Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface Day/Night

The Reverso is one of the very first wristwatches designed for sporting use.

Despite its refined and elegant appearance, it combined utility with a sleek Art Deco exterior that has become an icon of horological design. But in the case of the Reverso, looks deceive.

Though the model appears at first glance a dress watch, it owes its conception to the gentlemanly sport of polo. While touring India in the 1920s, 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 that had 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 impact problem polo players could face on the field. Once reversed, the delicate components of the dial were protected from the shocks sustained while on horseback. No more would polo players risk cracking crystals or receiving damage to the dials of their watches. Chauvot took out a patent for the Reverso in March 1931. Produced chiefly in steel, Jaeger-LeCoultre also released the Reverso in gold, and decorated the case back with engravings or even miniature portraits.

This particular Reverso is a Duoface Day/Night model. Rather than featuring a time-only dial on one side of the reversible case and a solid case back on the reverse, it instead offers two dials — one with home time, and the other with a second time zone and a 24-hour display. Housed in a 26mm x 36mm white gold case with sapphire crystals and a signed crown, the home-time dial features a black guilloché dial with applied polished Arabic numerals and 'dagger' indices and a 'dauphine' handset. The second dial features a salmon-toned guilloché periphery with a recessed luminous subsidiary dial displaying a satin finished hour and minute track with a 'sword' handset. Powered by a manually-wound Calibre .854 Jaeger-LeCoultre movement, it comes paired to a signed black leather strap with a signed white gold deployant clasp.

This Reverso dates from the 2010s and is one of the most unique, wearable executions of the famed model that we’ve had the pleasure to carry in recent years. Perfectly suited to the modern traveler, this lovely example blends the best of dress design, sporty functionality, and two gorgeous dials to spend your time admiring!

Few watchmaking concerns are as storied as Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though the maison is not technically a member of the “Holy Trinity” of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, one could easily make the argument that it should be: After all, it was JLC that supplied movements to Patek from the beginning of the 20th century through the early 30s.

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoutlre in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the firm became the Jaeger-LeCoultre we know today when it merged with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger’s business in 1937. The two horological concerns collaborated on numerous projects before cementing their partnership, the most important of which was no doubt the Reverso. A sport watch with a reversible case, this ingenious timepiece was designed to offer protection to the watch dial — when engaged in sport or otherwise dangerous activity, the wearer would simply flip the case over, exposing its back to the world, rather than the vulnerable crystal.

But the Reverso is far from the only significant timepiece brought to market by JLC: The firm also produced the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1907, powered by the Caliber 145. In 1929, the maison released the Caliber 101, still today the smallest mechanical movement. (Queen Elizabeth II wore a Caliber 101-equipped wristwatch to her coronation in 1953.) And perhaps no other watchmaker is world-renowned for their production of a clock in the way that JLC is famous for the Atmos. Invented by Jean-Léon Reutter, it’s powered by miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure — Edmon Jaeger acquired the patent and licensed it beginning in 1936. The Atmos is still produced in numerous forms today, and remains the Swiss government’s foremost diplomatic gift.

From classic, near-centuries old designs like the Reverso and the Atmos to modern über-complications such as the brilliant Master Gyrotourbillon, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains on the cutting edge of horological technology nearly two centuries after its founding.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.