SIHH 2010: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Chronograph GMT Palermo Open

For this year, the elite Swiss watch maker has presented a new special edition version of its unique Reverso series that combines an in-house column-wheel chronograph movement, a useful second time zone display and almost three days of guaranteed power reserve.

Developed together with Adolfo Cambiaso, a professional polo player occupying the third position in the official WPT ranking, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Chronograph GMT Palermo Open is the first model in the series that features surfaces coated with black rubber.

Just like other models in the series, the new JLC Reverso Squadra Palermo Open is powered by the well-known JLC Calibre 754 in-house automatic movement.

Featuring a twin-barrel energy storage system, the movement has a power reserve of impressive 65 hours (compare that to usual 42 hours of the omni-present ETA movements) and features a column-wheel chronograph complication and a second time-zone function (for some reasons usually referred to as GMT) displayed on the square-shaped sub-dial, which is conveniently placed at 6 o’clock.

Although the Reverso line usually comes with solid case backs, this particular version is equipped with a sapphire crystal that provides a superb view at its movement. It is nice to notice that the movement features the same “technocratic” approach to decor: restrained and up to the point, it is efficient and minimalistic, like a sports car.

To further underline the watch’s sporty ambitions JLC has equipped it with an “ultra-rugged” strap made of some synthetic fabric. Hopefully, the strap is not only rugged but is also sweat-proof.

The rest is simple. The watch features familiar dial layout with a tri-compax chronograph and a big date window at 12 o’clock.

Jaeger-LeCoultre plans to issue the watch in two versions. The most expensive model in a rubber-coated pink-gold case will be limited at only 500 pieces. The more democratic stainless steel model will go on sale unlimited.

Photos: Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Chronograph GMT Palermo Open automatic watch specification

Price range: $12,000
Movement: JLC Calibre 754, automatic, 296 parts, 28,800 vph, in-house
Complications: Date, chronograph, GMT
Power reserve: 65 hours
Case material: Rose gold or Stainless steel
Bezel material: Rose gold or Stainless steel partly coated with black rubber
Case shape: Square
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire crystal caseback
Case size: 50.5 x 34.9 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Rose gold or Stainless steel
Strap: Fabric
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective coating
Water resistance: 50 meters