Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique

The Reverso is, in essence, one of the very first sports wristwatches. Despite its refined and elegant appearance, it combined utility with a sleek Art Deco exterior that has become an icon of horological design. But in the case of the Reverso, looks deceive. Though the model appears at first glance a dress watch, it owes its existence to the gentlemanly sport of polo. While touring India in the early 1930s, Swiss businessman César de Trey met a British polo player who'd just cracked the crystal of his watch on the field. De Trey returned to Switzerland with an idea already taken root in his head, which he then discussed with Jacques-David LeCoultre: What if a watch could be made with a case that could reverse? The reversible case, masterminded by designer Alfred Chauvot, was Jaeger-LeCoultre's solution to the problems polo players faced on the field. Once reversed, the delicate components of the case were protected from the shocks sustained while on horseback. No more would polo players crack the crystals or damage the dials of their watches. Chauvot took out a patent for the Reverso in March 1931. Produced chiefly in steel, Jaeger-LeCoultre also released the Reverso in gold, and decorated the case back with engravings or even miniature portraits. This particular Reverso, a Reference 140.025.5, is a beautiful, two-tone ladies' model. Measuring 19mm x 33mmm, it features a stainless steel carriage with yellow gold reversible watch head; a signed crown; and a sapphire crystal. Its simple white dial with applied yellow gold Arabic indices; an inner, circular 'railroad' minute track; and gold 'sword' hands is powered by a highly accurate quartz movement. The reversible design, meanwhile, it perfect for engraving. Shipping on a black alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a yellow gold pin buckle, this is the type of well-sized neo-vintage piece that caters perfectly to both men and women today. Don't sleep on such an elegant piece!