The Reverso watch from Jaeger Le Coultre was designed so that British colonial polo players could enjoy a game of polo safe in the knowledge that their watch was protected. The first watch was introduced in India in 1931.
The reversible case allowed the elegant timepiece to survive the rigours of a few chukkas, and a chap could engrave his initials, family crest, or motto on the dial-protecting shield. The Reverso has since become, along with Cartier’s tank, the standard by which rectangular watches are measured.
To celebrate eighty years since its introduction, the new Reverso is intended to be a bridge between past and present.
There are two Grande Reverso Ultra Thin watch models; a tribute to 1931 models in steel and the limited edition in pink gold featuring a black or white dial with dagger-shaped hands and baton-type hour-markers directly inspired by the original Reverso.
At just 2.94mm thick, the diminutive Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822 Reverso is slimmer than ever before. Like many luxury watch manufactures, the launch of an important new watch is an irresistible opportunity to roll out the pompous hyperbole: ‘While the case with its generous proportions asserts a strong presence on the wrist, its slenderness and subtly curved shape make it both light and comfortable to wear. The Reverso is so unique that with the passing of time, it has been made in many other guises without losing its essence. Today, wearing a Reverso from the current collections on your wrist is an entry to an exclusive world – not only in terms of watchmaking history, but above all to a universe of technical perfection and aesthetic refinement.’
The photos are magnifying wear that is far less obvious to the eye and don’t do the watch justice. It comes from a private collection and has clearly been carefully looked after.
All parts of the watch are original to each other and the watch is of course authentic. The watch features a gleaming solid 18ct gold case, which ‘reverses’ in a steel case, excellent, crisp hand wound Jaeger LeCoultre 15 jewel movement and an original, unrestored dial.
The watch comes complete with a quality alligator strap and a new quality watch box.
