← Back to Jaeger-LeCoultre

Grande Reverso

Introduced: Early 2000s (as an upsized evolution of the classic Reverso)

Purpose / Inspiration: The Grande Reverso took JLC’s iconic 1931 flip-case watch and scaled it for modern wrists. While the original was a slim, compact Art Deco piece for polo players, the Grande Reverso brought larger cases, more complications, and bolder wrist presence—without losing the Reverso’s rectangular elegance or signature flip mechanism. This was Reverso made for collectors who wanted tradition and substance.

Designer: Based on the original 1931 Reverso case, reworked in the early 2000s by JLC’s in-house design team to accommodate larger mechanical movements and dual-dial complications

Case size:

  • Common sizes:
    • Grande Reverso 976 / Ultra Thin 1931: ~46mm x 27.5mm
    • Grande Reverso Duo / Calendar: ~48mm x 30mm
  • Thickness ranges from ~7.3mm (Ultra Thin) to ~12mm (complication models)

Case options:

  • Stainless steel
  • 18k pink or white gold
  • Platinum (limited)
  • Signature Reverso slide-and-flip case system with snap-lock rails

Powered by:

  • Manual-wind calibers:
    • Caliber 976 (hours, minutes, small seconds)
    • Caliber 822 (classic 1931 Ultra Thin)
    • Caliber 854/853 (Duo with second time zone)
    • Caliber 983 (Tourbillon models)
  • Some Grande Reversos featured automatic or complication modules like power reserve, moonphase, and full calendar

Bezel: Bezel is part of the rectangular monobloc case—engraved, stepped, or polished depending on edition

Dial options:

  • Silvered, black lacquer, sunburst, or guilloché finishes
  • Arabic numerals or Art Deco indices
  • Subdials for seconds, GMT, or date
  • Reverse side may have secondary time zone, decorated back, or skeleton movement

Water resistance: 30m

Bracelet:

  • Alligator leather strap standard
  • Some boutique editions with suede or canvas straps
  • Pin buckle or deployant clasp engraved with JLC logo

Discontinued, though many pre-owned and boutique-only models still circulate—Ultra Thin and DuoFace versions remain highly sought after

Why it matters: The Grande Reverso was a modern expansion of one of the most legendary watches ever made. It proved the Reverso could scale up without losing grace—and could house real complications while staying true to its polo-field origins.

The Flip That Grew Up: Same Reverso magic—more wrist presence

Two Dials, One Watch: DuoFace models gave you day/night versatility

Manual-Wind with a Purpose: Pure horology, no frills

Art Deco Muscle: Looks vintage, wears modern

References for Grande Reverso