NEWS: Jaeger-LeCoultre releases Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1948

Felix Scholz

Continuing with the runaway success that was the pared back Reverso Tribute to 1931 Jaeger-LeCoultre have just announced the next generation of their heritage inspired Reverso collection, the Grand Reverso Ultra Thin 1948. This watch takes for its inspiration a watch from the JLC archives, dating from (surprise surprise) 1948.

But before you get too excited we have a bit of bad news for you. This watch will not be available in Australia. This particular Reverso, while not a limited edition is only available in JLC Boutiques. And yep, you guessed it – Australia does not yet have a Jeager-LeCoultre boutique. So if you want one, your best bet is to get on a plane. Enough of the bad news, the good news is that this particular Reverso is well worth travelling for. It’s a Grande Reverso, which means it’s a larger case size than the classic model (46.8 high, by 27.4 wide), and it’s Ultra Thin at 7.2mm thick. But the case dimensions aren’t what make this watch a stunner – that honour goes to the dial. The dial of the Ultra Thin 1948 is bright and bold but still (like the Tribute to 1931) classic. This nod to tradition starts with the silvered dial, that we suspect will shimmer nicely in the light. JLC take this traditional base and brighten it up with applied indices and railroad chapter ring in stunning blue. The hands are the same vivid shade of electric blue. And of course the manually wound movement is made in house. Bravo to JLC for continuing to explore the rich history of the iconic Reverso, this Ultra Thin 1948 is a worthy second act to the gorgeous 1931 tribute. Now, can we get a JLC boutique in Australia already?