Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

The Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre's most distinctive watch, certainly has an impressive pedigree.  Essentially one of the first sports watches, the Reverso combined utility with a sleek and elegant Art Deco exterior that has become an icon of horological design. But in the case of the Reverso, looks deceive. The Reverso is, in essence, one of the very first sports wristwatches, despite its refined and elegant appearance.  Though the Reverso 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 placed a patent for the Reverso in March 1931. The first Reverso measured 38mm in length, 24mm in width. Jaeger-LeCoultre also released the Reverso in gold, and decorated the case back with engravings or even miniature portraits.  We've carried modern Reversos before, and gladly. But when a vintage Reverso crosses our paths, it's hard to resist. Especially because they're so infrequently seen on the vintage market — if you're so fortunate to find one, then you cherish it.  This particular Reverso from circa the 1930s features a 23mm stainless steel reversible case, an unsigned crown, and a satin silver dial with printed black 'Roman' indices and a matching blued-steel ‘syringe’ handset. Powered by a hand-wound movement, this piece is simply a time capsule of a timepiece brimming with old-world charm. Once you strap it on, you’re sure to be transported back to another era.