Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

Since its creation in 1931, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso has captivated the attention of watch enthusiasts around the world with its reversible design, Art Deco aesthetic, ingenious functionality and exceptional quality. The history of the Reverso dates back to the 1930s, when British officers in India expressed concern about the fragility of traditional wristwatches during polo matches. In response to this request, the watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre has designed a reversible watch with a rotating case, allowing the dial and glass to be protected from impacts during sporting activities.

The first Reverso model was presented in 1931 during the Paris watch exhibition. Its rectangular case with clean lines and articulated lugs was a true revolution in the world of watchmaking. The name "Reverso" refers to the watch's ability to be reversed ("reverser" in French), thus providing dual functionality: one side with a dial for everyday use and one side with space for personalized engraving.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Reverso became a symbol of Art Deco elegance. Its refined dial with Arabic numerals, stick indexes and blued hands perfectly reflected the aesthetic of the time. The watch was highly prized by officers, diplomats and members of the social elite, who appreciated its sophisticated appearance and quality manufacturing.

Over the decades, the Reverso has undergone various aesthetic evolutions while retaining its timeless identity. In the 1950s, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced models with more colorful dials and leather straps of different textures, providing customization options for customers. The watch was available in different sizes to fit both male and female wrists.

In the 1980s, the Reverso experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of retro style and the craze for vintage watches. The brand relaunched production of the Reverso and introduced new models, such as the Reverso Gran'Sport, with a sportier case and chronograph functions.

Over the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has collaborated with renowned designers, artists and brands to create special editions and limited editions of the Reverso. These collaborations have resulted in unique interpretations of the watch, with artistic dials, precious materials and advanced horological complications.

The Reverso also became a canvas of expression for artistic crafts from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Jaeger-LeCoultre artisans used the Reverso as a support to create dials decorated with engravings, enameled paintings and guilloche patterns. These traditional craft techniques added an additional artistic dimension and aesthetic value to the watch.

The Reverso has also been associated with iconic figures and historical events. Special editions have been created to commemorate significant anniversaries, collaborations with fashion houses and partnerships with prestigious cultural institutions. The watch has been worn by the likes of actor Clive Owen, director Pedro Almodóvar and singer Diane Kruger, cementing its status as a watchmaking icon.

In the 1990s and beyond, Jaeger-LeCoultre continued to innovate with the Reverso by introducing advanced watch complications. Reverso models have been equipped with tourbillons, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters and moon phases, demonstrating the technical know-how and expertise of the brand.

The Reverso has become a popular collector's item among watch enthusiasts around the world. Watch auctions have seen vintage models of the Reverso achieve record prices, testament to the timeless appeal and historical value of the watch.

In summary, the history of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is that of an emblematic model that left its mark on Swiss watchmaking. Since its introduction in 1931, the Reverso has been praised for its innovative reversible design, timeless Art Deco aesthetic and historic heritage. The watch has evolved over the decades while maintaining its distinctive identity, with prestigious collaborations, special editions and advanced watchmaking complications. The Reverso has become an icon of luxury watchmaking, representing the artisanal know-how, chronometric precision and timeless style of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

(Updated February 2025)