The Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre –who does’nt know about this smart chic timepiece that can be turned around in its case, to protect it for oncoming golf- or tennis balls. Since 1931, the year of introduction, the Reverso collection has constantly evolved, expanded and improved. Not only with simple dial and colour variations, but also with complications like Minute Repeaters, Tourbillons and Calendar models. I will not go deep in the story of the Reverso, since I would just like to talk about the re-issue of the model, presented in Geneva at the SIHH in 2011; the Grande Reverso – Ultra Thin Tribute To 1931.

This watch has a lot of charm, beautiful details and I find it is such a neat decision that JLC re launche, the authentic model, with the original dial and hands (I will come back to the hands later) presented in an extremely flat and larger case, measuring 46.8mm x 27.4mm wide and 7.3 mm thick, compared to the original, which was 38mm x 23mm to be exact.

The first pieces introduced in the very early years, had no brand name on the dial, just the word Reverso and so has this re-issue. At first sight it may look odd, to see a well known watch without the trusted brand name, but it does look very good, also due to the fact that the word Reverso itself is of course só well known and firmly related to JLC.

One of the differences between the re- issue and the vintage model are the hands. The vintage Reverso had sharper ends, while the hands of the re-issue are broader and bâton like. Jaeger LeCoultre did however something extra for collectors and vintage lovers and released just for the US market, a limited edition of 100 pieces. A model with smaller markers, and hands almost exactly like the vintage, piece from 1931.

To make the piece even more desirable, special hand made straps were made for this Reverso, by Polo Bootmakers to the Argentine national Team Casa Fagliano. A very good- and casual looking, thick dark brown or black, hand stitched strap.

The Reverso Tribute 1931, whether it’s the regular version or the Limited Edition for the USA,
is in my opinion, an excellent modern intepretation of the original Reverso, a watch ideal for someone who likes to have a Reverso as a daily wearer, and even for the Reverso collector, who never could get a hold on a vintage piece.

Compared to a vintage Reverso, the new Tribute 1931 not only has a more wearable size,
but also an improved case with has a much better water-resistance of 3 bar. The movement inside the case of the Reverso Tribute to 1931, is the manual wind JLC Calibre 822 which has a power reserve of 45 hours.

Next week Part TWO of the Grande Reverso – Ultra Thin.

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