It is one of those objects that have stood the test of time without a single wrinkle – apart from the three horizontal gadroons on the upper and lower parts of its case betokening its Art Deco style. These distinctive features actually have nothing to do with Reverso’s venerable age, since they were already present when the model was created more than nine decades ago. Since 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s emblematic watch has remained almost unchanged, evolving in small, discreet steps to maintain its modernity in all circumstances and at all times. A rectangular silhouette with rounded corners, reversibility, gadroons and a railway-type minutes track are all timeless characteristics serving to identify at first glance the watch that opened up a vast realm of possibilities for the watchmaking Maison.
Born sporty
The roots of the Reverso go back to a time when India was still under British rule. Its story began with a challenge: to create a watch robust enough to be worn by British officers stationed in India when playing polo. On 4 March 1931, the Paris Patent Office received an application to register “a wristwatch which can slide on its base and flip over on itself.” This revolutionary concept coupled with a design embedded in its era did not take long to win over trendsetters from all horizons, men and women with discerning tastes. This reversible watch offered multiple advantages, such as its brightly colored lacquered dials and a large space on the caseback that could be customized with an engraved or lacquered motif.
Playful dual pleasures of a grand classic
Over the last century – except during the quartz crisis – the Reverso has lost nothing of its aura, becoming a must-have classic, a style signature for watch lovers. Available in countless interpretations and sizes designed to suit any wrist; engraved, enameled and lit up with diamonds or other gemsetting variations, the Reverso has also evolved technically. Launched in 1994, the Reverso Duoface offers a unique expression of the dual-time complication, displaying local time on the front dial and a second time zone on the back. The Reverso Duetto, a feminine interpretation of the dual dial concept, entered the scene in 1997. Ever since, the Reverso has treated itself to every conceivable mechanical innovation. Tourbillon, minute repeater, retrograde chronograph, perpetual calendar, 8-day power reserve, Gyrotourbillon… Nothing is too ambitious for this collection through which Jaeger-LeCoultre demonstrates its technical expertise and aesthetic know-how. This prowess is all the more remarkable given that the design of a rectangular movement represents a challenge in itself – a feat that is once again illustrated by the latest additions to the collection. Understated and classic on the front, technically captivating on the back: the new Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface and Reverso Tribute Chronograph stage a stunning and effortlessly elegant show!
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