Jaeger-LeCoultre Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique

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.

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 patent was placed in 1931, and the first Reverso that followed measured 38mm in length, 24mm in width. Jaeger-LeCoultre also released the Reverso in gold, and decorated the case back with engravings or even miniatures.

But with changing tastes in the 1970s — for round watches as well as quartz movements — Jaeger-LeCoultre ceased production of the Reverso. The model lay dormant for years until its triumphant re-issue in 1982. While those watches contained quartz movements, their success represented a future for the Reverso — which has since returned to its previous tentpole status within the greater JLC lineup.

The particular Reverso we have here is a Classique, comes in at 20.5mm x 30mm in diameter and features the signature reversible case finished in 18K yellow gold, a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a satin silver dial with printed ‘Arabic’ indices with a matching 'sword' handset. Powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre's Calibre 846 manual winding movement, it comes paired to a black alligator leather strap with an 18K yellow gold deployant clasp.

Though a slightly smaller case than your typical Reverso, this piece remains suitable for virtually any wrist. You’d be hard pressed to tell that this lovely model isn’t in fact a vintage find — but that’s sort of the point!

In terms of elegant design and horological prowess, this watch punches way above its weight class, and simply cannot be overlooked.