Introduction
Designed by René-Alfred Chauvot, the Reverso was conceived with the express purpose of being able to withstand the harsh beating a watch would endure during a game of polo. This was put to JLC by entrepreneur César de Trey as a challenge for the brand in 1930. Born the year following in 1931, the Reverso was a sports watch, thanks to its particular use-case. Thanks to its now-classical aesthetic and graceful design, the Reverso has evolved into a modern dress watch. However, in the 1930s, the Reverso needed to be more durable than other available watches; hence its ingenious reversible case was born. This protected the dial from a direct hit and gave the Reverso its name. Over 90 years later and the Reverso’s design lives on as one of the most recognizable in watchmaking. Offered here we have an original Reverso from the 1930s, made of Staybrite steel, and boasting a black dial with radial luminescent hour indices radiating out from its central minute scale. An original example of one of the most iconic watches in watchmaking, this is a special timepiece indeed.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Jaeger LeCoultre
Dimensions
23mm x 37mm x 8mm
Model
Reverso
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1930s
Condition
Very good
Material
Staybrite steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a jet-black dial with blued hands and exploding hour markers that feature a gentle yellow patina to hint at the design's age, this Reverso's most distinctive feature is the chapter ring that resides in the center of its dial with a minute track that pairs with its central seconds hand to allow for precise timekeeping.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Made of an early version of stainless steel, this example's Staybrite steel case has certainly stayed bright with its polished surfaces not easily revealing this example's near 100-year age.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The Staybrite case is very good, with surface wear including some more noticeable nicks to the front, crudely scratched letters on the case back, and several scratches. The rotating mid-case shows surface scratches and a partially erased personal engraving on the reverse. Dial is an old refinish done at a previous service by JLC per the consignor. The blued hands show some oxidation, with discoloration to the lume. It is fitted with a black leather strap and a steel pin buckle.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
An icon of the highest order, the Reverso has indeed been one of the industry's most desirable and timeless models, and so we are proud to offer an original 1930s example for auction.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
