March 25th, 2022
Let’s just say that everything the brand Jaeger-LeCoultre is today, owes it to the ‘Reverso’. The Reverso is one of the most popular and iconic creations by Jaeger-LeCoultre that sports an inventive and exciting watch design. Collectors and enthusiasts highly regard the watch as a great investment piece that can fetch a hefty amount when you sell Jaeger-LeCoultre watches in the pre-owned market.
But before we tell you how good and grand the 'Reverso’ really is, let’s start with a brief history.
It all started back in the 1930s when the British Army officers residing in India faced problems with their broken wristwatches during the polo tournaments. To avoid breaking the watches while playing the game, the Army officers went to a watch trader named Cesar De Trey and asked him to create a watch that would be safe while playing polo.
Trey discussed the event with Jacques-David Coultre (former owner of the LeCoultre manufacture) and teamed up with Jaeger S.A. to develop the world’s first sports timepiece – The REVERSO!
The result of the collaboration was exceedingly impressive as the masterminds used a reversible case instead of a protective grill that made history. The case showcases the case back. This innovative feature allowed the polo players to use the reversible while playing polo, safeguarding the watch dial and the delicate crystal.
Spectacular & Innovative Design Of The ‘REVERSO’
Elegant yet sporty, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso combines the best of both worlds (dress + sporty) to impress a vast audience base. The typical rectangular shape of the watch makes the Reverso easily recognisable and has become synonymous with the luxury watch brand. You can wear it with both a tuxedo and casual shirts.
In 1931, LeCoultre designed a watch with approximately 30 parts that were flexible enough to completely turn around using the pins, grooves, and a locking mechanism. This feature allowed the case’s central part to rotate almost 180 degrees. The original Reverso model came with a case diameter of 38mm by 24mm by 6mm, and the dial featured dart-type indices, baton hands, and Arabic numerals.
All these features collectively made the Reverso a hit in the watch market.
Additionally, you can also customise the watch with engraving and lacquer, making it even more appealing.
Even though the watch's design meant practical usability, Reverso’s classic aesthetic and JLC’s excellent craftsmanship made it stand out for its exceptional creativity, originality, and other extraordinary features. Whether it has engravings, lacquer, miniature paintings, gemstones, or enamel, the Reverso indeed stuns the audience with its unique qualities that represent the very best of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The popularity of the Reverso went increasing far and wide. To acknowledge this fact, LeCoultre developed a new movement for the watch after two years, the Calibre 410.
Two very significant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watches designed during this time was:
Soon enough, World War II struck the world. As a result, the growing popularity of the JLC Reverso watches came to a halt. And then came a time when round shaped watches outclassed the loved square-shaped Reverso watches.
By the 1970s, the model even fell out of production, and the following two decades witnessed immense popularity of the Japanese Quartz watches.
But things changed in 1982 when the JLC Reverso made a hitting comeback with the Quartz Calibre 601. Things took a positive turn, and in 1985, the brand produced its first water-resistant Reverso case. Soon the Reverso gained momentum to attain its position as a strong contender in the 1990s.
In 1991, JLC launched a new edition of Reverso to celebrate its 60th-Anniversary. The watches featured new movements, bigger case sizes, and complex complications. The list of the ‘Firsts’ includes:
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a brand of multiple innovations, and it continues to introduce new collections with innovations even in the new millennium. For example, in 2009, the brand was the owner of two notable awards in the 21st era’s first chronometry competition.
Over the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has showcased its masterwork with several timepieces, including:
Additionally, JLC is the proud innovator of some of the most stunning watch pieces like the Ultra-Thin Tribute & the Duoface. Both of which retain the essence of the original.
Even simple Reverso watches look gorgeous. Additionally, after 90 years of their existence, the watches receive the same love from enthusiasts and collectors alike. If you intend to buy one from an investment perspective, below is our list of all the Reverso watches that will gain you an impressive amount when you sell Jaeger-LeCoultre watches to reliable watch buyers in London.
1. Reverso Classique Ref. 250.8.10 (Year: 1931)
A slim and sleek watch with neat and distinctive lines differentiates the Reverso Classique from the rest. The watch appears pretty uncomplicated. This is one of the main reasons the watch has undergone constant refinement for 85 years. The Reverso Classique is also the only watch from the entire JLC catalogue to offer an option with the Quartz movement.
If you intend to purchase a JLC in a fairly moderate price range, this is the one! After all, one must hang on to the ‘Classiques’ for as long as possible.
2. Reverso Sun & Moon Ref. Q2753470/ 270.3.63 (Year: 1999)
Do you want a watch that quite literally turns all heads? The Reverso Sun And Moon, featuring a scratch-resistant sapphire dial featuring the moon's various phases as a clear indicator of day/ night, is a watch to behold. The Sun and Moon come with a case of either pink or yellow gold or stainless steel. If you aren’t a huge fan of metal bracelets, you can also opt for the leather strap.
3. Reverso Squadra Chronograph Q7018120/230.8.45 (Year: 2006)
A little wider than it’s fellow mates, the Squadra holds more space for incorporating more complications. To your surprise, the Reverso Squadra was the first watch to sport a square dial, but unfortunately, its patent got rejected. Moving forward, Rene-Alfred Chauvot designed the Reverso case in 1931.
4. Reverso Duo Face Day Night GMT Ref. 270.1.54 (Year: 1994)
The Duo face comes with a second dial that shows a different time zone, allowing the wearer to adjust it easily. On the other hand, the traditional plain black option enables you to include engraving. This is the kind of watch you can both during a polo watch and any formal gathering.
FINAL WORDS
Despite its vast range of complications and changing functionalities, the JLC Reverso has always maintained its perfect symmetry of form and practicality. This gives the watches a timeless appeal. As the name suggests, the' Reverso' allows reversal of the case to present the best form of functionality. It is one of the most iconic and innovative watches in history. It even makes for a great investment timepiece that will secure a good amount when you sell Jaeger-LeCoultre watches in the secondary market.
Deal with London trusted watch buyers, The Luxury Hut, to secure the best competitive price for your JLC watch. Call them on 0207 242 9160 for more details.
Also Read: ‘Jaeger Lecoultre’- All About The Revolutionary Watchmaker
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