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Reverso (Or Perhaps Other JLCs) On a 6.1 Inch Wrist?

13K views 31 replies 15 participants last post by  Spooderman  
#1 ·
Hey,

I've had my eyes on the Reverso for a while and have fallen in love with the model, especially the Small Seconds one. Unfortunately, my wrists are tiny at 15.5cm/6.1". Sometimes, tiny wrists still work with larger watches if the wrist is flat, mine are rounded, which makes it even a bigger issue. The Small Seconds model comes in a medium and large size. The large one is out of the question. I've attached some photos of me wearing the medium size. What do you guys think? The saleswoman said that it looked okay, but could've been slightly smaller. The strap was a bit long, which isn't really an issue as I'll go with custom straps in the future. What do you guys think? Does it look too large? Do the lugs protrude too much? They had another smaller model, which lacked a seconds hand. Not really interested in that one as I'm not that fond of watches without a seconds hand.

Otherwise, if the Reverso is a total no go. What should I look at from JLC? Seems like all their watches are on the larger side. I've read that an older Reserve De Marche might work, but I'm not sure what to look after as I'm pretty new to JLC and don't know anything about their discontinued models.

Appreciate your help. Thanks! :)

 
#2 ·
The third photo shows that the lugs do indeed protrude beyond your wrist……it is a bit too big for me, but quite honestly if you don’t mind it, who cares what anyone else thinks?

If you want to look at something different, I’d look at vintage JLC or, if you’re looking at a square/rectangle, Oris recently came out with a model in 3 colors and dimensions of 38 x 25.5, which should work great on your wrist. I’m not aware of any other JLC models that would work, unless you find a ladies model that is more unisex.
 
#5 ·
Not really interested in Oris. In regards to vintage JLCs, I don’t think there are smaller Reversos in a smaller size with a seconds hand? Otherwise, I’ve been looking around for different vintage models and found some 37mm watches from the Master line. What do you think about those?

In my opinion it looks great on you. Doesn't look large at all. Phone cameras make watches look larger than they really are. The fourth photo is probably most representative of what it would actually look like in real life.
I’m mostly thinking about the lugs going too far out. My wrists look flatter when looking at the mirror shot, as the sides of my wrist “blend in” with the top, sort of.
Absofreakinlutely! Get a small or medium..
There is no Small Seconds model in small. The one I tried on is the medium one, which is the smallest.
 
#10 ·
I'm looking at the Master Control 37mm on Chrono24. Seems like their isn't that large. Also, I heard that the Master collection has issues with rotor noises. Is that true for the older Master Controls too?
That’s probably what I’d be looking at if I were in your place. The Master line has a good track record and should last you a lifetime as long as you find one in good shape and you keep up with maintenance. You should be able to get one in good shape without breaking the bank.
Yep, I'm taking a look at that line, as stated above. Never bought a watch second hand though, such a shame that they don't make new ones in 37mm. Do you know anything about the noise issue above?

Are there any other small (rounded) wristed guys here who wear Reversos?
 
#11 ·
From the top the Medium Reverso looks fine, but from the side the lugs do stick out. I don't think it's a significant issue.

If you can't get comfortable with the Reverso Medium, perhaps try a Cartier Tank Americaine Medium. It doesn't have the same history as the Reverso but the Tanks have their own story to tell. I went for the Tank Americaine (Large on my 7" wrist) as I couldn't find the Reverso that I loved. I wore that Cartier daily for several years and never got tired of having it on my wrist. It has some lovely details, including the curved case, a lovely dial and a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. I only sold it because I went through a smart watch phase

Images from Hodinkee:

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Image
 
#16 ·
From the top the Medium Reverso looks fine, but from the side the lugs do stick out. I don't think it's a significant issue.

If you can't get comfortable with the Reverso Medium, perhaps try a Cartier Tank Americaine Medium. It doesn't have the same history as the Reverso but the Tanks have their own story to tell. I went for the Tank Americaine (Large on my 7" wrist) as I couldn't find the Reverso that I loved. I wore that Cartier daily for several years and never got tired of having it on my wrist. It has some lovely details, including the curved case, a lovely dial and a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. I only sold it because I went through a smart watch phase

Images from Hodinkee:
I've actually thought about a Tank too, but I doesn't really do anything when I look at it. The only square watch that actually sings to me is the Reverso.
I have a MUT Moon (granted, it's from 2014) but don't hear any rotor noise. For vintage I'd prefer to see it in person if at all possible, which would also allow you to check out if there is any noise. If there aren't any vintage dealers near you, buy from a reputable source with a generous return policy - this way you can be sure you're happy with the purchase.
Some of the ADs here sell preowned watches. I've looked at their websites and none sells a 37mm JLC Master, unfortunately.

Another thing: I tested a Duoface (Medium, same size as the Monoface) too. As you can see, it seems like it fits me much better. Why is that? Is it the thicker (Fagliano) strap, or are the lugs more curved?

 
#12 ·
It looks fine to me from the photos. I also have a small wrist, and tried on the medium sized Reverso Classic at their boutique before. I think it fits well. Another choice would be their Geophysic 1958 at 38.5mm.

The problem I find with their modern Master line is that they are too big (40mm) for me as dressy watches. But as a sporty watch such as the Geophysic, and at 38.5mm, it would work just fine I think.
 
#18 ·
6" wrist here, and I wear the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds (45.6 X 27.4mm). The watch wears like a 38mm round watch (in my opinion). I personally wouldn't go any larger, but am willing to go smaller. 45.6mm "lug to lug" essentially, and it curves downwards so it hugs the wrist. No overhang and doesn't wear like a plank.

Sorry, no wrist shot, the lighting in my apartment is horrible and won't do the watch any justice :p
 
#19 ·
The small case Reverso will fit you IMO.

Failing that the Cartier Tank automatic comes in small case sizes and also look great.
 
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#20 · (Edited)
The smaller Reverso does fit, but I think there's still a risk of lug overhang with other straps. Also, the dial doesn't look as good as the guilloche dial on the Small Seconds model. I do have pictures of it too. I can post them soon.

I've actually thought about giving the Tank another chance. I can drop by a store and try it on. Although, as far I know, there's only one automatic model, which is the Tank Must XL? That one's too large. Which smaller models are you thinking of which have an automatic movement?
 
#24 ·
I owned a reverso tribute and have 16cm rounded wrist. Such a lovely watch that fit so poorly. The flat bottom made it slide one way or the other. That made the lugs stick out more from the side than if perfectly centered which is not possible without a tightly cinched strap.
I came across Fears and their 1930 Archival. At 22 x 40 it fits my small wrist, has a curved back and never overhangs. You may find them interesting.
 
#25 ·
I still can't let the Reverso leave my head. I've thought again about going with a smaller model that lacks the sub seconds dial and I might be okay with it. I tried the Classique Medium (40.1 X 24.4mm), but the lugs still seem to overhang (see pics). I saw that there's an even smaller model (35.78 X 21mm), might that one work? Are there any men wearing that size, as it's classified as a watch for women on JLC's website?

Here a photos of the Classique Medium (40.1 X 24.4mm).


I also tried on a Cartier Tank Must Large, which fit fine. As it's a bit larger than the smallest Reverso, perhaps that one should fit too? I'll see if my AD has the smallest Reverso in stock for me to try it out.
 
#27 ·
Funny, I came to the site today to specifically see if any guys were wearing the small model. My wrists measure 6.75 inches but they look smaller somehow! I just can’t see the medium Reverso working on me, shame as I’ve grown to love it lately.

Maybe we could start a thread asking if any guys have the small Reverso, might catch someone’s eye. Cartier is a different style. I’m starting the like it, but it’s a more ostentatious style of luxury, even though some of them retail at half the price of the cheapest Reverso!

A Tank dressed down with an ostrich tan strap could be a very interesting proposition. There is something casual about the Reverso these days, perhaps as the styling is a bit dated/vintage.
 
#28 ·
I actually went with a Tank Must Large. No matter how much I tried the Reverso, it just wouldn’t sit right.

Tank Must can be dressed down rather easily (just like the Reverso). Wearing it on a dark brown cordovan strap right now. Would love to wear it on a discrete canvas strap during summer. Perhaps something like the summer straps released for the Reverso…