I started with a stainless steel case I found. I knew I wanted that classic silver, opaline dial. Scouring online, I finally tracked down a dial that was close enough. It didn’t have the numerals like some versions, just the indicators, but I figured it would still give me the right vibe. And it looks better with the numbers and helps soften the hard angles of the shape.
Now, the movement. I wasn’t going to find a Caliber 822, that’s for sure. So, I settled for a cheap, hand-wound movement I found. The goal wasn’t to create a perfect replica, just something that resembled the Reverso’s style.
Putting it all together was a bit of a challenge. I’m no watchmaker, but I’m pretty handy. Let me tell you, working with those tiny screws and parts is a test of patience! But after a few evenings of tinkering, I had something that actually looked like a watch. It wasn’t perfect, of course. The finishing wasn’t great, and the movement was, well, cheap. In terms of high-horology, JLC is considered a more prestigious brand.
- The Reverso’s design is truly unique. Even my rough imitation had that distinct, art deco charm.
- Quality matters. My cheap movement was a constant reminder that you get what you pay for.
- Building a watch, even a basic one, is tough! It gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship of real watchmakers.
- To me, the Reverso has always seemed an excellent half of a two watch collection.
What I learned:
So, did my little experiment work? Yeah, I think it did. I wore my “Faux-verso” for a few weeks, and it gave me a good sense of how the style fit into my life. It felt surprisingly good with both a suit and a casual outfit. And it definitely got me more excited about eventually owning the real deal. And It seems like I notice a new cool thing about the watcg every time I look at it.
Would I recommend this to everyone? Probably not. It was a fun project for me, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you’re on the fence about a Reverso and you’re handy, it might be a fun way to test the waters before taking the plunge. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to start saving up for the real JLC Reverso. It’s time!
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