Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique, 1990s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

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 that 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 at the client's request. But with changing tastes in the 1970s — for round watches as well as for 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, a Reference 250.8.10, dates to the 1990s. Housed in a rectangular 23mm stainless steel case with prominent gadroons , a signed crown, and a sapphire crystal, it features a brushed deep blue sunray dial with an outer white-printed 'railroad' minute track, luminous 'Arabic' indices, a luminous 'sword' handset, and a framed date window above 6 o'clock. Paired to a signed 17 mm blue calfskin strap with a stainless steel deployant clasp, it's powered by a reliable quartz movement. With its mix of vintage-inspired aesthetics and handy modern features such as date and quartz technology, this cool Reverso is an ideal dress piece for both men and women. Don't sleep on it!